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Feb. 15th, 2019 10:49 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
amazonvSo yesterday I got a noticed I had a message in my account
I was very excited!
The current estimate last time I logged in was July.
I logged in http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp
I had a message "Biometrics Collection Letter"
Which had me download a PDF
START PDF
This letter refers to your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for one of the following documents to come to or remain in Canada:
• temporary resident permit; • work permit; • study permit; • temporary resident visa; • visitor record; • permanent resident application; or • permanent resident card renewal.
Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations, you are required to have your fingerprints scanned and your photograph taken (your biometrics) at a biometric collection service point to help Visa Officers determine if you may enter or stay in Canada. Most applicants will need to give their biometrics at a biometric collection service point abroad before they travel to Canada.
Only those who are eligible to apply for a or a at a designated port of entry can give their biometrics upon arrival in Canada.
Note: If you received this letter you must give your biometrics before coming to Canada and are not eligible to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a Canadian port of entry. If you are already in Canada, you will have to leave the country to provide your biometrics.
Why is IRCC collecting my fingerprints and photograph?
Your biometric information will be used under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations to determine if you may enter or stay in Canada. Your fingerprints may also be shared with law enforcement agencies in Canada and may be used for the enforcement of any Canadian or provincial law. For more information about why the Government of Canada collects biometrics, how it uses your information and how it protects your privacy, please visit: and
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/ protecting-appplicants-privacy.html.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/facts.html
What you need to do next:
You need to take this letter with you and go in person to any biometric collection service point to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
• If you are outside Canada or the United States, you may go to any Visa Application Centre (VAC) most convenient to you.
• If you are already legally in the United States, you may go to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Application Support Center (ASC) or a Visa Application Centre (VAC) located in the United States or its territories.
For more information on where to give your biometrics, please visit:
What you need to bring with you:
When you present yourself at the biometric collection service point of your choice, you must bring the following: • a copy of this letter, and • the passport or travel document that you referenced in your application.
Note: This letter is also your proof that: • you have paid the biometric fee; or • you have claimed an exemption from the biometric fee under section 315.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). If, after reviewing your request, it is determined that you do not qualify for an exemption and are required to pay the biometric fee, you will be contacted by IRCC and your fee payment options will be explained to you.
Important Information
You have 30 days from the date of this letter to present yourself at a biometric collection service point to give your biometrics:
You must visit a biometric collection service point to have your fingerprints scanned and photograph taken on or before . If you do not comply, your application may be refused. If your application is refused, you will have to submit a new application and pay the applicable fees.
If you cannot provide your biometric information (photograph and/or fingerprints) or if you need more than the 30 days, please contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada at and be prepared to provide a detailed explanation.
If you have injuries or medical conditions:
Some injuries and medical conditions may affect your ability to provide your ten (10) fingerprints or photograph. If you have a temporary injury or condition on your face and/or hands, you should wait until the injury heals or condition improves before you give your biometrics. If you have a permanent injury or medical condition on your face and/or hands, your photograph will still be taken and you will be asked to provide as many fingerprints as possible.
If you hold multiple citizenship:
You must use the same travel document throughout the application process, including when you go to a biometric collection service point to give your biometrics. You must also use the same travel document upon arrival in Canada.
END PDF
I followed the link in the PDF to
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp
clicking on the name of the location takes me to
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/
clicked ASC
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asc
which entering my zip brings me right back to
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/ascprofile/PA/Philadelphia/XPA
The web page said "The only after filing service that is provided by an ASC is fingerprinting. Fingerprinting services are by appointment only and are related to an application for an immigration benefit.
You will be notified about an ASC appointment by mail. You should follow the instructions on the appointment notice to reschedule the appointment."
Which concerned me, i was expecting walk-in per the PDF
I called USCIS and used the automated system
It lead me to
https://www.uscis.gov/tools
so I made an infopass appointment using
https://my.uscis.gov/en/appointment/v2
It only looks 14 days in advance, and i only have 30, and Philly was booked, so made one in Pittsburgh (5 hour drive) on the day i was supposed to be flying back to Canada
I called USCIS to confirm i made the correct type of appointment, i talked to a person who had to put me on hold and ask a lot of questions
They directed me to
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
I indicated that was not helpful
They sent me to
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
I said that was not helpful and could he confirm if philly did walk ins - he said he could not and did not think that they did
I asked if i could make an ASC appointment, he indicated no, applicants can NOT make an ASC appointment you are given an appointment time as your case is processed.
i repeated i was a citizen and it was Canada that wanted it.
He could not help me. we ended the call.
Information
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
all this does is
START WEBSITE
Find out if you need to give biometrics
Select one: (required) I didn’t give biometrics in the past
Select the country code that matches the one on your passport. (required) USA
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
As a U.S. citizen or national, you don’t need to give your biometrics.
Exception: If you apply for permanent residence in Canada, you need to give your biometrics.
This tool provides general guidance. Depending on your situation, you may need to give biometrics. If so, we’ll send you a letter to confirm that you need to.
END WEBSITE
OK so that was everything I already knew
I Googled
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics.html
Which took me to
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/how-to-give-biometrics.html
which took me to
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp
AND - REPEAT SAME AS ABOVE
clicking on the name of the location takes me to
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/
clicked ASC
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asc
which entering my zip brings me right back to
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/ascprofile/PA/Philadelphia/XPA
so... i emailed immigration (Canada) and asked for help
And i emailed my lawyer, they responded they have been experiencing this issue now with multiple people and don't have an answer yet but suggested i try to do a walk in. they are seeking an extension
I was very excited!
