If you are applying to study in Canada, biometrics are an important part of the study permit process for most applicants. Biometrics generally means providing your fingerprints and a digital photograph to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The process may sound complicated, but it is usually straightforward when you understand what happens after you submit your application.
This complete guide explains Canada study permit biometrics, including the fee, biometric instruction letter, appointment process, exemptions, validity period, what to take to your appointment, and what happens afterward.
Important: Immigration rules and fees can change. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Government of Canada website before submitting your application.
What Are Biometrics for a Canada Study Permit?
Biometrics are your fingerprints and photograph collected as part of Canada’s immigration process.
For most eligible study permit applicants, biometrics are collected after the study permit application has been submitted and the applicant has received a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL).
IRCC uses biometrics as part of identity verification and immigration screening. Your fingerprints and photograph can also be used to help confirm your identity when you arrive in Canada.
Biometrics are not the same thing as a medical examination or an interview. At a biometrics appointment, an authorized collection centre records your fingerprints and takes your photograph.
Do I Need Biometrics for a Canada Study Permit?
In most cases, yes, if you are between 14 and 79 years old and you are not otherwise exempt.
IRCC states that applicants generally need to provide biometrics when applying for an initial study permit or a study permit extension, unless an exemption applies.
Some applicants may not need to provide biometrics. Examples include:
- Children under 14 years old.
- Applicants who were 80 or older when they submitted their application, except in certain asylum-related situations.
- Certain diplomats and official visa holders.
- Certain heads of state or government.
- Some applicants who have already provided qualifying biometrics for a permanent residence application that is still being processed.
- Other applicants specifically covered by an IRCC exemption.
Age is generally assessed based on the applicant’s age when the application was submitted. For example, if you were 79 when you applied and turned 80 while your application was being processed, you may still be required to provide biometrics.
If you are unsure, use IRCC’s official biometrics eligibility tool rather than relying on information from social media or unofficial websites.
How Much Is the Canada Study Permit Biometrics Fee?
The standard biometrics fee for an individual applicant is currently CAN$85.
For eligible family members applying together, the maximum family biometrics fee is CAN$170.
The biometrics fee is separate from the study permit application fee. IRCC currently lists the study permit fee as CAN$150, although fees can change, so applicants should verify the amount before applying.
Why Should You Pay the Biometrics Fee When You Apply?
IRCC recommends paying the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Failure to pay when required can result in delays because IRCC may need to request payment before issuing the biometric instruction letter.
A simple way to think about the process is:
Study permit application + required fees → Biometric Instruction Letter → Biometrics appointment → Application processing
What Is a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)?
The Biometric Instruction Letter, commonly called a BIL, is an official letter from IRCC telling you that you need to provide biometrics.
The BIL is important because it confirms that biometrics are required for your application and provides instructions for completing the process.
After you receive your BIL, you should arrange your biometrics appointment as soon as possible.
For standard study permit applications, IRCC says applicants generally have 30 days from the date on the letter to provide their biometrics.
Do not confuse the BIL with a study permit approval letter. Receiving a BIL does not mean your study permit has been approved. It simply means IRCC needs your biometrics before continuing with the application process.
How to Give Biometrics for a Canada Study Permit
The process normally follows several simple steps.
Step 1: Submit Your Study Permit Application
First, prepare and submit your Canada study permit application according to the applicable IRCC requirements.
IRCC currently requires most study permit applications to be submitted online, subject to limited exceptions.
Make sure your application is complete and that you provide the required documents.
Step 2: Pay the Biometrics Fee
If you are required to provide biometrics, pay the applicable biometrics fee as part of the application process.
For an individual, the current standard fee is CAN$85.
Step 3: Receive Your BIL
Once IRCC determines that biometrics are required, you will receive your Biometric Instruction Letter.
Check your IRCC account regularly after submitting your application so you do not miss important messages.
Step 4: Find an Official Biometrics Collection Location
Your BIL will provide instructions for arranging your biometrics appointment.
Biometrics must be provided at an official biometric collection location. Depending on where you live, this may be a Visa Application Centre or another authorized location.
Do not assume that every visa office or immigration consultant’s office can collect biometrics.
Step 5: Attend Your Appointment
Take the required documents with you and follow the instructions provided by the collection centre.
Your fingerprints and photograph will be collected during the appointment.
Step 6: IRCC Continues Processing Your Application
Once IRCC receives your biometrics, processing of the study permit application can continue.
However, biometrics are only one part of the assessment. Providing biometrics does not guarantee that your study permit will be approved.
What Should I Bring to My Biometrics Appointment?
Your appointment instructions should be your main guide, but applicants will generally need their valid passport and Biometric Instruction Letter.
IRCC specifically advises applicants to bring the BIL and a valid passport when providing biometrics.
Before leaving for your appointment, check:
- Your name and personal details on the BIL.
