Canada to Require Facial Biometrics for eTA Applicants by 2027

As Canada continues to modernize its immigration system, a new regulatory initiative is poised to reshape how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) verifies identities and safeguards the integrity of its programs. Between 2025 and 2027, IRCC plans to introduce amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that would expand the collection and use of biometric data. This includes facial biometrics for more secure identity verification, especially targeting applicants from visa-exempt countries who currently only require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada.

While the initiative remains in early development stages, the proposal signals a significant shift in Canada’s immigration control framework, bringing it in line with global standards and addressing longstanding identity verification challenges.

Expanding Biometric Collection: The Regulatory Plan

The proposed regulatory amendments will strengthen Canada’s immigration programs by introducing new biometric requirements. Currently, IRCC collects fingerprints and photos from most visa-required applicants, but visa-exempt travelers applying for an eTA do not submit biometric information. This gap has raised security and fraud concerns.

The key elements of the plan include:

• Expanding the authority of IRCC to collect and use facial biometrics from all categories of immigration applicants
• Introducing mandatory facial biometric collection for visa-exempt foreign nationals applying for an eTA
• Enhancing identity verification procedures across temporary resident, permanent resident, and refugee protection streams
• Improving the accuracy of decision-making and reducing the risk of identity fraud

Canada’s goal is to align its systems with other countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, all of which have integrated biometrics as a core element of border security. The European Union is also expected to implement similar requirements soon. From a policy perspective, these changes are expected to generate net benefits for Canada by increasing the reliability and efficiency of processing low-risk applicants.

Current Biometric Practices and the eTA Loophole

As it stands, Canada mandates biometric data (fingerprints and facial photos) for most foreign nationals applying for visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and permanent residence. Applicants typically pay a biometric fee of $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD for a family applying together. Biometrics are valid for 10 years for most applicants.

However, travelers from visa-exempt countries can currently apply for an eTA online without submitting biometric data. This digital document, which costs $7 CAD, is usually processed within minutes and is valid for five years or until the passport expires. While efficient, the eTA system lacks the biometric safeguards present in the visa process, leaving it more vulnerable to fraud or misidentification.

This regulatory gap has been a growing concern, particularly as eTA use has expanded. According to internal assessments and consultation summaries, security experts have raised flags about inconsistent identity verification processes. It has become increasingly clear that adding a biometric step for eTA applicants would reduce vulnerabilities and standardize entry screening procedures.

How These Changes May Affect Travelers and Stakeholders

From an immigration consultant’s perspective, the move toward biometric expansion is long overdue but must be implemented carefully. Introducing biometric requirements for eTA applicants will:

• Add a new application step for millions of travelers from visa-exempt countries
• Likely require in-person appointments at designated biometric collection centers
• Increase the cost and complexity of what has been a seamless digital travel process
• Potentially impact Canada’s tourism and hospitality sectors, depending on how smoothly the transition is handled

Tourism industry stakeholders may express concern that the new requirement could deter short-term travelers, especially from countries unfamiliar with biometric compliance. That said, Canada is not acting in isolation. The trend globally is toward greater biometric integration, and the move is more about catching up than leading the charge.

While the upfront cost and logistical burden may temporarily inconvenience travelers, the long-term benefit lies in bolstering national security and preventing identity misuse. For low-risk applicants, once enrolled, biometrics will likely make repeat travel even smoother.

As for businesses, the impact is expected to be minimal unless their operations depend heavily on fast inbound travel from visa-exempt markets. No major effects are expected on trade or investment.

A Professional Viewpoint on the Future of Identity Screening

The modernization of Canada’s identity screening process reflects a broader shift in global immigration policy. Biometric verification is quickly becoming the norm, not the exception. The proposed changes indicate Canada’s commitment to safeguarding its borders while maintaining efficient pathways for genuine travelers.

For immigration professionals, the future will involve helping clients navigate an increasingly layered application system, particularly for those who previously relied on the simplicity of the eTA. A nuanced approach will be required to guide applicants through new biometric compliance steps, manage expectations around processing times, and ensure documents are correctly prepared.

The opportunity for public comment once the regulations are published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, will be an important phase for both professionals and stakeholders to influence final implementation details. Transparency and accessibility will be key to maintaining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming yet secure destination.

As identity fraud grows more sophisticated, strengthening identity checks through biometrics is not just a policy trend, it’s an operational necessity.

Currently, many applicants from visa-exempt countries enjoy frictionless access, but the introduction of biometrics may create confusion or resistance, especially among casual or first-time travelers. Our immigration consultancy can help simplify this process, particularly for those unfamiliar with Canada’s new requirements. With regulatory shifts like this, timely advice, application preparation, and expert representation can make all the difference in maintaining smooth travel plans and successful immigration outcomes.