Embassy Appointment for The UK Student Visa

After submitting the study permit application online and paying the required fees, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) through the applicant's online account. This letter typically arrives within 24 hours of application submission and contains critical information, including instructions for scheduling an appointment and a completion deadline. Applicants generally have 30 days from the letter's date to provide their biometrics at an authorized location.

The biometrics fee costs CAD 85 for individual applicants, with a maximum family fee of CAD 170 when multiple family members apply together. This payment must be completed at the time of application submission to trigger the BIL issuance.

Arriving prepared with proper documentation ensures a smooth biometrics experience. Essential documents include:

Valid Passport: The original passport must be presented along with a photocopy of the biographical page. The passport should be current and not expired.

A significant advantage of Canada's biometrics system is its 10-year validity period. Students who previously provided biometrics for a Canadian visitor visa, work permit, or study permit within the past decade do not need to submit them again. The system automatically retrieves valid biometric information, saving time and the additional CAD 85 fee.

Applicants can verify their biometrics status through the IRCC Check Status tool on the Government of Canada website. However, permanent residence applications require fresh biometrics regardless of previous submissions.

The time spent collecting biometrics does not count toward overall study permit processing time. IRCC only begins formal application assessment after receiving biometric information from the collection center. Therefore, completing biometrics quickly after receiving the BIL minimizes overall waiting time.

The biometrics appointment itself is straightforward, typically taking only 15-20 minutes. Trained staff scan all ten fingerprints and capture a digital photograph meeting IRCC standards. Applicants should avoid wearing glasses or anything that obscures facial features during photography.

Certain individuals qualify for biometrics exemptions, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, those under 14 or over 79 years of age, and United States nationals. Diplomatic officials entering Canada on official business are also exempt.

Applicants with temporary injuries affecting fingerprint collection should reschedule their appointments. However, those with permanent conditions should attend with medical documentation explaining the situation.

After successful biometrics collection, the information is transmitted securely to IRCC, and the collection center provides a confirmation receipt. This receipt serves as proof that the requirement has been fulfilled. From this point, IRCC begins formal study permit assessment, with processing times varying by country and application volume.

The biometrics appointment represents a crucial milestone in obtaining a Canadian study permit. Understanding the process, preparing required documents, and completing the appointment within the specified deadline positions applicants for a successful visa application outcome.