How long will you keep my fingerprints and photo (biometrics)?

For visitor visa, or study or work permit applications

We’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 15 years from the date you gave your biometrics.

However, if your application is refused based on serious security concerns, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized criminality, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 100^th birthday.

For permanent residence applications

If your application is approved

We’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 80^th birthday.

If you’re granted Canadian citizenship, we’ll permanently delete your fingerprints and photo.

If your application is refused

If the refusal is based on serious security reasons, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized criminality, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 100^th birthday.

If the refusal is based on misrepresentation, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 10 years.

If the refusal is based on health concerns, financial reasons or non-compliance, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 5 years.

If your application is incomplete or if you withdraw or abandon it, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 5 years.