Biometric data is required for most foreign nationals applying for a student visa to study in Canada. Biometrics are a set of unique physical characteristics or traits of an individual that can be used for identification purposes, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans.
As of December 31, 2018, biometric information is mandatory for most foreign nationals applying for a Canadian study permit, including those from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. However, some exemptions may apply based on age, nationality, and the type of application.
To provide your biometrics, you will need to visit a Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country of residence. The VAC will collect your fingerprints and photograph, which will be stored in a secure database and used for identity verification purposes.
It’s important to note that you cannot submit your application until you have provided your biometric data. Therefore, it’s recommended that you plan ahead and submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for biometric collection and processing.
How to check the Biometric Status online?
To check the status of your biometrics online, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the official website of the Government of Canada for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html
- Scroll down to the section that says “Check your application status”.
- Click on the button that says “Check your application status”.
- You will be directed to a page where you will be asked to enter your application number, UCI (Unique Client Identifier), or your passport number. You will also be asked to enter your date of birth and click “Submit”.
- Once you have submitted the required information, you will be directed to a page that displays the status of your application. If your biometrics have been processed, it will show the date on which your biometrics were collected.
- If your biometrics are still being processed, the status will show “In progress”. You will need to wait until the processing is complete before the status changes.
It’s important to note that processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications received and other factors. If you have any concerns or questions about your application or biometric status, you can contact the IRCC through their online web form or by calling their toll-free number.
