On this page we talk in detail about biometrics: what it is, why, where and when to go through.
In the summer of 2018, Canada introduced new visa rules for permanent and temporary residents. Now, in order to get a Canadian visa , you need to submit biometric data. These include a photograph and prints of all 10 fingers.
Need to sign up for biometrics?
We can help you. To register, leave a request using the button below, we will contact you as soon as possible. The cost of the service is 1000 rubles
Who should take biometrics?
All applicants who apply for:
- Visitor visa ( tourism , guest visit , business trip, short-term courses, etc.) – this type of visa allows a stay of no more than 6 months;
- work permit or study permit (except for US citizens);
- permanent resident visa (those who want to move to live in Canada );
- refugee status.
But there are a number of exceptions. You will not be required to provide biometric data for a Canada visa if you are applying for:
- child under 14 years of age;
- an applicant over 79 years of age (except for asylum seekers);
- US visa holder transiting through Canada.
To determine whether you specifically need to undergo this procedure, answer a series of questions on the official website .
Where to take biometrics
You can submit your fingerprints and photo for a visa to Canada at any accredited visa center. There are 6 of these in Russia.
| Moscow | |
| Kashirskoe highway, 3k2s4, floor 2, Sirius Park business center | View on map |
| Saint Petersburg | |
| Stremyannaya, 21/5 | View on map |
| Ekaterinburg | |
| st. Kuibysheva, 44, business center “Panorama” | View on map |
| Novosibirsk | |
| st. Chelyuskintsev, building 15, 1st floor | View on map |
| Vladivostok | |
| Okeansky Avenue 17, 6th floor, office 605 | View on map |
| Rostov-on-Don | |
| st. Trolleybusnaya 24/2v, 2nd floor | View on map |
You can also select the Canada Visa Application Center closest to you. For example, if you are on a tourist visa in Sweden, you can easily use the services of the visa center there. Moreover, in case of a positive decision, you can also submit the original passport at any visa center, regardless of your country of citizenship.
A complete list of accredited centers is on the official website .
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What to take with you to take biometrics
To submit biometrics for a visa to Canada, you will need to take a small package of documents:
- The foreign passport used to apply for a visa.
- A copy of the invitation letter to take biometrics.
An example of an invitation letter to take biometrics - A copy of the letter with the appointment for biometrics.
Example of a letter with an appointment for biometrics - A copy of your fee receipt, if applicable to your situation.
Although the official letter states that the invitation letter will be proof of payment of the biometric fee, we recommend that you take the receipt with you.
How often do you need to take biometrics?
Applicants for temporary resident visas submit biometric data once every 10 years. For example, if you have already submitted your fingerprints for a tourist visa to Canada, and after its completion you plan to apply for a Study Permit, then you do not need to go through this process again.
Consular fees for biometrics
The cost of submitting fingerprints and photos for a Canada visa depends on the number of people who are applying with you.
- for 1 applicant – 85 CAD;
- family rate (2 applicants) – 170 CAD;
- group rate (3 or more applicants) – 255 CAD.
Biometrics after refusal
One of the common questions is whether you need to take biometrics again if you have been denied a visa and plan to reapply.
We answer: no need.
Biometrics are retained for 10 years if we are talking about applying for a temporary resident visa. It is enough to simply indicate that the fingerprints were submitted earlier, the system itself will find the data and compare it with your new application.