Maple News reports that beginning Monday, November 30, 2020, Service Canada will resume online scheduling for biometrics appointments, streamlining a critical step in the Canadian immigration process. This updated system allows applicants to independently book appointments through a web-based platform, enhancing both convenience and efficiency.
Previously, Service Canada officers had been contacting applicants directly to schedule these appointments, a practice that began in mid-September. However, with the new update now in effect, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is directing clients to use the online tool, as indicated in their biometric instruction letters.
Applicants are required to schedule their appointments at a Service Canada location nearest to them. Walk-in services are not offered, and only those with a confirmed appointment will be permitted to provide biometric data.
Providing biometrics—a process that includes fingerprinting and photo capture—is an essential requirement for many immigration and visa applications. Those seeking Canadian permanent residence who have not submitted biometrics in the last ten years must complete this step as part of their application.
Notably, certain exemptions remain in place. Temporary residence applicants currently within Canada, as well as permanent residence applicants who previously submitted biometrics within the past decade, are not required to schedule a new appointment.
The transition to an online booking system reflects an ongoing effort by Canadian immigration authorities to modernize and improve application processing. By enabling self-scheduling, Service Canada aims to reduce wait times and ensure applicants have more direct control over their immigration timelines.
This development is particularly significant as Canada continues to adapt its immigration processes in response to global challenges and the need for safer, digital-first solutions.
For applicants preparing to immigrate, understanding the latest requirements—and ensuring timely biometric submission—remains key to avoiding processing delays.