The current estimate last time I logged in was July.
I logged in http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp
I had a message "Biometrics Collection Letter"
Which had me download a PDF
START PDF
This letter refers to your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for one of the following documents to come to or remain in Canada:
• temporary resident permit; • work permit; • study permit; • temporary resident visa; • visitor record; • permanent resident application; or • permanent resident card renewal.
Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations, you are required to have your fingerprints scanned and your photograph taken (your biometrics) at a biometric collection service point to help Visa Officers determine if you may enter or stay in Canada. Most applicants will need to give their biometrics at a biometric collection service point abroad before they travel to Canada.
Only those who are eligible to apply for a or a at a designated port of entry can give their biometrics upon arrival in Canada.
Note: If you received this letter you must give your biometrics before coming to Canada and are not eligible to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a Canadian port of entry. If you are already in Canada, you will have to leave the country to provide your biometrics.
Why is IRCC collecting my fingerprints and photograph?
Your biometric information will be used under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations to determine if you may enter or stay in Canada. Your fingerprints may also be shared with law enforcement agencies in Canada and may be used for the enforcement of any Canadian or provincial law. For more information about why the Government of Canada collects biometrics, how it uses your information and how it protects your privacy, please visit: and
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/ protecting-appplicants-privacy.html.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/facts.html
What you need to do next:
You need to take this letter with you and go in person to any biometric collection service point to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
• If you are outside Canada or the United States, you may go to any Visa Application Centre (VAC) most convenient to you.
• If you are already legally in the United States, you may go to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Application Support Center (ASC) or a Visa Application Centre (VAC) located in the United States or its territories.
For more information on where to give your biometrics, please visit:
What you need to bring with you:
When you present yourself at the biometric collection service point of your choice, you must bring the following: • a copy of this letter, and • the passport or travel document that you referenced in your application.
Note: This letter is also your proof that: • you have paid the biometric fee; or • you have claimed an exemption from the biometric fee under section 315.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). If, after reviewing your request, it is determined that you do not qualify for an exemption and are required to pay the biometric fee, you will be contacted by IRCC and your fee payment options will be explained to you.
Important Information
You have 30 days from the date of this letter to present yourself at a biometric collection service point to give your biometrics:
You must visit a biometric collection service point to have your fingerprints scanned and photograph taken on or before . If you do not comply, your application may be refused. If your application is refused, you will have to submit a new application and pay the applicable fees.
If you cannot provide your biometric information (photograph and/or fingerprints) or if you need more than the 30 days, please contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada at and be prepared to provide a detailed explanation.
If you have injuries or medical conditions:
Some injuries and medical conditions may affect your ability to provide your ten (10) fingerprints or photograph. If you have a temporary injury or condition on your face and/or hands, you should wait until the injury heals or condition improves before you give your biometrics. If you have a permanent injury or medical condition on your face and/or hands, your photograph will still be taken and you will be asked to provide as many fingerprints as possible.
If you hold multiple citizenship:
You must use the same travel document throughout the application process, including when you go to a biometric collection service point to give your biometrics. You must also use the same travel document upon arrival in Canada.
END PDF
I followed the link in the PDF to
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp
clicking on the name of the location takes me to
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/
clicked ASC
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asc
which entering my zip brings me right back to
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/ascprofile/PA/Philadelphia/XPA
The web page said "The only after filing service that is provided by an ASC is fingerprinting. Fingerprinting services are by appointment only and are related to an application for an immigration benefit.
You will be notified about an ASC appointment by mail. You should follow the instructions on the appointment notice to reschedule the appointment."
Which concerned me, i was expecting walk-in per the PDF
I called USCIS and used the automated system
It lead me to
https://www.uscis.gov/tools
so I made an infopass appointment using
https://my.uscis.gov/en/appointment/v2
It only looks 14 days in advance, and i only have 30, and Philly was booked, so made one in Pittsburgh (5 hour drive) on the day i was supposed to be flying back to Canada
I called USCIS to confirm i made the correct type of appointment, i talked to a person who had to put me on hold and ask a lot of questions
They directed me to
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
I indicated that was not helpful
They sent me to
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
I said that was not helpful and could he confirm if philly did walk ins - he said he could not and did not think that they did
I asked if i could make an ASC appointment, he indicated no, applicants can NOT make an ASC appointment you are given an appointment time as your case is processed.
i repeated i was a citizen and it was Canada that wanted it.
He could not help me. we ended the call.
Information
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
all this does is
START WEBSITE
Find out if you need to give biometrics
Select one: (required) I didn’t give biometrics in the past
Select the country code that matches the one on your passport. (required) USA
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
As a U.S. citizen or national, you don’t need to give your biometrics.
Exception: If you apply for permanent residence in Canada, you need to give your biometrics.
This tool provides general guidance. Depending on your situation, you may need to give biometrics. If so, we’ll send you a letter to confirm that you need to.
END WEBSITE
OK so that was everything I already knew
I Googled
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics.html
Which took me to
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/how-to-give-biometrics.html
which took me to
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp
AND - REPEAT SAME AS ABOVE
clicking on the name of the location takes me to
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/
clicked ASC
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asc
which entering my zip brings me right back to
https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/ascprofile/PA/Philadelphia/XPA
so... i emailed immigration (Canada) and asked for help
And i emailed my lawyer, they responded they have been experiencing this issue now with multiple people and don't have an answer yet but suggested i try to do a walk in. they are seeking an extension
