Steps in the biometrics process as of 2013

Step 1: Providing biometrics

Overseas, certain foreign nationals seeking visas to enter Canada will be required to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or a visa office (if a VAC is not available) to give their fingerprints and have their photograph taken in addition to the personal information currently required. (VACs are service providers contracted by the Government of Canada to facilitate the submission of visa applications and are subject to rigorous governance and oversight to ensure quality control. VACs will be the primary channel for collecting biometrics overseas.)

Step 2: Applicant data transmission

Digital fingerprints will be sent electronically to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); the photograph will be electronically stored in a database at Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC); and the personal information will be automatically entered into CIC’s case-processing system. Files will be encrypted, transmitted and stored through secure means.

Step 3: Fingerprint check

The RCMP will check fingerprints against criminal, refugee claimant, deportee and temporary resident application records.

Step 4: Visa decision

If the RCMP finds no adverse information concerning the applicant, the case officer will be notified electronically and will complete the processing of the visa application. Adverse or ambiguous information from the RCMP will be analysed by a central assessment unit managed by CIC before being passed on to the visa officer for a final decision. After the final decision, the applicant’s personal information and photograph will be sent to the CBSA’s case-processing system.

Step 5: Identity verification

When a visa holder arrives at a Canadian port of entry (POE), the CBSA will verify that the visa holder is the same person to whom the visa was issued. The photograph taken abroad will be available to the border officer to visually compare with the person who appears at the POE. Fingerprint verification will occur at POEs on a discretionary basis. Fingerprints will be verified at secondary inspection lines, at the discretion of the border services officer.