ARCHIVED – Notice – Citizenship Notice of Regulatory Changes to Establish Biometrics in Canada's Temporary Resident Immigration Program

May 8, 2013 — Regulatory amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations outlining changes to establish biometrics in Canada’s temporary resident immigration program came into force on April 29th, 2013, and were published today in the Canada Gazette.

The Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act, which received Royal Assent on June 28, 2012, allows the government to require biometric information from applicants as part of the temporary resident visa, study and work permit application process.   

Using biometrics will strengthen Canada’s immigration program as it will provide visa officers with greater certainty in screening applicants and will allow a person’s identity to be more readily confirmed upon arrival. Accordingly, biometrics will help facilitate the travel of legitimate visitors to Canada. At the same time, it will protect the safety and security of Canadians by helping prevent inadmissible individuals from entering the country. 

The regulations outline who is required to provide biometric information, the dates the new biometric requirement come into effect, the type of information that will be collected (fingerprints and a photograph), how the information will be collected, the biometric fee, and how the information can be used and disclosed for law enforcement purposes.

To read more about the changes, please visit the Canada Gazette website.

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