Canada joins the list of nations demanding biometric data before entering the country

November 23 2009 by Liam Clifford

Citizenship and Immigration Canada announces plans for all applications for Canadian visas to include biometric data.

Canada has joined an ever-increasing list of countries that are demanding biometric details from visitors in their application for a Canadian visa.

The department of Citizenship and Immigration in Canada plans to begin the roll-out of biometric data processing by 2011 and expects the new system to be fully functioning across all provinces by 2013.

A Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) spokesperson said “Biometrics will significantly contribute to Canada's existing measures designed to reduce identity fraud and enhance the safety and security of Canadians.”

When the project is executed, applicants for temporary resident visas, Canadian work visas and Canadian study visas will all have to submit fingerprints and have their photographs taken in person before arriving in Canada.

Canada joins countries such as France, the US and the UK, who all have biometric requirements in place. The US has had such a database in place for the last 5 years whereas the UK plans to have all UK visa applicants’ biometric details on their biometric database by 2011.

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