By admin (May 21, 2024)
Biometrics is Now Necessary for All Canada PR Applicants
Biometrics is now necessary for all Canada PR applicants, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its rules.
IRCC has modified its rules regarding the collection of biometrics for permanent resident applicants. Biometrics must be submitted by anyone applying for permanent residence, regardless of whether they have previously submitted them for a temporary residence permit, as of June 14.
IRCC is returning to the pre-pandemic procedures for permanent resident applications as per the updated published policy. If the PR applicants had already submitted biometrics alongside a temporary resident application within the previous 10 years, a policy throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic was enacted by the IRCC in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) that made it unimportant for them to submit biometrics again.
Regular Process Resumed Post-Pandemic
If the newcomers have already submitted their biometrics to IRCC within the past decade, IRCC made it possible for them to apply for PR in September 2020. Many Visa Application Centers (VACs) were forced to close temporarily during pandemic restrictions. This measure was in response to such restrictions.
Many PR applicants previously had, or already had status as temporary residents in Canada as recognized by IRCC at that time, and that requirement of biometrics made it impossible for applicants to move forward.
IRCC has been moving towards resuming pre-pandemic service standards since pre-pandemic restrictions begin to ease. The backlog of applications is now significantly reduced, which was one of the biggest blocks. The department is able to process applications quickly after it is back to working at full capacity.
The reuse of biometrics for a PR application was a temporary measure that was introduced. The regular process is to be resumed since the pandemic situation is now over, in which applicants are required to provide their biometrics in support of any PR applications being made, regardless of previous biometrics being valid. It was all explained in an email to the Canadian Bar Association’s Immigration Section by an IRCC official.
To those applying for temporary resident status on a Work, Study, or Travel visa, these changes do not apply. Resubmitting biometrics is not needed by temporary residents who are applying for an extension.
What is Biometrics?
It is required by IRCC that applicants submit their fingerprints and a photograph of their face or any type of permit as part of their initial application to work, live or visit Canada. For the submission of biometrics, the current fee is $ 85 CAD.
Biometrics are used to protect the integrity of the immigration system and help keep Canadians safe. Applicants are easily identifiable because of this but it is also considered non-invasive. Although there are some exemptions, they are a mandatory part of all immigration applications.
For example, nationals from over 60 countries do not require to submit biometrics as they are exempt from obtaining a visa to visit Canada.Canada Immigration News will not only more information about changing rules and regulations of IRCC regarding Canada PR.