Even though a small number of Service Canada offices may be open with limited services, biometrics collection services are currently unavailable.
Due to COVID-19, some biometrics collection sites are closed or are not offering biometric collection.
These sites include
- visa application centers (VACs)
- United States (US) application support centers (ASCs)
- designated Service Canada offices
Biometrics collection in Canada
Even though a small number of Service Canada offices may be open with limited services, biometrics collection services are currently unavailable.
Temporary Residents
Biometrics exemption for temporary residence applicants in Canada
As a temporary measure, you’re exempt from giving biometrics if
you’re applying from within Canada for
- Visitors
- Workers
- Students
- Temporary Resident Permit Holder
This temporary measure does not apply if you’re outside Canada.
Permanent Residents
Extension of biometrics deadline has been granted for permanent residence applicants
No application will be refused or closed if you aren’t able to give your biometrics within the period indicated on your Biometrics Letter (BIL). This applies to you, even if your BIL says you have 30 or 90 days.
While biometrics collection is temporarily suspended at Service Canada locations, do not go to another biometrics collection point, including
- Canadian ports of entry (POEs)
- other international biometrics collection sites
When Service Canada resumes collecting biometrics, you’ll have to make a new appointment at a designated Service Canada office. You won’t need a new BIL.
As biometrics collection resumes, you’ll have to make a new appointment at a VAC or ASC. You won’t need a new BIL. Check the VAC or ASC website the day of your appointment to make sure it’s open.
When biometrics collection sites reopen
When biometrics collection resumes, you can give your biometrics, even if you can’t travel to Canada yet. VACs and ASCs are starting to reopen slowly.
You can check the status of your nearest VAC or biometrics center using the link below
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp
