Canada Biometric Appointment 2026: Step-by-Step Guide for Indians

The next step after submitting your visa application is scheduling a Canada biometric appointment. As part of Canada's immigration process, biometrics are mandatory for a variety of applications, including study permits, work permits, and visitor visas. 

In India, a biometrics appointment Canada can be done at VFS Global centers, ensuring your identity and eligibility are verified. Follow along as we provide a step-by-step guide on managing your Canada biometric appointment in India to keep your application on track. 

Prerequisites for a Smooth Canada Biometric Appointment in India

Before you book your Canada Biometric appointment, there are certain prerequisites, requirements, and steps you need to take for a smooth and hassle-free process. Here are the prerequisites you need to follow to ensure you’re ready for your appointment.

• Passport and Visa Application

Before scheduling your biometrics appointment, make sure you have a valid passport and a completed visa application. Also, your passport should be current and valid for the duration of your travel.

• Appointment Booking Confirmation 

After you have completed your visa application, you must receive an instruction letter or mail as part of your visa application process. This confirmation is essential as it provides details on how to book your biometric appointment. 

• Select the Nearest Biometric Service Location

Check the available biometric service location and select the nearest one. Also, check that the centre should be part of the authorized for biometrics collection.

Canadian Immigration Applications Requiring Biometrics

The applications or visa types that require you to schedule biometric appointments for Canada are listed below. You will need to provide biometrics for visa applications if you have applied for:

• Canada Visitor Visa
• Work Permit in Canada or Study permit (US nationals are exempted)
• Refugee or Asylum Seekers
• Canada PR Visa
• Biometric system for all citizenship grant applications
• Request an extension of stay in Canada (Visitor’s record)
• Canada work or study permits extension 

How to Book a Canada VFS Biometric Appointment in India?

When applying for a Canadian visa, work or study permit, or permanent residency, the provision of your biometrics (fingerprint and photo) might be necessary. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to book and prepare for your biometrics appointment Canada:

Step 1: Determine if Biometrics are Required

First-time applicants would need to provide biometrics mandatorily unless exempted. However, if you have previously undergone a biometric appointment for Canada, then ensure to check the validity and expiry of your biometrics

Step 2: Pay Biometric Fee

To book a Canada appointment slot for biometrics, you would need to pay a non-refundable fee as part of your application submission.

Step 3: Obtain Biometric Instruction Letter

Once you have completed the payment for booking your Canada appointment, you will receive a confirmation letter with details about the requirements for your biometrics appointment Canada and location details.

*It is important to carry the instruction letter along with you on the day of the Canada biometric appointment.

Step 4: Schedule Your Canada Appointment

Applicants need to note that the biometric appointments for Canada need to be booked or scheduled only through the eServiceCanada appointment booking portal.

Step 5: Prepare for Canada Appointment

On the date of your Canada biometric appointment, firstly, ensure to familiarise yourself with the safety regulations practiced by your assigned VAC, like using face masks, etc. Also, check the working status of the assigned VAC well in advance and carry all the required documents along with the biometric instruction letter.

Step 6: Provide Your Biometrics

At your Canada appointment centre, you will be asked to scan your fingerprints and have a picture taken. These will be used to verify your identity and for the background verification process.

Also Read: Canada Visa Processing Time  

Documents Required for Canada Biometric Appointment in India

When attending your biometric appointment for Canada, it is essential to have the necessary documents with you. Ensure you bring all required paperwork to avoid delays in the process. Below is a list of the key documents you will need.

• Your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
• A valid passport or travel document
• Any additional documents mentioned in your BIL
• Proof of your appointment booking

Also Read: How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa Online 

When to Submit Your Biometrics for a Canada Visa in India?

After submitting your visa or permit application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), outlining the next steps for your biometric appointment. You typically have 30 days from the letter's date to complete this step. Below is a guide on when biometrics are required based on your application type.

Also Read: Canada PR Requirements 

What Happens During a Canada Biometric Appointment?

At the time of your Canada biometric appointment slot, once you have ensured your timely arrival at the VAC location, the process is quick and easy, usually taking about 15-30 minutes. Here is the step-by-step process demonstration:

Step 1: Identity verification is done, where your passport and Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) are checked

Step 2: Proceed to the biometrics collection process, where your fingerprints (of 10 fingers) and a digital photograph are taken 

Step 3: Your data is reviewed, and you need to confirm details on-screen before submission

Step 4: Upon completion, you receive a receipt as proof that your biometrics have been sent electronically to IRCC.

Tips to Avoid Delays in VFS Canada Biometric Appointment India

Now that you are familiar with how to book an appointment for biometrics in Canada. Moving ahead, let us learn what you should bring along or ensure when you visit the Visa Application Centre for your Canada biometric appointment:

• Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled VFS biometric appointment Canada slot.
• It's essential that you, the visa applicant, attend the appointment in person. Sending someone else in your place is not permitted.
• Only applicants and one parent or caregiver accompanying a child under 18 years old are allowed to enter the Visa Application Centre.
• Ensure you bring the following documents:
• A printed copy of your visa application
• Two copies of 2D barcoded sheets
• Two copies of your passport's bio page
• A valid passport or travel document
• If you've applied for a visa online and have received the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL), bring a printed copy of the “BIL”, the consent form, and a valid passport or travel document with at least two blank pages on both sides.
• Remember to carry all the necessary supporting documentation in both original and copy forms.
• Children under 14 years old do not need to attend the Canada appointment biometrics, as they are not required to provide fingerprint information.
• If you're accompanying a child under 18 years old, please note that the accompanying adult cannot be a member of VFS Global staff.

Also Read: Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada 

List of VACs in India for Biometric Appointment for Canada

Now that you're looking to schedule your biometric appointment for Canada in India, you have the option to select from the following IRCC-approved Visa Application Centers (offices) available in the country:

Also Read: Canada Family Visa 

Tips for a Successful Biometrics Appointment Canada

Along with the mandatory pointers to be ensured there are a few more things that you ought not to miss for ensuring a smooth Canada fingerprint appointment and process. These tips include:

• When getting your photo taken, ensure your entire face is visible. If you prefer, you can request to be photographed by someone of the same gender and even ask for a privacy curtain. Your religious headgear mustn't obstruct your face.
• Avoid wearing white or light-colored clothing, including headgear. Vibrant and bright colors tend to work best for your photo.
• Refrain from applying henna to your hands before giving your fingerprints.
• Check that any injuries, cuts, or cracks on your fingertips have fully healed before providing your fingerprints.

If the initial fingerprinting doesn't capture well, you might need to schedule a second appointment for the process.

Also Read: Canada Visa Fees 

Need Assistance for Canada Biometric Appointment? Contact GetGIS

The biometric appointment is a critical part of the Canadian immigration process. Being informed and prepared is key to ensuring your identity is verified and the necessary checks are conducted efficiently.

While the specifics can vary, following the provided guidelines is essential. A successful biometric appointment brings you closer to your goal of visiting or living in Canada.

Are you searching for exceptional assistance with your Canada visa application and subsequent steps, including biometric appointments or mock interviews? GetGIS is here for you. From the visa application process to biometric appointment to mock interviews to post-landing services, we have you all covered. Just relax and experience the ease of navigating through the Canada Immigration process with our expert guidance. 

 Book Your Free Consultation

Useful Links for Further Reads

• Canada Study Visa Processing Time in 2026
• Study in Canada After 12th Grade
• Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA Canada 
• Canada PR Processing Time From India