Step-by-step guide to IEC Canada work permits — International Co-op, Young Professionals and Working Holiday applications

Submitting biometrics—fingerprints and photo—is required for IEC applicants and also for anyone (excluding U.S. nationals) applying for a visitor visa, a work or study permit or permanent residence status.

The biometrics fee is CA$85 and the Visa Application Centre (VAC) staff will ask to see proof that you have paid the biometrics fee before taking your fingerprints and photograph.

Your biometrics fee will also cover the cost of application handling at the VAC. The VAC will make sure your application is complete, send it to the visa office and advise you once it has been returned.

You can only give your biometrics as part of an application, i.e. you have to wait for an official request. A day or two after submitting your IEC application, you will receive an instruction letter in your Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada account that allows you to book an appointment to give your biometrics at an official collection point.

You have to bring a printed copy of this letter and your passport to the collection point. Since it’s your biometrics being collected, you do have to go in person!

Your biometrics can be collected at any VAC worldwide, even outside your country of citizenship. You need to make an appointment. You will find the list of VACs here. If there’s no biometric service available where you live, you’ll have to find the location closest to you. There are over 150 VACs in more than 100 countries around the world where you can give your biometrics.

Biometrics collection FAQ

Can I give my biometrics before receiving the instruction letter?

Not if you’re an IEC applicant—you have to wait for the instruction letter, print it out and bring it with you. This letter is proof that you’re in a work permit application process and that you have paid the biometrics fee. You should receive the instruction letter a day or two after submitting your IEC work permit application.

Do I have to make an appointment at the VAC?

Yes, biometrics appointments are mandatory.

How long do I have to give my biometrics?

After receiving the instruction letter, you have up to 30 days to submit your biometrics. After this deadline, your application will be denied and you will have to start the profile submission all over again.

What’s the process at the VAC?

You will have to show your passport and instruction letter and your identity will be checked.

For fingerprints, you will have to put your right fingers flat on the scanner, then your left fingers and your two thumbs.

Then your picture will be taken, facing the camera directly with a neutral expression. Note that head gear is allowed for religious purposes only. When you have your photo taken, your whole face must be clearly visible.

The whole process should only take a few minutes.

Note: You’re not responsible for sending your biometrics to the visa office. The VAC will handle it.

The Government of Canada will keep your fingerprints and photo in a secure database for 10 years from the date you gave your biometrics. If you apply for another work permit later on, you won’t have to give your biometrics again.

I have a biometric passport, do I still have to provide my biometrics?

Yes. The Government of Canada collects your biometrics as part of your IEC work permit application. They will be compared to the biometric data in your passport at the border.

I’m already in Canada, do I still have to give my biometrics?

Yes, at a designated Service Canada Office (SCO).