Last Updated:September 15, 2026
Supervised by Yuki Shiraishi (Immigration Consultant)
What Are Biometrics?
Biometrics is a technology that measures and analyzes an individual’s physical and behavioural characteristics, such as fingerprints and photographs. For Canadian visa and permanent residence applications, you are required to submit fingerprints and a photo, particularly for identity verification. This measure is intended to improve the security and safety of the immigration system.
Why Biometrics Are Necessary
Biometrics contribute to greater safety and security in the digital age and are widely used as a reliable means of confirming a person’s identity.
Better Identity Verification
Biometrics provide a way to reliably identify individuals using biological characteristics such as fingerprints and facial photos. This makes identity checks more reliable and helps prevent fraud such as impersonation.
Improved Security
Biometrics offer higher security than ordinary IDs or passwords. Biometric data such as fingerprints and retinal scans are based on biological characteristics, which are complex and difficult to alter, so security is improved.
Preventing Unauthorized Access
Biometrics are used to control access to confidential information and secure areas. Fingerprint and facial recognition technology can prevent unauthorized access.
Managing Immigration and Visa Processes
In international border control and visa issuance, biometrics are used to strengthen identity verification and prevent forgery and impersonation. This improves national security and the transparency of the immigration process.
How to Give Biometrics in Japan
If you live in Japan, you can submit your biometrics at the visa application centres in Tokyo or Osaka when applying for a Canadian visa. Book your appointment online and bring the required documents on the day of your visit. Note that these facilities exist only in Tokyo and Osaka, so visitors from distant areas will need to travel a long way, and they are open on weekdays only, so please plan accordingly. For details, please see this link: Canada Visa Application Centre
Who Needs to Give Biometrics
You can give your biometrics at more than 70 Service Canada Centres across Canada. For appointments, please see this link: eServiceCanada Appointment Booking Tool
Who Must Give Biometrics
- Applicants extending their stay on a study permit, work permit or visitor visa.
- Applicants for restoration of status on a study permit, work permit or visitor visa.
- New applicants for a study permit or work permit.
- New applicants for a tourist visa.
- Applicants for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
Who Is Exempt
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), and existing permanent residents.
- Visa-exempt nationals entering Canada for tourism.
- Children under 14.
- Applicants aged 79 or older. *There is no upper age limit for asylum claimants.
- Heads of state and heads of government.
- Those eligible for, or holding, a diplomatic or official visa.
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada.
- Refugee claimants or protected persons who have already given biometrics and are applying for a study permit or work permit.
- Those who have already given biometrics for a permanent residence application.
- Those whose cases fall under temporary measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is biometric information kept?
In general, the information is kept for 10 years.
How much is the biometrics fee?
The fee is $85.
Immigration Consultant
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she worked for six years in New York as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency, while also studying in an MBA program at the City University of New York. After returning to Japan, she managed the visa center of the same travel company, handling various international visa applications for foreign clients.
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