Exemption for permanent residence applicants who have/ have not given biometrics within the last 10 years
Due to COVID- 19, permanent residence applicants are exempt from giving biometrics. This is a temporary measure taken by the government of Canada. You are exempt if you are now applying or have already applied for permanent residence from in or outside Canada; or you have already given biometrics within the last 10 years for another application. You do not need to pay the biometrics fee when submitting your application, even if it is required by the system. If paid, we will automatically refund it when your application is finalized.
If you have never given biometrics in the past, or it has been longer than 10 years, you will need to give it when the biometrics collection sites start working again. Since November 30, 2020 you should book an appointment before going there. IRCC is automatically extending biometrics deadline for permanent residence applicants who are required to give biometrics, even if the biometrics instruction letter (BIL) states the applicant has 30 or 90 days. There is no need to contact IRCC for a new BIL or to get this extension. You need to pay the biometric fee (CAN$85) when submitting your application. Your original BIL to is a confirmation of your payment.