Canada Biometrics and Insurance – All You Need To Know

Since August 1st, 2018, those applying for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or permanent residence in Canada need to give their fingerprints and photos (biometrics).

Until now, biometrics have been taken at the Canadian Embassy but a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) has just opened in Vistatec House, Dublin, making the entire process more streamlined.

Why Do I Have To Give My Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) When I Apply?

Most people have to give biometrics when they apply for a visitor visa, a study or work permit or permanent residence.

Canadian visa officers use biometrics to confirm your identity. Biometrics also helps to:

• Make it more difficult for someone to forge, steal or use your identity,
• Resolve problems or errors that may happen if your name, date of birth and/or place of birth are similar to those of someone else, and
• Confirm your identity the next time you apply, so it is easier for you to re-enter Canada.

Do I Need To Pay?

Yes, you will need to pay an additional $85. The extra $85 is paid at the time of paying the visa.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Going forward, every applicant for the IEC visa will need to travel to the VAC in Vistatec House in Dublin by appointment ONLY within 30 days of their invitation letter & get their fingerprints taken. The biometrics service at the Embassy is now closed.

Does This Apply To Everyone?

If you’ve had your fingerprints taken in the last 10 years you don’t need to get your fingerprints taken.

There are some exemptions, however:

1. Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents
2. Visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada as tourists who hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
3. Children under the age of 14
4. Applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants)
5. Heads of state and heads of government
6. Cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, coming to Canada on official business
7. S. visa holders transiting through Canada
8. Refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit
9. Temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress

Insurance

In order to work and live in Canada, you must have insurance for the duration of your stay. Immigration can be strict on insurance documents for entering Canada. Even if you’re only planning on staying in Canada for 6 months they might ask you for proof that you’re only staying that long, otherwise you will have to purchase the full 2 year insurance, or they will make sure you’re only on a working visa for as long as you have insurance.

You will also need a printed version of the insurance policy, to prove that you’re insured.

USIT offer a 2-year policy that covers everything for your trip and meets all the IEC requirements. Click here to see what’s included with the insurance.

If you have any other questions regarding biometrics please contact:

Canada Visa Application Centre
Vistatec House,
700 South Circular Road,
Dublin 8

Helpline number :
01 536 0715

Email:
info.candub@vfshelpline.com

Days of Operation:
Monday to Friday (excluding declared holidays)

Hours of Operation:
Submission of Applications and passport transmission:
Monday – Friday : 08.30 – 16.00