Biometric Requirements for Canada Student Visa

Canada is one of the dream study-abroad destinations for many international students. However, in order to study in Canada, international candidates have to apply for Student Visa. Here, it gets a little tricky. As the new requiremnts policy for Canadian student Visa, international candidates have to submit their biometrics with the student visa application form.

This means you have to submit your digital signature, digital photographs as well as an electronic fingerprint scan. The collection of biometric data allows the Government of Canada to process applications more efficiently and streamline the entry of low-risk visitors into Canada. Individuals making their first application outside of Canada must submit their biometrics at a Visa Application Centre, at their home country, authorised by the Government of Canada.

What is Biometrics?

Biometrics are body measurements and calculations relating to human characteristics. Biometrics for a Canadian student visa will include electronic fingerprints and a digital photo. It is a unique way of securing data as compared to conventional tactics.

For instance, take the example of a signature. A signature can easily be copied by anyone. This is a practice done by students in our nation. Hence, it is not a safe way to secure confidential information. On the other hand, biometrics, such as fingerprints or eye scans, cannot be faked. A visa officer will analyse any matches to existing records before making a decision on your application.

Who needs to give Biometrics?

Almost all visitors in Canada have to submit their biometrics at the time of visa application. If you are applying for the following visa, you must provide biometrics:

• Visit visa
• Work visa
• Study visa
• Permanent residency
• Individuals with a refugee of asylum status
• Work or study permit extension
• For an extension of stay

Kinds under the age of 14 and senior citizens above 79 need not submit their biometrics while applying. Moreover, individuals applying for citizenship and existing permanent residents of Canada do not have to submit their biometrics.

Also Check: Canadian Student Visa Rejection Reasons

How long is Biometrics good for?

As biometrics is the measure of one’s body or physical characteristics and the body changes with time, the validity of biometrics is questionable. However, the biometrics remain valid for a longer period of time, an estimated 10 years.

The biometrics do not change in a decade and you need not worry about submitting biometrics every now and then. This also means that even if your visa application got rejected your biometrics will be there and still valid.

Checkout: Canada student visa processing time

How to submit your biometric requirements:

In order to submit the biometric requirement for a Canada student visa, international candidates first have to submit the student visa application fee, i.e, CAD 85 for individuals and CAD 170 for the entire family, along with the biometrics fee. After the successful submission of the fee, you will receive an instruction letter regarding your application.

Once you have your letter of instructions, set up an appointment to provide the required biometric information at a collection service point. You are required to visit the address mentioned in this letter within 30 days.

You must bring both your valid passport and your biometric instruction letter to your appointment. Your visa application will not be processed until your fingerprints and photo are submitted.

Photo and Fingerprint Tips

Biometrics is an important part of student visa application in Canada and candidates must give their biometrics flawlessly. Individuals should keep the following points in mind while appearing for a biometric scan:

• Face Visibility: While your photograph is being taken, make sure your entire face is visible. You may even be asked to remove your spectacles. Also, it advised removing caps and other headwear. You can only wear religious headgear if your face is entirely visible.
• Clothes: Do not wear any bright-colored or white clothes. This may affect the brightness or luminance of your photograph.
• Fingerprint: Make sure your hands are not bruised or cut as they may affect your fingerprint. Moreover, clean your hands before scanning your fingerprints.
• Eye scanning: At the time of eye scanning, individuals have to remove their eyewear so that the scan is very clear.

Processing Time

The average processing time for student visa processing in Canada is 20 days. If the application does not contain any fault in the biometrics or personal details, the application gets processed witing 20 days. However, if there is any discrepancy the application will take much time to process.

If your application is approved, you will receive a port of entry letter of introduction and an eTA, electronic travel authority, or a visitor visa. However, if it is refused you will receive a letter explaining the reasons of your rejection.

Strategies to reduce application timelines:

Reducing the overall application time is not an easy process because the Canadian embassy receives numerous applications at a time. However, you can make sure, at your end, that your application does not take much processing time, by following the below-mentioned points:

• Make sure that your application does not contain any wrong information.
• Be careful while giving biometrics.
• Pay application fees and biometric fees at the same time.
• Bring all the documents whenever called

Biometrics is an essential part of student visa application in Canada and candidates applying for the same should consider it seriously. Each candidate should make sure that there are no mistakes in the student visa application.

Also Check:

• Canadian student visa interview
• Canada Work Visa processing Time

FAQs:-

Ques. Why is biometrics required for a Canada student visa?

Ans. Canada student visa requires biometrics in order to check if the applicant hails from any criminal background or not. Canadian or any government naturally does not want to increase the crime rate by allowing a potential criminal into the country. They compare the biometrics with the existing ones on their criminal record.

Ques. Is it safe to give biometrics the hands of the government?

Ans. The Canadian government guarantees the safety of the biometrics of people. The biometrics rea encrypted and shared electronically through their system. This encrypted system is very hard to sneak into. Hence, the biometrics are in safe hands and you can trust the process.

Ques. How can I submit my biometrics if there is no Visa Application Center (VAC) in my country?

Ans. If there is no Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country then you can submit your biometrics at the nearest location/country. You can also check the list of countries where you can submit biometrics here-

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp