Biometrics Are Now Required for All Canadian PR Applicants
The Canadian government has announced that all applicants for permanent residence will now be required to submit biometric data as part of the application process. This new requirement aims to enhance immigration screening and strengthen border security.
The decision, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) this week, comes as part of ongoing efforts to modernize Canada’s immigration system and align it with global best practices. Starting from June 14, 2023, all individuals applying for permanent residence, regardless if they have already submitted them for a temporary residence permit. This marks a return to pre-pandemic procedures for PR applications.
The changes do not apply to those applying for temporary resident status on a work, visitor or study visa. Temporary residents who are applying for an extension do not need to submit biometrics.
The biometric data will be used to verify the identity of applicants, conduct background checks, and prevent identity fraud. This move is expected to streamline the application process, increase the accuracy of applicant identification, and improve the overall efficiency of immigration procedures.
Applicants will be required to visit a designated biometrics collection service point to provide their biometric information. The government has assured applicants that the process will be straightforward and convenient, with clear instructions provided to guide them through the biometrics submission.
It is worth noting that certain exemptions will be in place for specific categories of applicants. For example, Canadian citizens, heads of state, individuals under the age of 14 or over the age of 79, and a few other cases will not be required to provide biometrics. Additionally, applicants who have already submitted their biometrics within the last ten years for a previous application to Canada may be exempt from the requirement.
The Canadian government believes that this new requirement will strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, ensure the safety of Canadians, and facilitate the efficient processing of applications. By incorporating biometrics into the evaluation process, authorities will have access to more reliable and accurate information, allowing for better decision-making and risk assessment.
IRCC encourages prospective permanent residents to familiarize themselves with the new biometrics requirement and be prepared to comply when submitting their applications. The department has provided detailed information on its website and will continue to offer support and guidance to applicants throughout the transition period.
Benefits of Having Canadian PR status
A Canadian permanent resident is someone who has been granted permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada. A permanent resident enjoys many of the same benefits of Canadian citizens. However, unlike citizens, they must maintain their status by meeting certain requirements like the residency obligation.
Here are some of the major benefits you’ll experience once you become a Canadian permanent resident:
1 – The ability to live and work anywhere in Canada
Canadian permanent residents have the legal right to live and work anywhere in the country. If a new PR starts off in Montreal but finds a better job in Toronto, they will have every right to move. Permanent residents aren’t tied to a specific employer or province.
Additionally, Canadian permanent resident have the ability to leave and enter Canada’s borders using their Canadian permanent resident card, or permanent resident travel documents (PRTD).
2 – Access to universal healthcare and social services
Canadian healthcare is universal, which means access to free medical care. Once an individual becomes a permanent resident, they have access to Canada’s healthcare and social services.
3 – Family sponsorship
Permanent residents can apply to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children to join them in Canada. That said, if you immigrate through Express Entry, you can include your family on your initial application so you won’t have to sponsor them later on.
4 – Free education for children
Children of Canadian permanent residents can study for free up until secondary school. After graduating, post-secondary school is also much cheaper for permanent residents than it is for international students.
5 – Can transition to Canadian citizenship
Becoming a permanent resident is the first step to becoming a Canadian citizen. After residing in Canada for three out of five years, PRs are eligible to become citizens. Once a PR has transitioned to Canadian citizenship, they can vote, apply for a Canadian passport, and no longer need to renew their status in the country.
6 – Protected rights
The rights of Canadian permanent residents are protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Interested in learning more about how you can immigrate to Canada? Complete our free online assessment form today for a free evaluation of your options!
Free Immigration AssessmentDiscover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!