What will happen to my fingerprints and photo after they are collected for biometrics?
After you give your biometrics, your fingerprints and photo will be encrypted and sent electronically to a secure Government of Canada database. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will check your fingerprints against the fingerprint records of:
- criminals,
- refugee claimants,
- deportees, and
- temporary resident applicants.
Any matches to existing RCMP records will be analyzed by the visa officer, who will use the information to make a final decision on your application.
When you arrive in Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) border services officer will use your biometrics to verify that you are the same person the visa was given to.
Find out more about what to expect when you arrive in Canada.
Answers others found useful
- If you return my application, will I get a refund?
- How do I fill out and validate IRCC application forms with 2D barcodes?
- Why won’t my application form let me save my information or digitally sign it?
- How can I check if my application has been received?
- What happens after I send in my application?
- What is a UCI?
- What is an application number?
- How can I find a doctor to provide my medical exam?
- How can I get my citizenship application processed urgently?
- How can I get help with my application?
Help tool
Help tool
How-to video
A Step-by-step look at biometrics
Form and guide
Glossary term
- Date modified: