Biometrics For Canada Visa in Bangladesh: Appointment & Procedure

Biometrics are literally everywhere: your workplaces, iPhone, and supermarket.

………and for the last couple of years, biometrics is mandatory for visas to most advanced countries these days.

Just like its counterparts, Canada expanded its biometrics (fingerprint and photograph) requirements in 2018 and 2019. Though the Canadian Govt started this as a pilot project in 2013 for limited countries, now it’s mandatory for all visa types.

Thinking about how to provide a Biometric for Canada visa in Bangladesh?

Here is a comprehensive guide including all the things you need to know about Biometric authentication and the whole process for Canada visa application from Bangladesh

So, what is biometric authentication exactly?

Each individual has distinct biological traits.

… and it’s totally unique.

Biometric authentication is based on this fact. It is a method of verifying a person’s identity by using their unique physical or behavioral characteristics from face to fingerprints.

So how does it work?

The method scans the traits and compares them against a pre-recorded database of fingerprints to confirm their identity. This includes…..

• Fingerprint scanning 
• Facial recognition
• Iris scanning
• Retina

This verification method is often used in security-sensitive identity verification systems, especially in Visa Processing. Apart from that this security method became popular for accessing secure buildings, unlocking mobile devices, or authorizing financial transactions.

Who needs to give biometrics for a Canada visa?

As a Bangladeshi, you need biometric authentication for all types of visa categories. To name it-

• Visitor or super visa
•  Visitor extension
•  Transit through Canada by air (transit visa)
•  Transit through Canada by car, bus, train, cruise ship, or boat
•  Study or work permit/extension
•  Permanent residence – includes family and economic classes
•  Refugee, protected persons, or asylum status, etc.

How do I provide biometrics for Canada visa in Bangladesh?

VFS Global is the official biometrics collection partner of Canada in Bangladesh.

So how to provide the biometric your biometrics with them?

From 02 November 2018, a prior appointment is mandatory for biometric enrolment at the Canada Visa Application Centre in Bangladesh.

You can schedule the Canada visa VFS Global appointment for biometrics through:

• Online
• Telephone 
• Email
• Webchat
• And in person

Usually one can get the biometric appointment schedule in 2-3 days after you receive the biometrics instructions letter from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once you get the appointment, the rest of the process is easy.

So how to get the biometrics instruction letter first?

Well, once you submit your application, you will be asked to pay the biometric fees along with your main application fees.

• Step 1: Pay the biometric fee with visa application fees
• Step 2: Get the biometric instruction letter within 1-3 days
• Step 3: Go to the VFS office site for biometric

Please be present at the center early (at least prior 1 hour ) and bring the Passport, Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL), and appointment confirmation letter with you.

Where can I do biometrics in Bangladesh?

You can give biometrics in visa application centers located in-

• Dhaka 
• Chittagong 
• And Sylhet

Here is the center with the specific location:

You can select your biometric location from any of the above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is the biometric fee for Canada in Bangladesh? 

The fee for biometrics is CAD$85. You need to pay this fee with your application fee together, online. VFS Global in Dhaka doesn’t accept any cash payments.

How many days it will take to get a Canada visa after biometrics?

Well, it depends on the visa type. If it’s a tourist visa, the applicant gets the result within 1-3 months while for a resident permit, it takes 6-24 months. The timeline changes from time to time, and you can check the latest timeline from Canada government website.

Does going for biometrics mean approval in Canada?

Not at all. Giving biometrics is just a process of your visa application. Once you provide your biometrics, your visa processing formally starts from there.

How long is biometrics valid for a Canada visa?

Once you give the biometric, it will be valid for the next 10 years.

Does Canada have an embassy in Bangladesh?

Yes. And the address of the Canadian embassy in Dhaka is-

• Address: United Nations Road Baridhara Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Telephone: +880 2 5566 8444, Fax: +880 2 5566 8423, Email: dhakag@international.gc.ca,
• Consular services: dhaka.consular@international.gc.ca

Can I get my biometrics done in another country for a Canada visa?

Yes, you can provide biometrics in any location where there is a biometric partner of Canada.