New biometrics entry requirement for non-Canadians

Non-Canadians who wish to work, study or visit the University of Manitoba now must include biometrics in their application. Biometrics is the measurement and statistical analysis of people’s unique physical characteristics, including fingerprints and a photograph.

Faculty and staff involved in supervising, hosting, enrolling or recruiting foreign workers or visitors should be aware of the impacts of this new requirement and the advance timing involved. Biometrics must be done in country of residence for most new students, visitors and workers.

The new requirement comes into effect December 31, 2018.

After that date, the Canada Border Services Agency will check that biometrics are correctly linked to passports when people land in Canada. See the Government of Canada website for more information. 

There are some exemptions:

• Canadian citizens, existing permanent residents of Canada and Americans are exempt unless they are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency.
• Tourists from those countries who only need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada are also exempt.
• More information can be found on the Government of Canada website

Important details

• Biometrics must be done in person in country of residence.
• Biometrics do not replace the need for a study or work permits or visas to travel, as per government guidelines. 
• They are valid for 10 years.
• Tests cost $85; however, there may be additional travel costs for people who do not live near a Visa Application Centre, or for those who must travel to their country of residence for the biometrics.
• Tests can only be done at Visa Application Centres (VACs).
• VACs are managed by private companies and are approved to provide Biometric services.
• Appointments must be scheduled in advance.
• More information can be found on the Government of Canada website

Those applying to renew or extend their student, worker or visitor status from inside Canada in 2019:

• are currently exempt from biometrics. However, this may change at any time.
• More collection facilities for biometrics are being introduced, at which time exemption may cease.
• Some applicants may even be required to leave Canada in order to submit their biometrics.

Foreign workers or visitors:

• Any invitation letters for workers and business visitors should be issued several months in advance to ensure that required biometrics can be arranged.

Newly hired non-Canadian workers intending to arrive in 2019:

• Biometrics will need to be submitted in person at a designated location in their country of residence before they can even apply for a new work permit, a visitor visa (certain countries) or for permanent residence applications that from outside of Canada.

If you are a university administrator with an urgent question about biometrics for a staff or faculty member, please contact Jayne Booth in Human Resources:  Jayne.booth@umanitoba.ca   

International students

New students intending to arrive in 2019:

• biometrics need to be submitted in person at a designated location in their country of residence, prior to applying for a study permit.

Current students:

• are currently exempt from biometrics. However, this may change at any time.
• More collection facilities for biometrics are being introduced, at which time exemption may cease.
• Some applicants may even be required to leave Canada in order to submit their biometrics.

Visa Application Centres (VACs):

• are facilities approved to provide Biometric services
• are managed by private companies
• Appointments must be scheduled in advance
• More information can be found on the Government of Canada website  

If you are an international student with questions, or want to know how biometrics will impact international students in your program areas, please contact the International Centre at the U of M: international@umanitoba.ca 

U of M Staff