Biometrics Outside Canada: VAC Appointments, Deadline Problems, and Scam Warnings

Many immigration applicants outside Canada must provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). VAC appointment availability varies widely by country, deadlines are strict, and fraud targeting applicants at VACs is common. This resource explains the full biometrics process for applicants abroad.

This resource explains the biometrics collection requirement for Canadian immigration applications — specifically for applicants outside Canada who must provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). It covers which applications require biometrics, how to find and book a VAC appointment, the 30-day biometrics instruction deadline, what to do when VAC appointments are unavailable or far away, and how to identify fraud at or around VACs.

Biometrics are required for most Canadian immigration applications. Applicants who miss the deadline to provide biometrics — often 30 days from receiving the biometric instruction letter — may have their application refused. In countries like Pakistan and Iran, VAC appointment availability can be severely limited, meaning applicants must plan far in advance or travel to another city or country for their appointment. Additionally, fraudulent operators near VACs target vulnerable applicants, including Afghans.

• Most Canadian immigration applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 who have not previously provided biometrics to IRCC must provide them — biometrics are valid for 10 years once given
• After submitting an application, applicants who need to provide biometrics receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) — they typically have 30 days from the date of the letter to attend a VAC appointment
• Visa Application Centres (VACs) are operated by private service delivery partners — VFS Global and TLScontact — not by the Canadian government
• VAC appointment availability varies significantly by country — in Pakistan, VAC appointments have historically been limited, and applicants have sometimes waited weeks or traveled to other cities
• If you cannot get an appointment within the deadline, IRCC does allow applicants to request an extension — this must be done through the IRCC webform before the deadline expires, with an explanation