Biometrics exemption

[markito00]

Hi everyone I am applying for a visitors visa in Argentina and I just received the letter saying I need to go in person to provide biometrics.
The thing is the closest center is 500 km away. Kind of a ridiculous requirement.

Anyone know anything about the process for requesting (and likelihood of getting) an exemption on the grounds of "impossible/not feasible"? I have copied the relevant section from gov't website below:


https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...y-management/biometrics/exemptions.html#toc11

Impossible or not feasible
This section provides direction specific to exempting biometrics from a person who otherwise would be biometrically required. When collection of one or both pieces of biometric information is impossible or not feasible, a designated officer must make this determination.

Under section R12.8, designated officers have the discretion to exempt applicants from providing one or both pieces of biometric information (fingerprints and photo), as the case may be, if it is determined that the collection of biometric information is impossible or not feasible.

Designated officers should apply this exemption on a case-by-case basis. Designated officers assess the exceptional circumstances associated with the client’s application and must document the specific findings that led to that decision.

 

[Naturgrl]

So is the office in your country? Why can't you travel 500 km? In India, VACs are closed and they are travelling to Nepal and Dubai to complete biometrics. An exemption just because you don't want to travel 500 km is not a reason.

 

[markito00]

Fair enough....yes, that seems even more abusive than having to travel 500km.

Just seems a bit ridiculous when it could presumably be done online or some other means. Any word on whether exemptions are being granted, and under what conditions?
Thanks!

 

[scylla]

Fair enough....yes, that seems even more abusive than having to travel 500km.

Just seems a bit ridiculous when it could presumably be done online or some other means. Any word on whether exemptions are being granted, and under what conditions?
Thanks!

You need to be able to prove impossible / not feasible. Impossible / not feasible could be a situation for example where there are no biometrics collection centres in your country and it is impossible for you to get a visa to travel to another country where you can get biometrics done. I think IRCC will likely classify your situation as inconvenient vs. impossible / not feasible.

I know we've seen a few people try for the exemption here but I don't believe I've seen any be successful.

As said, those in India who cannot get biometrics done there are traveling to other countries to get it done. I haven't heard of any exemptions being granted there.

You can certainly try requesting the exemption if you don't mind the process being delayed and waiting for a response from IRCC. Certainly no harm trying (apart from a potential for a delay).