Temporary Foreign Workers in Essential Services are exempt from giving Biometrics

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily exempted foreign workers in certain sectors, namely the agriculture, agri-food and health-care sectors, from having to give their biometrics before coming to Canada if the biometrics collection site closest to them is closed. Most of the workers in essential occupations who are coming to Canada have already given their biometrics, as they have previously worked in Canada. Some exempt workers, such as seasonal agricultural workers, will now be giving their biometrics on arrival at Canadian ports of entry (POEs).Applicants who are not covered under this public policy, are given new extension until the biometrics collection sites reopen. IRCC has confirmed that no application in progress will be refused or closed because of documents including biometrics that are missing due to COVID-19.