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- All foreign nationals applying for the Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from inside or outside of Canada must submit their biometrics unless they have previously submitted biometrics (see Case 2 below).
- Biometrics are valid for 10 years. If you can’t remember whether or not your biometrics are still valid, use the Find out if your biometrics are still valid tool.
- Only U.S. citizens are currently exempt from the biometrics requirement.
Case 1: You have never done biometrics
- If you have not provided biometrics to Immigration Canada within the past 10 years, you should receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter BIL after you submit your PGWP application.
- Immigration Canada must receive your biometrics in order to continue processing your application.
- You can give your biometrics at:
- A designated Service Canada location if you applying inside of Canada or
- A Visa Application Centre (VAC) if you are applying outside of Canada.
- For more information, see Immigration Canada's web page on Facts about biometrics.
Case 2: You did biometrics previously and they will expire within the next 3 years
- Before applying for your PGWP, be sure to check the expiry date of your biometrics.
- Your PGWP may only be issued until the expiry date of your biometrics and not the full 3 years that you may be entitled to.
- You must answer No to the question:
In the past 10 years, have you given your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for an application to come to Canada?
in your eligibility questionnaire for the PGWP application – even if you have done your biometrics within the past 10 years. - This will allow you to pay for new biometrics, receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) and give your fingerprints and photo at a Service Canada office if you are inside Canada or a VAC if you are outside of Canada.
- If you have provided updated biometrics, your PGWP should be issued for the full 3 years.
- Include a cover letter in the “Client Information” section of your document checklist explaining why you answered No to the biometrics question in the eligibility questionnaire even though you provided biometrics to IRCC within the past 10 years and the reason you need to submit new biometrics with your PGWP application.