COVID-19: Temporary biometrics public policy exemption 

IMPACT – HIGH

The Canadian government has announced revisions to the requirement for biometrics testing abroad for temporary foreign workers in certain sectors.

Key Points:

• Temporary Foreign Workers are exempted from the requirement to have their biometrics collected prior to arrival in Canada, if:
  • The National Occupation Classification (NOC) for their work permit is in the agricultural and agri-food sectors, health care sector or truck drivers, and the biometrics collection site closest to them is closed.
•  Once these essential workers arrive in Canada, they may be asked to provide their biometrics at the Port of Entry. Please note that the 14-day quarantine period is required and their health and quarantine plan will be assessed at the Port of Entry.

Additional information: For all others not covered by this public policy amendment, the deadline to provide biometrics indicated in the biometric instruction letter (BIL) is automatically extended if the visa application centre (VAC) or biometrics collection site in their country or region is still closed. Click here for more information.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

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