If you are an Indian in USA looking for a Canada visitor visa, you will need to provide the biometrics information while making your visa application. Canada has specified that all its visitors seeking visitor or student or work visas must submit fingerprints and a photo unless they come under the exemption criteria.
If you have already provided your fingerprints and photo to the U.S. immigration authority, you will still have to give your biometrics to the Canadian immigration department. There are separate rules regarding biometrics for U.S. and Canada immigration agencies.
Indians applying for Canada visa can expect the process to be simple enough with all their visa application details.
What are Biometrics for Canada Visa?
Canadian Visa biometrics consist of:
- Fingerprints
- Digital Photograph
Biometrics allows the IRCC to ascertain the applicant’s identity, thus helping to ensure safety and security checks during the immigration application process. Biometrics has nothing to do with a visa interview. It is mostly an appointment meant for you to provide fingerprints and photo.
The possession of a valid US visa or other legal status in the United States bears no relevance to Indians living in the U.S. in connection with any existing biometrics obligations.
Do Indians in the USA Need Biometrics?
In general, they do. If you are an Indian national applying for a Canadian visitor visa from the U.S., you are usually obligated to provide biometrics, unless you qualify for an exemption.
IRCC explains that foreign nationals in the U.S. must provide Canadian biometrics, irrespective of their status in the U.S. and regardless of whether they provided biometrics during their entry into or when receiving U.S. immigration benefits.
Who is Exempt from Biometrics
The applicant categories listed below generally do need to submit biometrics:
- Children under 14
- Applicants over 79, with specific exceptions for asylum claimants
- Canadian citizens
- Canadian permanent residents
- Certain diplomatic or official visa applicants
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada
- Certain applicants who have already provided biometrics for a Canadian permanent residence application that is still being processed
- People applying for an eTA for a visit to Canada who are otherwise visa-exempt
How to Give Canada Visa Biometrics in USA
The process for submitting biometrics for Canada Visa in USA for Indians is as follows:
Step 1: Apply for Your Canada Visa
Your first move is to process your Canadian visitor visa application via the IRCC online portal.
You will provide the details of your visit, personal information, financial details, and supporting papers.
To apply for a visitor visa, the IRCC processing fees are currently CAD $100.
Step 2: Pay Biometrics Fee
Biometric details need to be provided and paid along with the application.
For an individual applicant, the biometrics fee is CAD $85. In case an eligible family is applying for the visa together, the maximum biometrics fee comes to CAD $170.
Step 3: Get the Biometric Instruction Letter
After submission of the application, IRCC will give the applicant a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) indicating the need for providing biometrics.
This BIL will contain detailed guidelines for supplying biometrics.
You should not go to the collection centers until you have received the BIL.
Step 4: Book an Appointment
After you receive the BIL, you can make an appointment at a registered Canadian biometric location.
The IRCC lists two possibilities in the US as:
- Application Support Centers (ASCs) in the US
- Visa Application Centers (VACs) in Canada
According to the IRCC, an applicant in the US may use the above-mentioned service at either one of these locations.
Step 5: Attend the appointment.
You will have your biometrics taken, including your photo and your fingerprints.
Booking a biometrics appointment is free of charge but you must be careful not to make any payment to the people who want to charge you for the booking.
Once you have your biometrics taken, the IRCC gets everything transferred and continue the work on your application.
Where Can Indians Give Canada Visa Biometrics in USA
Indian applicants who intend to apply for a Canadian visa from the USA can use the designated biometrics collection locations within the US where they can collect their biometrics.
1. USCIS Application Support Centers
One option that Indian citizens have is to schedule an appointment at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application Support Center (ASC).
Currently, IRCC states that applicants can schedule a biometrics appointment at 128 Application Support Centers (ASC) within the USA.
To schedule an appointment at an ASC, it is important to use the USCIS appointment system.
2. Canadian Visa Application Centers
Indian citizens can also schedule a biometrics appointment at the Canadian Visa Application Center (VAC).
As per the current information available from IRCC, there are two locations for collecting biometrics at a Canadian VAC:
- Los Angeles
- New York.
This means that individuals who wish to apply for a Canadian Visa from the USA must check with the VAC’s website for services as well as information on the availability of the Canadian VAC services.
Documents to Take for Canada Visa Biometrics
For your biometrics appointment, you should carefully follow the instructions in your Biometric Instruction Letter.
Typically, you should have:
- Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
- Valid passport
- Appointment confirmation, where applicable
- Other documents specifically requested by the biometric collection location
- IRCC emphasizes the importance of carrying along the appointment confirmation during appointment.
The passport must be the same one used in the application for a visa to the Canadian territory.
If the person has had any changes in situation or doubts about what identification documents should be taken along, it is advisable to seek information given by a specific collection location.
How Long Can the Biometrics Be Considered Valid in Canada?
For temporary residency applications, such as a visitor visa and study and working permits, the biometrics are considered valid by Canada during 10 years.
If the biometrics have been submitted within the previous ten years, the individual may not have to submit his/her biometrics again in case they are valid, and there is no rule change or any other unexpected situation.
The rules connected to the biometrics for the permanent residency applications are different though.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
You should consider these points when compiling financial documents for Canada visitor visa:
1. Assuming the U.S. biometrics are sufficient
Providing biometrics for a visa or immigration application to the U.S. does not mean that one has met Canada’s biometric requirements.
2. Making arrangements before receipt of your BIL
Before you make your appointment for your biometrics, wait until you receive your Canadian Biometric Instruction Letter and follow its instructions.
3. Waiting until the last minute
IRCC advises you to book your appointment as soon as possible because delays in providing biometrics may impact application processing.
4. Going to a non-official location
It is important that you rely on IRCC’s official list of biometric collection locations and verify the availability of services at the location you will be visiting.
5. Paying others for an appointment
Biometrics appointments are free of charge and if someone tells you that you need to pay them for an appointment then be careful.
6. Forgetting to take your BIL with you
Your Biometric Instruction Letter is an important part of the process and you should keep it on hand with your passport and appointment confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes, unless of course that the individual has qualified for an exception. Merely being an Indian national residing in the USA does not automatically provide an exemption.
Yes. Canadian visa applicants based in the USA may present their biometrics in certain designated application processing centers, including the USCIS and Canadian visa application centers.
Currently, the fee is CAD $85 per individual while families applying jointly may have to shell out up to CAD $170.
In most cases, the validity period of Canadian biometrics is limited to 10 years for temporary residence applications.
Yes, not only with biometrics appointment, we provide complete assistance for Canada visitor visa application from USA. From determining eligibility to preparing the final application package, our expert make sure everything is in order.
