Canada | Biometric exemption for certain FIFA-invited applicants attending the World Cup

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a temporary public policy exempting certain FIFA-invited applicants attending the 2026 World Cup from the biometrics collection requirement.

Key takeaways:

Applicants eligible for the biometrics exemption must apply for a temporary resident visa to enter Canada between Nov. 25, 2025, and July 20, 2026, hold a letter of invitation from FIFA and not be associated with adverse information held or received by IRCC.

Eligible applicants may also include diplomats and government officials traveling on diplomatic or official passports.

This temporary public policy intends to safely simplify processing for FIFA delegates and invitees and expires on July 20, 2026.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.