Canada to introduce biometric visas for visitors

The new programme is due to go live in three to four years, if it is passed by the Government, and will mean that all those with a temporary Canadian visa, including visitors, temporary workers and students will need to provide biometric information.

The implementation of the programme has already encountered controversy, with protests from privacy advocates claiming the information could be mishandled or misused.

"The idea will be that we will take biometrics from people who are coming temporarily to Canada and need a visitor's visa - temporary workers, students and visitors," Claudette Deschenes, assistant deputy minister in the immigration department told members of Parliament.  "Those who don't need a visitor's visa to enter Canada will be taken at the port of entry."

"We will be launching in three to four years ... We expect in 4 1/2 to five years we will have covered off at least 30%.  So we will start with certain places in the world and then move from there."

The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people apply for Canada visa and immigration services.