Last updated: September 2026. Always confirm the latest rules on the official IRCC biometrics page before you apply.
If you are applying for a Canadian visitor visa, study permit or work permit, you will usually need to give your biometrics, which means your fingerprints and a photo. Many repeat applicants do not realise that biometrics are valid for 10 years. If yours are still valid, you may not need to give them again or pay the fee a second time. This guide explains how biometrics validity works and how to check your status.
How Long Are Canadian Biometrics Valid?
For visitor visas, study permits and work permits, biometrics are generally valid for 10 years from the date you gave them. During this period, you can usually reuse them for new temporary residence applications.
Biometrics given for a permanent residence application follow different rules. If you apply for permanent residence, you will usually need to give biometrics again, even if you gave them for a visa before.
Biometrics Fee in 2026
| Applicant | Fee |
|---|---|
| Individual applicant | CAD 85 |
| Family applying at the same time | CAD 170 maximum |
| Transit visa | No biometrics fee |
To qualify for the family maximum, family members such as your spouse and dependent children must submit their applications at the same time.
Who Is Exempt?
For visitor visas, study permits and work permits, biometrics are generally not required for:
- Children under 14
- Applicants over 79
Some other groups, such as certain diplomats and government officials, are also exempt. Check the IRCC website if you are unsure.
How to Check If Your Biometrics Are Still Valid
- Go to the IRCC “Check the status of your biometrics” tool on the official IRCC website.
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- The tool will show whether your biometrics are still valid and when they expire.
If your biometrics are valid, you will generally not need to pay the biometrics fee when you apply. If they will expire soon, you may need to give them again.
How the Biometrics Process Works
- Submit your application online and pay the visa fee plus the biometrics fee (if needed).
- Receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) in your IRCC account.
- Book an appointment at a Canada visa application centre (VAC) run by VFS Global in Pakistan.
- Give your biometrics within the deadline shown in your letter, usually 30 days. Take your passport and the BIL with you.
Missing the deadline can delay or even stop your application, so book your appointment as soon as you receive the letter.
Why This Matters for Repeat Applicants
- Save money: no need to pay CAD 85 again if your biometrics are valid.
- Save time: no need to visit the visa centre, which can speed up your application.
- Reapplying after a refusal: if your visa was refused, your biometrics usually remain valid, so you may not need to give them again when you reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to give biometrics again if I get a new passport?
Your biometrics are linked to your identity, not to your passport, so a new passport does not usually mean you need new biometrics. However, make sure your new passport details are entered correctly in your application.
My visa was refused. Are my biometrics still valid?
Generally, yes. A refusal does not cancel your biometrics. They remain valid for 10 years from the date you gave them.
Can I give biometrics in another country?
Yes. You can usually give biometrics at any Canada visa application centre worldwide, not only in Pakistan.
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This guide is for general information only. For your own case, always check the official government website or consult a licensed adviser. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC.
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