Canada Permanent residency applicants to give biometrics from June 14

Canada Permanent residency applicants to give biometrics from June 14

The maple leaf country is returning to pre-pandemic immigration rules and regulations. As the country has announced that all Canada Permanent residency applicants to give biometrics from June 14. The following update is mandatory for all applicants who wish to permanently settle in Canada. And is now in effect from June 14, 2023.

During covid-19 and the phase of stepping out of it, Canada was following the policy in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). As per the update, PR Visa applicants did not have to give biometrics if they provided the same with their temporary visa application. But that too within 10 years.

What is GCMS?

The GCMS system manages and assesses all Canada visa applications for IRCC. Thus, as an applicant, you can request IRCC to give you personalised information about your visa file. However, this is possible when your visa application passes the R10 completeness check. Please note, only a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada can apply to use the GCMS. Also, as an applicant from outside Canada, you can seek the assistance of someone living in Canada for the same.

Why do Canada permanent residency applicants have to give biometrics now?

June 14, 2023 – All Canada permanent residency applicants are to give biometrics. Now this update comes due to a relaxation in the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. Past rules were applicable due to the closing of Visa Application Centres (VACs) to safeguard public interests.

Also, back then IRCC came to know that most PR visa aspirants already had submitted biometrics when applying for a temporary visa. So, it was easier for them to forego the biometrics condition. But the same condition is no longer applicable now. Thus, Canada is returning to its pre-pandemic visa processing protocols and timelines. And it is now mandatory for all PR visa applicants to submit their biometrics.

And why not? As the issues that were created due to the pandemic and strict immigration rules are now solved.

• IRCC is back to its usual visa application processing timelines.
• Also, the application backlog has now been majorly reduced.
  • Resulting in faster processing of Canada Visa Applications.

Moreover, the new policy update does not apply to applicants who match the following conditions:

• Applying for a Canada Work Permit
• Applying for a Canada Study Visa
• Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa
• Also, applicants who are applying for a visa extension.

What are biometrics? And why do Canada Visa applicants have to give them?

If you wish to live, work, and or study in Canada then you must submit biometrics. This refers to submitting fingerprint data and a passport-size photograph. The goal is to identify the person entering Canada. And to ensure they do not pose any threat to the Canadian public. This is mandatory for all Canada visa applications.

However, there are 60 nations whose residents do not need to give biometrics. As they can travel visa-free to Canada. But they will have to get Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) [except US citizens].

Canada PR applicants to give biometrics from June 14. But who is exempt from doing so?

If you meet the following conditions, then you need not give biometrics:

• You are a citizen of Canada, a permanent resident, Canada citizenship applicant (including Canada passport applicants).
• Either are above the age of 76 or are a child and under the age of 14.
• Head of state or government.
• Are coming to Canada on official work as a cabinet minister or diplomat.
• As a refugee claimant or protected are applying for a study visa or work permit. And have given biometrics.
• Passing through Canada as a US visa holder.
• You have submitted biometrics as a TRV holder to support your permanent residency application for Canada.
  • But the application is still under processing by IRCC.

As Canada Permanent residency applicants to give biometrics from June 14, 2023, one should be aware of such updates. Just imagine not knowing an important Canada immigration policy update that can result in visa rejection. Understanding the legal aspects and staying updated with complex immigration pathways, procedures, and updates can be tough.

This is why even IRCC suggests taking the expert advice of a CICC Licensed Canada Immigration Consultant. So, what are you waiting for? Apply With GVI!

In short, take our Free Assessment. Contact Us to know more.