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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: Find out what you actually need

Visitors and eTAApplyStep · of 5

BlockedOptionalYou are here

·. Give biometrics (visa applicants)

Visitor visa applicants generally give fingerprints and a photo at a collection point after applying.

Waiting on: Apply for the eTA or the visitor visa

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 · of 5 · OptionalClose

Give biometrics (visa applicants)

BlockedOptional

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

Visitor visa applicants generally give fingerprints and a photo at a collection point after applying. eTA applicants do not. The fee is $85 per person, capped at $170 for a family applying together.

Why it's required: This branch only applies to the visa route, which is why it sits off the main line. Your biometrics also cap how long a visa can be valid.

Fee$85 per person$170 is the maximum for a family applying at the same time.

Not for eTAVisa route onlyAn eTA application never asks for biometrics.

Documents you'll need

The biometrics instruction letter IRCC sends after you apply
The passport you applied with

Before this step

BlockedApply for the eTA or the visitor visa

This is the last step of the pathway.