IMB Immigration Law: Biometrics has become an essential part of visa process. For example US and Canada immigration process involves getting biometrics done before you are approved for a visa. In simple terms biometrics are your personal details to identify you with – your face and fingerprints. The process involves visiting a designated centre to have your photograph and fingerprints taken. These are taken digitally with the use of digital face and fingerprint scanners. It is important to note that you have to book an appointment in advance before you visit a visa application centre (VAC) to give biometrics. Consulates and embassies outsource biometrics to VFS Global, a third-party service provider.

Applicants should give biometrics well in advance of the visa interview. One should not schedule biometrics on the morning of the visa interview because the details may not reach the visa officer timely and can result in denial of the visa. The time of biometrics is also dictated by the destination country’s consulates processes. United States requires biometrics done before the in person interview and the booking for the biometrics is completed at the same time as the booking of the visa interview. Canada requires biometrics done after the consulate issues a letter for the same. This consulate or IRCC issued letter is needed to book the appointment with VFS. Similarly, every country has different rules. Please ensure that you check with the Immigration Lawyer or the Consulate website to get the right details.

Biometrics Process For Canada

When applying for a Canada visa, the biometrics fee is paid online (CAD $85) for individuals and CAD $170 for a family applying together. Upon payment of fee, applicant will receive an instruction letter with information on where you can go to give your biometrics. This letter is sent electronically in your account registered at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. It is important to carry this letter and your valid passport for giving biometrics.

Once you receive the letter, you will be required to make an appointment at an official biometrics collection service point to give your biometrics. Notably, biometrics will need to be given within 30 days of receiving this letter.

In case you choose to apply for a visa/ permit to Canada in the offline or paper mode at a visa application centre (VAC), you can pay the biometric fee and give your biometrics there. You just need to book an appointment before you visit a VAC.

Currently, temporary foreign workers in essential services such as healthcare, agriculture, agri-food sectors are exempted from giving biometrics in advance due to COVID-19 pandemic. They may still be asked to give biometrics at a Port of Entry (POE) at the discretion of an immigration officer.

Biometrics For A UK Visa

If you intend to secure a visa to the UK for a period exceeding six months, you will need to give your biometrics. A biometric residence permit (BRP) is issued that bears your name, date and place of birth along with fingerprints and a photo of your face. It also has information regarding your immigration status and any conditions of stay in the UK.

A BRP helps to establish the identity of the candidate. Based on where the candidate is from and the type of passport they have, there are two unique ways to do this.

The first option is UK Immigration: ID Check app that is available for use only to people with a biometric passport issued by an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

For the rest of the countries, the option is to book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC). The biometrics fee is included in the visa application fee when applying from outside UK and doesn’t have to be paid separately.

The process involves giving your digital photograph and fingerprints along with your signature.

You will need to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. The first step is creating a UKVCAS account when you apply. You will receive an email from UKVI telling you when you can make an appointment. Once you book the appointment, you will be required to visit a UKVCAS service point with the following:

• A printed copy of your appointment confirmation document with a QR code
• Your passport or travel document
• Other supporting documents (unless you have already uploaded them online)

The documents you need to submit will be suggested in a documents checklist when you submit your application.

The next step is collecting your BRP once you arrive in the UK.

This must be done before the vignette sticker in your travel document expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is later.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will send you a decision letter electronically that will tell you to collect your BRP from a particular Post Office branch.

Securing a visa is often a complex process. However, qualified assistance from one of the best immigration lawyers in India can help you sail through the process easily. Contact IMB Immigration Law today at info@imbimmigrationlaw.com to start your application process. Ravneet Kaur Brar, the head immigration lawyer at the firm will be able to give you the best advice for US, UK and Canada immigration supported by her years of rich industry experience.