Canada to request biometrics from Ukrainian citizens

Canada has decided to request biometrics from the Ukrainian citizens who apply for visa.

This information was confirmed at the Canadian Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be requested from the applicants for Canadian tourist visas, work, study and permanent residence permits.

The biometrics will be collected from each applicant once every decade, regardless of the length of the issued visa.

As a result, the cost of a Canadian visa will almost double as the biometrics collection fee of CAD 85 will be added to the consular fee. A standard tourist visa, which now costs CAD 100 Canadian, will cost CAD 185.

The indicated changes will take effect already this summer.

The ministry stressed that the new requirements would soon concern the citizens of all states, which do not have visa waiver programs with Canada, not just Ukrainians. The new rules are expected to come into force worldwide by the end of 2018.

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