Why use of biometrics?

The use of biometrics in Canada’s immigration program will help visa officers establish the identity of applicants with greater confidence at the beginning of the visa application process. This additional screening tool will help support the decision making of visa officers with regard to who should be granted a visa to come to Canada.

Biometrics will help prevent:

• identity fraud and theft;
• known criminals from entering Canada;
• deportees from re-entering Canada without permission; and
• failed refugee claimants from re-entering Canada using false identity documents.

The global rise of identity fraud and theft and the use of sophisticated means to evade detection present challenges for Canada’s immigration program with regard to verifying and managing applicants’ identification. The proper identification of applicants is crucial to the decision-making process of CIC officers abroad and CBSA officers at Canadian ports of entry. Decisions taken by CIC and the CBSA form the first line of defence against individuals who pose a criminal or security threat to Canadians and against economic immigrants who seek to take advantage of Canada’s high standard of living.

Biometrics will facilitate the screening of legitimate applicants by confirming their identity promptly.