This is a guide on how to book for Canada biometrics in Kenya. The process involves some specific steps to be followed. Canada requires certain visa applicants to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs).
Before you book for Canada Biometrics in Kenya however, make sure you have filed the visa application forms and paid any necessary visa fees. I have provided a complete guide on how to apply for a Canadian Visa and make payment.
Steps to Follow to Book for Canada Biometrics in Kenya
Here are the steps to book a biometrics appointment for a Canadian visa application from Kenya. But first, retrieve your Biometric Instruction Letter from the IRCC website. You will use it to book for Canada Biometrics in Kenya
Log in to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to access your Biometric Instruction Letter. This is in case you have applied for a Canadian visa and have been requested to provide biometrics. Here are the general steps:
- Visit the IRCC Website: Go to the official IRCC website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html.
- Log in to Your Account, the one you used for the main visa application.
- Access Your Application: Once you’ve logged in, you should be able to access your visa application. Click on the section indicating that you have a new message.
- The full application status will open. Read through the various stages and you will encounter an area saying that your biometrics are required.
- Below that section is your Biometrics Instruction Letter. Download and print the letter as you will need it during the appointment date. The letter contains important details such as your IRCC Number, the deadline for completing your biometrics and the location of the Visa Application Centre (VAC) where you need to go.
Access VFS Global to Book for Canada Biometrics in Kenya
VFS Global is one of the service providers used by Canada to facilitate the biometrics collection process for visa applicants. Here are the general steps to follow to access VFS Global and book a biometrics appointment for Canada from Kenya.
- Visit the VFS Global Website: Click on visas, eVisas and Permits tab. Select the country you are applying from and the one you are visiting. Click on take me to the website.
- Select the option of booking an appointment.
- Select your preferred method of booking your appointment and click View More.
There are Five Main Methods you can use to book Your Canada Biometrics
- Online – The link will redirect you to an Appointment Login screen which enables you to:
- Schedule an appointment
- Re-schedule an appointment
- Cancel an appointment
You’ll have to follow the instructions mentioned on the page to create your own login credentials and schedule an appointment.
2. Telephone – If you wish to schedule an appointment via phone, you can do so by calling the helpline number 0800720214. A contact centre agent will be available to assist you in scheduling, rescheduling, or cancelling an appointment.
3. Email – If you wish to schedule an appointment via email, you can do so by using the web form.
4. Web Chat – If you wish to schedule an appointment, you can do so by clicking the Chat Now link. A contact centre agent will be available to assist you in scheduling, rescheduling or cancelling an appointment.
6. In Person – You can walk into the Canada Visa Application Centre during stipulated business hours to request this service and also schedule an appointment using the self-service method.
How to Book for Canada Biometrics in Kenya Using Online Option
- Click on the View More option to access the online booking option.
- Click on Create Account. Remember to activate your account using a link that will be sent to your email.
- Log into the VFS site and select the visa centre you wish to attend.
- Add the applicant(s) before proceeding to book your desired date of Biometrics for your Canadian Visa.
What you need to bring with you during the appointment:
When you present yourself at the biometric collection service point of your choice, you must bring the following:
- a copy of the Biometric Instruction Letter, and
- the passport or travel document that you referenced in your application.
A Note About Emergency Biometric Appointments:
The criteria for an emergency biometric appointment are as follows:
- Death of an immediate family member residing in Canada
- Critically ill immediate family member residing in Canada
An immediate family member is defined as a
- spouse or common-law partner
- dependent child
- dependent child of a dependent child
- parent or step-parent
- guardian or tutor
Applicants requesting emergency appointments for the purpose of biometric collection must provide proof of emergency (any one of the following) at the time of attending an appointment at the VAC
- Death/Medical Certificate
- Letter from Medical Officer/Unit
- Letter from Funeral Home
Please note the VAC will report all applicants to IRCC who do not present the required proof of emergency at the time of attending an emergency appointment at the VAC. IRCC may take this into consideration when reviewing the application.
An emergency biometric appointment does not affect IRCC’s processing times for the application or the outcome.
Please note that emergency biometric appointments cannot be scheduled using the online appointment system. To schedule an emergency biometric appointment, please do so by calling the VAC Contact Centre or by visiting the VAC in person.
