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ARTICLE · 30 MAY 2018

Canadian Biometrics Expansion For Foreign Nationals

Gowling WLG
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Biometrics are unique physical characteristics including fingerprints and facial features. The Canadian government uses biometrics to verify a person's identity.

CanadaImmigration
Krista Schofer
Krista Schofer
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What are biometrics?

Biometrics are unique physical characteristics including fingerprints and facial features. The Canadian government uses biometrics to verify a person's identity.

Who will need to provide biometrics starting summer 2018?

As soon as July 31, 2018, individuals from Europe, the Middle East and Africa applying for permanent residence or temporary status documents (including a work permit, study permit or visitor visa) will be required to provide biometrics before their applications are processed. Applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas will be subject to the biometrics requirement as soon as December 31, 2018.

The purpose of the biometrics expansion is to help facilitate the entry of travelers with legitimate identities, prevent identity fraud and increase biometric-based information sharing between Canada and the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

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