Canada Brings Biometrics Collection to Bhutan: A Temporary Service for Visa Applicants

For Bhutanese citizens aspiring to travel, study, or work in Canada, the process of visa application is about to become significantly easier. The Embassy of Canada to Bhutan has announced a temporary biometrics collection service in Thimphu from February 25 to 27, 2025. This initiative will provide eligible applicants with an easier way to fulfill their biometrics requirements without the need to travel abroad.

Why Is Biometrics Important for Visa Applications?

Biometrics—comprising fingerprinting and photographing—is a key requirement for those applying for Canadian visas. This process helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) verify the identity of applicants and ensure secure entry into the country.

Canada has been implementing biometric verification for visa applicants from various countries to enhance border security and streamline immigration processes. Bhutanese applicants, like others worldwide, must comply with this requirement when applying for:

Visitor visas (for tourism, business, or family visits)

Study permits (for those enrolling in Canadian educational institutions)

Work permits (for employment opportunities in Canada)

Permanent residence

Previously, Bhutanese applicants had to travel to neighboring countries such as India or Nepal to complete this essential step. However, the temporary biometrics collection in Thimphu eliminates this challenge, saving applicants significant time, effort, and money.

Where and When Is the Biometrics Collection Happening?

The service will be available at Hotel Druk in Thimphu’s Clock Tower Square, a central and well-known location. The event will run for three days, from February 25 to 27, 2025, offering eligible applicants the chance to complete their biometric submission without leaving Bhutan.

Given the short window of availability, applicants must plan ahead and schedule an appointment in advance to take advantage of this convenient service.

Who Is Eligible for This Biometrics Collection Service?

This temporary biometrics collection is available exclusively for individuals who have already applied for a Canadian visa or permit and have received a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC. The BIL is an official document that instructs applicants on how and where to submit their biometrics.

Eligibility criteria include:

Applicants who have applied for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence

Those who have received a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC

Applicants who have paid the required biometrics fee

Without a BIL, applicants will not be allowed to submit their biometrics during this service period. However, since BILs are typically issued within 24 hours of fee payment, applicants who are planning to use this service should apply online and pay their biometrics fee as soon as possible to receive their BIL in time.

How Much Does It Cost?

The biometrics fee is a mandatory payment for all visa applicants and must be paid before requesting an appointment. The fee structure is as follows:

CAD 85 for an individual applicant

CAD 170 for families applying together

This fee covers the cost of fingerprinting and photographing, both of which are required for security and identity verification purposes.

How to Schedule an Appointment?

Appointments are mandatory for all applicants. Since this service is available for only three days, applicants must request an appointment via email by February 21, 2025.

Once an appointment request is submitted, applicants will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours, specifying the date and time of their biometrics submission.

Due to high demand and the limited timeframe, applicants are advised to book their appointments as early as possible to secure a slot.

What Happens After Biometrics Submission?

Once an applicant has successfully submitted their biometrics, the information is securely transmitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for processing.

How This Service Benefits Bhutanese Applicants

Before this initiative, Bhutanese visa applicants faced several challenges related to biometrics submission:

Travel costs: Many had to travel to India or Nepal, requiring additional expenses for flights, hotels, and visa fees for entry into those countries.

Time-consuming process: The need to visit a Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) abroad meant additional delays and logistical hurdles.

Limited appointment availability: Booking biometrics appointments in another country was often difficult due to high demand and restrictions.

By providing a temporary biometrics collection centre in Bhutan, Canada is making the visa application process more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient for Bhutanese applicants.

What If You Miss the Thimphu Biometrics Collection?

For those unable to attend the biometrics collection in Thimphu, the nearest Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) remains an option. However, this alternative requires applicants to:

Schedule an appointment in advance at the VAC

Ensure they have proper authorization (such as a visa) to enter the host country for biometrics submission

This highlights the importance of the Thimphu-based biometrics collection—it provides a unique and valuable opportunity for Bhutanese applicants to complete an essential visa step without leaving their country.

Future Implications: Will This Service Be Available Again?

While the current initiative is temporary, its success could pave the way for future biometrics collection programs in Bhutan. If demand is high and the process proves efficient, the Canadian government may consider repeating this service in the coming years, making visa applications even more convenient for Bhutanese applicants.

Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for Bhutanese Visa Applicants

This initiative represents a significant milestone for Bhutanese citizens applying for Canadian visas. By bringing biometrics collection directly to Thimphu, Canada is demonstrating its commitment to strengthening international relations and supporting mobility between Bhutan and Canada.

For Bhutanese individuals looking to visit, study, or work in Canada, this is a golden opportunity to complete a crucial step of the visa process without the hassle of international travel.

Key Takeaways

✅ When? February 25-27, 2025

✅ Where? Hotel Druk, Thimphu’s Clock Tower Square

✅ Who is eligible? Applicants with a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC

✅ Cost? CAD 85 (individual) / CAD 170 (family)

✅ How to book? Request an appointment by February 21, 2025 (confirmation within 48 hours)

✅ Why is it important? Saves Bhutanese applicants time and money by eliminating the need for international travel

With this initiative, Bhutanese applicants now have a rare and valuable chance to move one step closer to their Canadian dreams—right from the heart of Thimphu.