In a bid to facilitate processing of visa application for genuine applicants, the Canadian Government has introduced fresh conditions that will make it more difficult for others to forge, steal or use an applicant’s identity to gain access to Canada.
The fresh conditions, which will be applicable to visitor’s visa, study and work permit, now require visa applicants to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
It takes effect from October 23, 2013.
However, certain categories of applicants like those under the age of 14 or over the age of 79, diplomats and government officials travelling on official business are exempted.
According to a statement issued by the Canadian High Commission in Abuja and signed by Ezinne Uluocha, Public Affairs officer, the new requirements will put Canada in line with other countries, which are already collecting this information from visitors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, countries in the European Union Schengen Zone and Japan.
Uluocha noted that in the long run, the use of this information will make entry to Canada easier by providing a reliable tool to readily confirm a person’s identity.
The new measures demand that applicants in person visit a visa application centre to submit their application and give their fingerprints and have their photograph taken.
It also comes along with the introduction of charges.
There is a new fee of $85 CAD for the collection of fingerprints and the photograph at VAC while family members who apply together for a visitor visa will pay a maximum fee of $170 CAD.
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