Canada lists 10 visa applicants who do not need biometrics in 2026
Canada has listed 10 categories of visa applicants exempt from biometrics
The Canadian government has clarified that not every immigration applicant is required to provide fingerprints and a photograph, outlining 10 categories of people who are exempt from the country’s biometric requirement.
The guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is particularly relevant to foreign nationals applying for Canadian visas, work permits, study permits and other immigration documents, as biometrics are a standard part of many applications.
However, applicants who fall into specific categories do not have to complete the biometric process.
The exemptions include children below a certain age, older applicants, Canadian citizens, certain permanent residents, diplomats, heads of state and some people who have already provided biometrics during an ongoing permanent residence application.
Canada visa biometrics: Who normally needs to provide them?
Biometrics generally consist of an applicant’s fingerprints and photograph and are used by Canadian authorities to confirm identity and support the processing of immigration applications.
IRCC says biometrics are generally required for foreign nationals applying for a visitor visa, an initial work or study permit, permanent residence, certain extensions of stay, and refugee or asylum status, unless the applicant falls under an exemption.
For permanent residence applications, applicants aged 14 to 79 generally have to provide biometrics for each permanent residence application, even if they have provided them previously. The rules are different for some temporary residence applications, where previously submitted biometrics may still be usable.
10 categories exempt from Canada Visa biometrics
According to IRCC’s current guidance, the following applicants do not need to provide biometrics in the circumstances specified by the department.
1. Canadian citizens and citizenship applicants
Canadian citizens and people applying for Canadian citizenship are exempt from the biometric requirement. This also covers Canadian passport applicants.
2. Certain permanent residents
Existing permanent residents generally do not need to provide biometrics.
There is an exception involving permanent residents who are applying to renew or replace their permanent resident card and were previously exempt from biometrics because of their age when they applied for permanent residence.
3. Visa-exempt visitors applying for an eTA
Foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries who are coming to Canada only as visitors and are applying for an electronic travel authorisation, or eTA, are exempt.
The exemption is tied to the person’s immigration situation and the type of travel document being sought.
4. Visa-exempt nationals extending their stay
Citizens of visa-exempt countries who are applying to extend their stay in Canada through a visitor record are also listed among those who do not need to provide biometrics.
5. Children aged 13 and under
Children who were 13 or younger when their application was submitted do not need to provide biometrics.
This means the age at the time the application is submitted matters. It is not simply the applicant’s age at the time IRCC processes the application.
6. Applicants aged 80 or older
Applicants who were 80 or older when they submitted their application are exempt, except in asylum cases, where there is no upper-age exemption.
IRCC also provides an important clarification: someone who was 79 when the application was submitted but turns 80 while the application is being processed must still provide biometrics.
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7. Heads of state and heads of government
Heads of state and heads of government visiting Canada temporarily are exempt from providing biometrics.
The exemption is specifically recognised in Canada’s immigration guidance for this category of applicant.
8. Diplomatic and official visa applicants
Applicants who qualify for, or already hold, a diplomatic or official visa are also exempt.
This category generally relates to people travelling under recognised diplomatic or official circumstances.
9. US visa holders transiting through Canada
People holding US visas who are transiting through Canada are included among the exempt categories.
This is separate from the broader rules that apply to visitors, students, workers and permanent residence applicants.
10. Some applicants who already gave biometrics for permanent residence
Applicants seeking a visitor visa, study permit or work permit may not need to provide biometrics again if they have already provided them as part of a permanent residence application that is still being processed.
This can be particularly relevant to people moving between immigration stages while their permanent residence application remains open.
What the Canada biometrics exemption means for Nigerian applicants
For Nigerians planning to travel, study, work or settle in Canada, the exemptions do not mean that biometrics have been removed from the Canadian visa process.
Nigeria is not a visa-exempt country, so Nigerian applicants will generally need to provide biometrics when required for the type of Canadian immigration application they are submitting.
The exemption depends on the applicant’s age, immigration status, travel circumstances or previous application history, rather than simply their nationality.
A Nigerian applying for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit should consequently check the specific biometric requirement attached to the application instead of assuming that previous travel history automatically removes the requirement.
What happens if IRCC sends a biometric instruction letter?
Applicants who are required to provide biometrics will generally receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) telling them to complete the process.
IRCC advises applicants to provide biometrics as soon as possible after receiving the instruction. For many applications, the deadline is 30 days from the date on the letter.
Applicants should follow the instructions in their BIL and use an authorised biometric collection location.
The presence of an exemption does not mean applicants should simply ignore an instruction from IRCC. Anyone uncertain about their situation should use the department’s official eligibility guidance to determine whether biometrics are required.
Canada biometrics are still required for most applicants
The latest clarification is important because the exemptions cover specific groups rather than creating a general waiver.
Most foreign nationals applying for Canadian immigration documents will still encounter a biometric requirement unless they fall into one of the recognised exemption categories.
Applicants should also be careful about relying on old immigration information because biometric rules can differ according to the type of application and whether biometrics have previously been provided.
For permanent residence applicants, IRCC currently states that biometrics are required for each application for permanent residence, subject to specific exceptions.
Frequently asked questions about Canada visa biometrics
Do Nigerians need biometrics for a Canada visa?
Generally, yes. Nigerian applicants are normally required to provide biometrics when applying for Canadian visas or permits covered by the biometric requirement, unless they qualify for a specific exemption.
Who is exempt from Canada visa biometrics?
IRCC lists categories including Canadian citizens and citizenship applicants, certain permanent residents, visa-exempt visitors, children under 14, applicants aged 80 or older, heads of state and government, diplomatic or official visa applicants, US visa holders transiting Canada and certain applicants who previously provided biometrics for an ongoing permanent residence application.
Does a child need biometrics for a Canada visa?
A child who was 13 or younger when the application was submitted is exempt from providing biometrics.
Do people over 80 need biometrics for Canada?
Applicants who were 80 or older when they submitted their application are generally exempt. However, there is no upper-age exemption for asylum claimants.
Can I use previous biometrics for a Canada visa?
In some temporary residence situations, previous biometrics may still be valid. Applicants who have already provided biometrics for a permanent residence application that is still being processed may also be exempt from providing them again for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit.
How much does Canada biometrics cost?
IRCC currently lists the individual biometrics fee as CAN$85, with a maximum family fee of CAN$170 when eligible family members apply together.
How long are Canadian visa biometrics valid?
For temporary residence applications, IRCC says biometrics are generally valid for 10 years. However, permanent residence applications have different rules, with applicants generally required to provide biometrics for each permanent residence application unless a specific exception applies.
What if I am not sure whether I need biometrics?
IRCC provides an online tool that asks questions about the applicant’s immigration document, previous biometrics, age and circumstances to help determine whether biometrics are required. Applicants should check the official guidance before arranging an appointment or assuming they are exempt.