Canada Biometric Tests Unavailable In Bermuda
Due to a “ban on business travel for Canadian public servants, the Canadian Consulate is unable to facilitate the Biometric Identification Process for Canadian Visa Applicants in Bermuda,” the Ministry of Labour said.
A Government spokesperson said, “The public will be aware that specific identification criteria are mandatory for some individuals applying for a Canadian visitor visa, work or study permit or permanent residency in Canada. This is mandatory for all foreign students, inclusive of Bermudian students.
”Previously the Bermuda Government in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada was able to offer Biometric collection in Bermuda, thus avoiding the expense of travelling to the US to collect the Biometric data.
”Presently, however, due to the impact of COVID-19, the Canadian Government has instituted a travel ban for Canadian public servants. As a result, representatives from the Consulate General of Canada are unable to send a team to Bermuda to provide biometrics collection.
”As such, until the ban on business travel for Canadian public servants is lifted, here are the steps that residents must take to secure the data.
”Biometric enrolment continues to be available, by appointment, through the Visa Application Centre [VAC] network and the 135 U.S. Application Support Centers [ASC].
”For students studying in Canada, specific procedures for the Study Permit process, are as follows:
- Students are advised to apply for a Study Permit using the online process at their earliest opportunity.
- Detailed instructions can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/information/applications/student.asp
- Once the application has been submitted and all fees paid, students will receive instructions on biometric enrolment and can proceed to make a biometrics appointment at a VAC or ASC of their choice.
- The timeframe for submitting biometrics is normally 30 days.
”If a student needs more time to arrange travel to complete this step, they should contact the Government of Canada office to request an extension. The contact email address is NewYork-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca.”
The Minister of Labour Jason Hayward said, “The inability of our Canadian partners to travel to Bermuda to assist us, as they have done so in the past, is an unfortunate impact of COVID-19.
“Persons needing to obtain the Biometric Data to complete their application process will need to make alternative arrangements to travel overseas to obtain a test. The Department of Immigration will closely monitor this situation and immediately notify the public should circumstances change.”
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Has anyone thought about reminding the Government of Canada (esp. the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec) about how much money they make from Bermudians studying in Canada AND how much money they will loose if Bermudians are unable to study in Canada because nonsense? Post covid Canada, like most countries, have seen and will continue to see dramatic hits to their bottom line….which means they will need every penny they get…even pennies/ Bermuda/ USD from Bermuda. Come on Canada, you can do better than this….we know you can! Ey?