How long will you keep my fingerprints and photo (biometrics)?
For visitor visa, or study or work permit applications
We’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 15 years from the date you gave your biometrics.
However, if your application is refused based on serious security concerns, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized criminality, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 100th birthday.
For permanent residence applications
If your application is approved
We’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 80th birthday.
If you’re granted Canadian citizenship, we’ll permanently delete your fingerprints and photo.
If your application is refused
If the refusal is based on serious security reasons, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized criminality, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 100th birthday.
If the refusal is based on misrepresentation, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 10 years.
If the refusal is based on health concerns, financial reasons or non-compliance, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 5 years.
If your application is incomplete or if you withdraw or abandon it, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 5 years.
For asylum claimants
We’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 100th birthday.
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Help tool
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A Step-by-step look at biometrics
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