- Your appointment date and time.
- The address of the official collection location.
- Your passport validity.
- Any additional documents requested by the collection centre.
It is also sensible to arrive early enough to complete any required check-in procedures.
How Long Are Canada Study Permit Biometrics Valid?
One of the most useful facts about Canadian immigration biometrics is that, for temporary resident applications, biometrics are generally valid for 10 years.
This means you may not need to provide biometrics again every time you apply for a Canadian temporary resident visa or permit if your existing biometrics remain valid.
However, there is an important limitation.
IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit for a period extending beyond 10 years from the date you last provided biometrics.
If you want a document with a longer validity period and your biometrics are approaching expiry, you may be able to provide them again when applying.
Do I Need to Give Biometrics Again for a Study Permit Extension?
Not necessarily.
If you have already provided biometrics and they are still valid, you may not need to provide them again.
IRCC states that temporary resident biometrics are generally valid for 10 years. However, applicants should check their individual biometrics status because requirements can depend on the specific application and circumstances.
If IRCC sends you a new BIL, follow the instructions in that letter. Do not assume that previous biometrics automatically satisfy every new request.
Does Biometrics Mean My Canada Study Permit Will Be Approved?
No.
This is one of the most important points for students to understand.
Biometrics are a required part of the immigration application process for many applicants, but they are not an approval decision.
After receiving your biometrics, IRCC can continue assessing other parts of your application. This may include your eligibility, supporting documents, financial circumstances, study plans, admissibility and other applicable requirements.
In simple terms:
Biometrics completed ≠ study permit approved.
Your application must still satisfy Canada’s study permit requirements.
What Happens After Biometrics?
After you provide your fingerprints and photograph, IRCC continues processing your application.
You may receive additional requests if IRCC needs more information or documents.
The general process is:
- Submit the study permit application.
- Pay the required fees.
- Receive the BIL if biometrics are required.
- Provide biometrics.
- IRCC processes the application.
- IRCC may request additional information.
- IRCC makes a decision.
- If approved, you receive the appropriate approval documents and instructions for travelling to Canada.
IRCC advises applicants to provide biometrics promptly because delays in completing this step can affect application processing.
Can Biometrics Cause a Study Permit Application Delay?
Biometrics themselves are not normally something applicants should fear, but failing to complete a required biometrics step can delay an application.
For example, delays may occur if you:
- Do not pay the required biometrics fee.
- Miss the BIL.
- Wait too long before booking an appointment.
- Fail to attend your appointment.
- Go to an unauthorized location.
- Do not bring the required documents.
- Provide incorrect information during the application process.
IRCC recommends booking the appointment as soon as possible after receiving the instruction letter.
Common Canada Study Permit Biometrics Questions
How long after applying do I get the biometrics letter?
There is no universal waiting period that applies to every applicant. The BIL is issued when IRCC determines that you need to provide biometrics. Monitor your IRCC account and application messages.
Can I give biometrics before applying for a study permit?
You should follow the process provided by IRCC for your specific application. For a standard study permit application, applicants generally submit the application and fees first and then receive a BIL if biometrics are required.
Do children need biometrics for a Canada study permit?
Children under 14 are generally exempt from biometrics for temporary resident applications. The relevant age is based on the applicant’s age when the application was submitted.
Can I change my biometrics appointment?
Appointment procedures depend on the official collection centre. Follow the centre’s instructions if you need to change or reschedule an appointment.
What if I do not give biometrics?
If IRCC requires biometrics and you fail to provide them within the required period, your application may be delayed or affected. If you cannot complete the requirement for a legitimate reason, follow the instructions from IRCC rather than simply ignoring the BIL.
Canada Study Permit Biometrics: Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes when preparing your application:
Ignoring the BIL: Check your IRCC account regularly after applying.
Waiting until the deadline: Arrange your appointment promptly after receiving the BIL.
Using outdated information: Immigration fees and procedures can change. Always check current IRCC information.
Assuming biometrics equals approval: Biometrics are only one part of the application.
Going to an unofficial location: Use an official biometric collection location identified through Canada’s immigration system.
Forgetting your passport: Your valid passport is an important document for the appointment.
Submitting an incomplete study permit application: Biometrics do not compensate for missing application documents. IRCC advises applicants to provide a complete application to avoid processing problems.
Final Checklist for Canada Study Permit Biometrics
Before completing your biometrics process, make sure you have:
- Submitted your study permit application.
- Paid the required application and biometrics fees.
- Received your Biometric Instruction Letter, if required.
- Checked the deadline on your BIL.
- Located an official biometrics collection centre.
- Booked your appointment.
- Prepared your valid passport.
- Taken your BIL to the appointment.
- Completed your fingerprints and photograph.
- Kept copies of important application records.
- Continued monitoring your IRCC account after biometrics.