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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check you can be a sponsor

Family sponsorshipChecksStep 5 of 9

Blocked$85 · within 30 days · RequiredYou are here

5. Give biometrics

The person being sponsored gives fingerprints and a photo after the application is submitted.

Waiting on: Submit both applications together

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 5 of 9 · RequiredClose

Give biometrics

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepBiometricscanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

The person being sponsored gives fingerprints and a photo after the application is submitted. The fee is $85 per person, capped at $170 for a family applying together, and is normally paid when the application goes in.

Why it's required: Not paying the biometrics fee up front is a common cause of delay, because the instruction letter can't be issued until it's paid.

Fee$85 per person$170 is the family maximum when applying together.

Deadline30 daysFrom the date on the biometrics instruction letter.

Documents you'll need

The biometrics instruction letter
The passport used on the application

Before this step

BlockedSubmit both applications together

Finishing this unlocks: Decision