Visa applicants in Canada must appear in-person for biometrics appointment

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Chinese consulates in Canada are now requiring that visa applicants appear in-person for biometrics.

What does the change mean? Visa applicants must arrange an appointment in advance at one of the visa applications offices in Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Business impact: Applicants in Canada who do not live in a location where a visa application center is available will bear extra time and cost to travel to one of the available locations. Applicants who previously relied on visa agents to complete the application process will now need to appear in person.
• Next steps: Visa applicants should plan for delays and book their appointment as early as possible.

Analysis & Comments:  The additional step requiring an in-person biometrics appointment complicates a previously simple process. Applicants should anticipate delays, especially if they need to travel to one of the visa application centers.

This alert was prepared by Garson LLP, an independent law firm, allied with Deloitte LLP in Canada.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.