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Every year, more than 35 million people visit Canada
to enjoy the many opportunities
our country has to offer.
And like many other countries,
including the United Kingdom,
Malaysia, the U.S and Saudi Arabia for example,
Canada is using biometrics to facilitate
legitimate travel while protecting
the safety of Canadians.
Depending on your country of citizenship,
you may now be required to provide biometric information
your fingerprints and photograph
when applying for a Canadian temporary resident visa,
study permit or work permit.
You may submit your application online
or through a Visa Application Centre,
but you will have to visit a Visa Application Centre
if you need to provide your biometric information.
To find out if this affects you,
just visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website
at cic.gc.ca/biometrics
If you apply online, you will receive
a Biometric Instruction Letter
through your MyCIC account
if biometrics are required.
Simply print it and bring it with you,
along with your passport or travel document,
to the nearest Visa Application Centre.
If you apply for your visa, study permit or work permit
at a Visa Application Centre,
staff will check that your application is complete
and will confirm that you have paid
the correct amount of fees.
If biometrics are required,
you may then proceed to have your
fingerprints and photograph taken.
If you are travelling with family members,
all applicants between the ages of 14 and 79
must visit a Visa Application Centre
to have their fingerprints and photographs taken.
The biometrics collection process is quick and easy.
To have your fingerprints taken,
first display the palms of your hands for inspection.
The operator must be able to see
if you have any injury or decoration
that could prevent high-quality fingerprints
from being taken.
Place the four fingers of your right hand
flat on the scanner
and then do the same with your left hand.
Lastly, place both thumbs on the scanner
at the same time.
For the photo, face the camera directly.
If you are wearing glasses, please remove them.
Keep hair and scarves away from your face
to ensure that your face can be seen clearly.
Keep your expression neutral. Do not frown or smile.
That's it! It only takes a few minutes.
Your fingerprints, photograph and personal information
will be encrypted and stored in a secure
Government of Canada database
and will be handled in line
with Canada's privacy laws.
When you arrive in Canada,
a border services officer will compare you
to the photo in your passport
and to the photo taken
when you applied for your visa,
which will appear on the officer's computer screen.
You may be asked to provide your fingerprints again,
if necessary, to confirm your identity.
Collecting your biometric information helps to ensure
that nobody else can use your identity
to apply for a visa.
It offers a reliable check to help visa officers
establish your identity with greater confidence.
To find out more about biometrics, please visit
the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website
at www.cic.gc.ca/biometrics
♪