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
- temporary resident applicants
Any matches to existing RCMP records will be analyzed by the visa officer. This information is used to make a final decision on your application.
Domestic law enforcement
We may also share your biometrics information with
- other law enforcement agencies in Canada to enforce any Canadian or provincial law or
- Canadian government institutions or foreign governments according to Canada's privacy laws
When you arrive in Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency 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 I’m asked to give my biometrics, does that mean my application is approved?
- Why do I have to give my biometrics (fingerprints and photo) when I apply?
- How often will I need to go in person to give my fingerprints and photo?
- I cover my head or face for religious or cultural reasons. What will happen when I go to have my photo taken for biometrics?
- How long will you keep my fingerprints and photo (biometrics)?
- Should I give my biometrics again if they’re about to expire?
- What should I do if my visa or permit was issued for a shorter period of time than I expected because of my biometric validity?
- Do I need to give my biometrics to visit Canada if I’m in the United States and I’ve already given my biometrics when I entered the U.S.?
- If my visa, work or study permit application is refused, will I have to give biometrics for my next application?
- Can I go to a port of entry to give biometrics if it’s closer than a Service Canada location?
- How can I pay for biometrics after I submitted my application?
- I’m applying for a work or study permit from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and need to give biometrics, but there is no service available where I live. What do I do?
Help tool
Help tool
How-to video
A Step-by-step look at biometrics
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