New Canada Biometrics Rules w.e.f 31 July

New Canada Biometrics rules will be effective from 31 July 2018. A photo and fingerprints will become compulsory for several immigrants from Africa, Middle East, and Europe. This will be applicable for applicants of Canada Study Visa, Canada Work Visa, Canada Visitor Visa, Canada PR or Asylum seekers.

The photo and fingerprints will be needed for purposes of identification. The biometrics requirement will be extended to the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Asia from 31 December 2018, as quoted by the CIC News.

Travelers from visa-exempt nations arriving in Canada as tourists with a valid - Electronic Travel Authorization ETA will not be required to offer biometrics. The collection of biometrics will facilitate processing of applications said the Canadian government. It will also ease arrival for low-risk travelers, it added.

All travelers at the age of 79 and 14 must offer biometric data. The exception is asylum seekers that do not have an age ceiling. The cost of offering biometrics will be 85 $ for individual applicant and 170$ for the joint family application.

Biometrics are utilized at both entry and application phases in Canada. It permits visa officers to scan applicants for past criminal records or Canada immigration violations. Biometrics of travelers is also used to verify their identity upon arrival to Canada.

8 major airports in Canada will implement new Canada biometrics rules. They will have Primary Inspection Kiosks that will be self-serving. These will confirm photos and verify fingerprints. Travelers will be able to make a declaration on-screen. 

Verification of fingerprints will be on a discretionary basis by the officers of Canada Border Services Agency. This will be at other airports in Canada and land ports of entry.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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