When to give your biometrics – permanent resident applicants
You must give your biometrics every time you apply for permanent residence, even if you’ve already given them.
There are some special cases where you may not need to give your biometrics. If your case is not the same as one of these special cases, you must give your biometrics.
Special cases
If you’ve given your biometrics and you want to apply for temporary residence
You don’t need to give your biometrics when you apply for temporary residence if you already gave them when you applied for permanent residence.
We will reuse your permanent resident biometrics in support of your temporary resident application while your permanent resident application is open.
If your permanent resident application is refused, you can’t use your biometrics for any future applications.
Permanent resident card applicants
You don’t need to give your biometrics when you apply for a permanent resident card unless the example below describes your situation.
Example:
You must give your biometrics when you initially apply for, or when you renew your PR card in the following case:
You were exempt from giving biometrics when you initially applied for permanent residence because you were under 14 years of age. You are now 14 or older and you’ve either
- arrived in Canada or
- you applied to renew your PR card
Permanent resident travel document applicants
You don’t need to give your biometrics when you apply for a permanent resident travel document.