Fingerprinting for Canadian Study Visa Timing

Yes, you can apply for the fingerprinting (biometrics) of your wife’s tourist visa at a different time if needed. Here are the details on how you can manage biometrics appointments for separate visa applications:

Applying for Biometrics Separately:

1. Separate Applications: When you apply for a Canadian study visa and your wife applies for a tourist visa, each application is treated independently. Therefore, biometrics can be scheduled separately based on the individual requirements and timelines of each application.

2. Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL):

• After submitting the visa application, each applicant will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This letter provides instructions on how to complete the biometrics requirement.

• You and your wife will each receive a separate BIL if you apply at different times.

3. Booking Appointments:

• Use the information provided in the BIL to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give your biometrics.

• Each applicant can book an appointment independently. It’s not necessary to complete biometrics at the same time.

4. Valid Biometrics:

• Once biometrics are given, they are valid for 10 years for multiple applications, provided they were given within the previous 10 years. If your wife has given biometrics for another Canadian visa within this period, she might not need to provide them again.

Steps for Biometrics:

1. Receive BIL:

• After you submit your study visa application, you will receive a BIL. Similarly, after your wife submits her tourist visa application, she will receive her own BIL.

2. Schedule Appointments:

• Schedule separate biometrics appointments at a nearby VAC. You can find a VAC and schedule an appointment through the IRCC website.

3. Attend Appointment:

• Attend the biometrics appointment with your BIL, passport, and other required documents. Ensure your wife attends her appointment with her documents when it’s time.

Important Considerations:

• Processing Time: Delaying the biometrics submission can affect the overall processing time of the visa application. It’s advisable to complete biometrics as soon as possible after receiving the BIL.

• Appointment Availability: Ensure you book an appointment promptly, as appointment availability can vary.

Resources:

• IRCC - Biometrics

• Find a Visa Application Centre (VAC)

• IRCC - Visitor Visa

By following these steps, you can manage the biometrics process for your study visa and your wife’s tourist visa applications effectively, even if they are done at different times.