Biometrics Collection Exemptions for Within Canada Applications

Monday, July 20, 2020

Due to public health concerns related to COVID‑19, Service Canada closed its centres on March 27, 2020. Although Service Canada is starting to gradually reopen its offices to the public, biometrics collection services will resume at a later date.

Recognizing the impact this ongoing service disruption has on applicants in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put in place until further notice a public policy to exempt temporary residence applicants applying from within Canada from having to give their biometrics. This means we will be able to fully process and make decisions on applications.

With the public policy in place, IRCC is now able to help many temporary residence applicants in Canada to move forward with their plans, for example, to study, work or extend their stay as a visitor in the country.

You’re covered under this public policy if you’re in Canada and are applying for one of the following:

  • an extension of a work permit
  • a new work permit
  • an extension of a study permit
  • a new study permit
  • a visitor visa
  • a visitor record to allow you to stay in Canada as a temporary resident restoration (extension) of temporary resident status
  • a temporary resident permit

You can read more about what to do if you’re in Canada and applying for temporary residence on the IRCC website.

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