Canada Biometrics: Who Needs Them, the Fee and Who Is Exempt
In this guide
Quick answer: Canada biometrics are your fingerprints and a photo, collected so IRCC can confirm your identity. Unless you are exempt, you must give them when you apply for temporary residence (except US nationals), permanent residence, an extension of stay (unless you are from a visa-exempt country) or refugee or asylum status. The fee is CAD 85 per person, with a family maximum of CAD 170.
Biometrics are a small step that can stall an application if you miss it. IRCC treats them as part of many applications, and the exemptions are specific, so check your situation rather than assuming. This guide summarises the IRCC biometrics page: who gives them, who is exempt and what it costs.
Who has to give biometrics?
IRCC says that unless you are exempt, you need to give your fingerprints and a photo when you apply for any of these:
- Temporary residence, such as a study permit, work permit or visitor visa (except for US nationals).
- Permanent residence.
- To extend your stay in Canada, unless you are from a visa-exempt country.
- Refugee or asylum status.
Who is exempt?
| Exempt group |
|---|
| Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants including passport applicants, and existing permanent residents |
| People visiting Canada only and applying for an eTA |
| Children under 14 |
| Applicants over 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants) |
| Heads of state and government, and holders of diplomatic or official visas |
| US visa holders transiting through Canada |
| Visitor visa, study permit or work permit applicants who already gave biometrics for a permanent residence application still being processed |
If you are only visiting from a visa-exempt country, see the Canada eTA guide.
How much do biometrics cost?
| Applicant | Fee |
|---|---|
| Individual | CAD 85 |
| Families applying at the same time | Maximum CAD 170 in total |
| Groups of 3 or more performing artists and staff applying for work permits together | Maximum CAD 255 in total |
| Transit visa | No fee |
The family rate covers your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and their dependent children. IRCC has a page to check whether your child counts as a dependant.
Where does this fit in your application?
For work or study permits, biometrics usually come after you submit. For International Experience Canada, IRCC measures processing time from when you submit all documents and give biometrics, see our IEC guide. For the super visa, IRCC notes its processing time does not include the time you take to give biometrics, see the super visa guide.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a renewal skips biometrics. Extensions need them unless you are from a visa-exempt country.
- Paying twice as a family. The family maximum applies when you apply together.
- Delaying the appointment. It slows your processing time.
FAQ
Do US nationals give biometrics for temporary residence?
IRCC says temporary residence applicants need them except US nationals.
Are children charged?
Children under 14 are exempt, so they are not charged.
Do I give biometrics again for a new application?
IRCC lists an exemption for some applicants who already gave biometrics for a permanent residence application still being processed. Check the page for your case.
Key takeaways
- Biometrics are a photo and fingerprints given for most temporary and permanent residence applications.
- CAD 85 per person, or CAD 170 maximum for a family.
- Children under 14 and applicants over 79 are exempt, with some exceptions.
Related guides
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Fees change, so confirm them on the official IRCC site. Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
IRCC: Biometrics.