Here's exactly when to book, what to bring, and how Gulliver Holidays can handle it for you.
The basics
Biometrics are personal identification details collected by the Canadian government to confirm who you are during the visa application process. They're made up of two things: your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Most people applying for a Visitor Visa, Study Permit, Work Permit, or Permanent Residence will need to provide them before their application can move forward.
Who this applies to
How it works
You can only book biometrics once you've submitted your visa application and received your Biometrics Instruction Letter — booking any earlier is one of the most common mistakes applicants make.
Your file is prepared and lodged with all required supporting documents.
This letter confirms you need to give biometrics and unlocks the booking step.
Use the details on your BIL to pick a Visa Application Centre, date, and time slot.
Arrive with your original documents ready for identity verification.
A quick, guided process — then your biometrics are sent to Canadian immigration.
Before you go
Keep it simple — these four items cover almost every case. Double-check anything specific to your application before you travel to the centre.
On the day
The process itself is short — usually just a few minutes once you reach the counter.
Staff check your passport and appointment documents against your application.
A digital scanner records your fingerprints electronically — no ink involved.
A digital photo is taken on the spot for identification purposes.
Good to know
Collection itself is quick, though total time at the centre can vary with volume and peak travel periods — arriving early helps.
A separate biometrics fee applies on top of the visa application fee. Check the current fee structure before you submit.
Biometrics are generally valid for several years. If yours are still valid, you may not need to give them again for a future application.
Avoid delays
Booking an appointment before the Biometrics Instruction Letter arrives
Bringing an expired passport to the centre
Arriving late for the scheduled appointment
Forgetting the appointment confirmation document
Giving incorrect information on the application itself
Next stage
Once biometrics are complete, your application moves into review. Immigration officers may look at several parts of your file before reaching a decision, and may come back to you if anything more is needed.
Before you head over
Get there 15–30 minutes ahead of your slot.
Bring your original passport and appointment documents — not copies.
Make sure everything matches your visa application exactly.
The process moves fastest when you simply follow staff guidance.
Why it's required
Skipping this step is one of the few things that can stop an otherwise strong application in its tracks.
Confirms you are who your application says you are.
Makes it far harder to submit a fraudulent application.
Supports Canada's border security screening.
Maintains reliable immigration records over time.
Gulliver Holidays
Our visa consultants prepare your file properly the first time, so biometrics is one less thing to worry about.
Questions people ask
Yes. Most applicants are required to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph as part of the process.
No. You need to submit your visa application first and receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter before you can book.
The collection itself is generally quick, though total time at the centre can vary depending on volume and season.
It depends on age and current immigration regulations — we can confirm this for your specific case.
In many cases, yes, subject to availability and the applicable procedures at the centre.
No. Biometrics are only one part of the process — final approval depends on the wider immigration assessment.
Let Gulliver Holidays guide you through the paperwork, the booking, and the biometrics appointment — start to finish.
