How to Book and Prepare for a Canadian Biometric Appointment

Where Canadian biometric appointments happen and who books them

In Canada, biometric appointments are handled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), not by a separate office. You do not book directly with a biometric centre — instead, IRCC sends you an appointment notice by mail or email after you have submitted an immigration application that requires fingerprints and a photo.

The appointment itself takes place at a Service Canada office or at a designated biometric collection site in your city. IRCC tells you which location and which date in the notice they send you. You cannot choose the date or location yourself, though you can request a change if the appointment falls on a date you cannot attend.

The notice will include the exact address, the time you need to arrive, and what documents to bring. Keep this notice — you will need it to enter the building and to complete the appointment.

Key Takeaways

• IRCC sends you a biometric appointment notice by mail or email after your application is received; you do not book the appointment yourself.
• Appointments take place at Service Canada offices or designated biometric collection sites, and the notice tells you the exact location, date, and time.
• You can request a date change if the appointment conflicts with your schedule, but you must contact IRCC before the appointment date.
• Bring your appointment notice, a valid photo ID, and your passport or travel document; the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
• If you miss the appointment without notifying IRCC, your application may be delayed or rejected, so contact them immediately if you cannot attend.

What documents and ID you need to bring

Your appointment notice will list the documents required. At minimum, bring the notice itself, a valid photo ID (passport, driver's license, or provincial ID card), and your passport or travel document. The photo ID must not be expired.

If you are applying for permanent residence, bring the notice and your passport. If you are applying for a work or study permit, bring the notice, your passport, and any letter of introduction IRCC sent you. If you are a Canadian citizen renewing a passport, the requirements differ slightly — your appointment notice will specify what to bring.

Do not bring originals of documents unless the notice specifically asks for them. Bring copies of any documents mentioned in your notice. If you have changed your name, bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or deed poll).

How to request a different appointment date

If the date in your notice does not work for you, contact IRCC as soon as possible. Do not simply skip the appointment — missing it without notifying IRCC can result in your application being delayed or rejected.

To request a change, call the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2342 (toll-free in Canada) or use the IRCC web form on the official IRCC website. Have your appointment notice and application number ready. Explain why you cannot attend on the scheduled date. IRCC will tell you whether they can reschedule you and when the new appointment will be.

Processing a reschedule request can take several weeks, so request the change early. If you are outside Canada, you may need to contact the visa office or immigration office that issued your notice.

What happens during the appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your appointment notice and photo ID. You will be called to a collection booth where a biometric officer will take your fingerprints (usually all ten fingers) and a digital photograph.

The fingerprinting is done electronically — your fingers are scanned on a digital pad, not rolled in ink. The photo is taken against a plain background and must show your face clearly. You will be asked to remove glasses, hats, or head coverings unless they are worn for religious reasons. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You do not need to sign anything or answer detailed questions. The officer will confirm your name and date of birth, take the biometrics, and you will be done. You will not receive a receipt or confirmation at the appointment — IRCC will update your file electronically.

What to do if you miss your appointment

If you miss the appointment date without notifying IRCC beforehand, contact them immediately. Call 1-888-242-2342 or use the web form on the IRCC website. Explain that you missed the appointment and ask to reschedule.

Missing an appointment does not automatically reject your application, but it can cause significant delays. IRCC may close your file if you do not reschedule within a reasonable time. The longer you wait to contact them, the longer your application will be on hold.

When you reschedule, be prepared to explain why you missed the first appointment. Have your application number and appointment notice ready. IRCC will assign you a new date, which may be several weeks away.

Biometric requirements for different application types

Not all immigration applications require biometrics. Permanent residence applications, work permit applications, study permit applications, and visitor visa applications for certain countries all require biometrics. Canadian citizenship applications do not require biometrics, but passport renewals do.

If your application requires biometrics, IRCC will tell you in the letter that confirms your application was received. The letter will include instructions and the appointment notice. If you do not receive an appointment notice within the timeframe IRCC states, contact them to check the status of your application.

Some applicants are exempt from biometric collection — for example, children under 14 and people over 79 in most cases. If you think you may be exempt, check the IRCC website or call the Call Centre to confirm before your appointment date.

What happens after your biometric appointment

After your appointment, IRCC receives your biometric data electronically. You do not need to do anything else related to the biometrics. IRCC will use the fingerprints and photo to conduct security and background checks as part of your application review.

Your application will continue to be processed. You may receive requests for additional documents, medical exams, or interviews depending on your application type. Check your IRCC account online or wait for mail from IRCC for updates on your application status.

If IRCC needs to contact you about your application, they will use the contact information you provided when you submitted it. Make sure IRCC has your current email address and phone number so you do not miss important updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone go to the appointment for me?

No. You must attend the appointment in person. Biometrics are unique to you, and IRCC needs to confirm your identity before collecting them. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from attending, contact IRCC before the appointment date to discuss options.

What if I have a disability or need accommodation?

Tell IRCC when you request a reschedule or contact them before your appointment. Service Canada offices and biometric collection sites offer accommodations such as wheelchair access, sign language interpretation, or extra time. Call ahead to arrange what you need.

Do I need to bring my children to the appointment?

No. Bring only the documents listed in your appointment notice. If your children also have biometric appointments, they will receive separate notices with their own dates and times.

What if I moved and did not receive my appointment notice?

Contact IRCC immediately with your new address. If the notice was sent to an old address, IRCC can resend it or tell you the appointment details over the phone. Have your application number ready when you call.

Is there a fee for the biometric appointment?

No. Biometric collection is part of your immigration application and is included in the fees you already paid when you submitted your application. There is no separate charge for the appointment.