The Service Canada appointment system for scheduling biometrics appointments resumed service on Monday, November 30, 2020.
This is great news for clients of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada because it’s much more convenient to book their own biometrics appointments online. It should be noted that Walk-in service is not available anymore and clients should book their appointment at the Service Canada office closest to them.
IRCC also noted that biometrics exemptions continue to be in effect for temporary residence applicants in Canada, and permanent residence applicants who submitted their biometrics in the last 10 years.
Update—As of February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to require biometrics—fingerprints and a photo—for most immigration applications. Applicants aged 14 to 79 must provide biometrics when applying for temporary or permanent residence, even if they have previously submitted them.
However, certain exemptions remain in place. Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants, and existing permanent residents are exempt from providing biometrics. Additionally, visa-exempt nationals visiting Canada, heads of state, and applicants holding diplomatic or official visas are not required to submit biometrics.
It’s important to note that walk-in services are no longer available; applicants must schedule an appointment at their nearest Service Canada office.
If you are not a Canadian Permanent Resident yet and you are not sure what the best way for you to immigrate to Canada is, please fill out our assessment form HERE and we will get back to you with your possible options.
