Canada to Require Mandatory Biometrics for Citizenship Applications by 2026–2027

Canada is advancing its citizenship process. In 2026–2027, authorities plan to introduce a mandatory biometric requirement for citizenship grant applications—part of a broader modernization strategy.

What Is Changing: The New Biometric Citizenship Requirement

• IRCC proposes new regulations amending the Citizenship Regulations to systematically collect and use biometric information (fingerprints, facial recognition data, etc.) for citizenship processing.
• The authority for this change stems from legislative powers granted in June 2023 via the Budget Implementation Act, No. 1
• The impetus is to modernize workflows and enhance integrity across the Citizenship Program

Why Canada Is Implementing Mandatory Biometrics

• Stronger identity verification: Biometrics ensure applicants are who they claim to be, reducing fraud.
• Program integrity: Enhances the reliability of background and criminality screening.
• Processing efficiency: Automation enabled by biometric data helps speed up low-risk decision-making—impacting up to 93% of applications at the intake stage
• Ultimately, the goal is to bolster client service, security, and efficiency.

Timeline: Consultation, Pre-Publication, and Final Regulation

• This long-term initiative was listed in IRCC’s Forward Regulatory Plan for 2025–2027, with inclusion dating from July 16, 2025
• Pre-publication of the regulatory amendments is expected in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in 2026.
• Final publication and regulatory enactment are targeted for 2027, with stakeholder feedback collected during pre-publication.

Impacts and What Applicants Need to Know

• Applicants across all relevant categories should anticipate submitting biometrics as part of their citizenship application process starting post-2027.
• Minimal impact on businesses or trade, as IRCC indicates the change is client-focused and internal
• Applicant preparation tip: Keep documents ready to comply with biometric requirements (higher likelihood of needing to submit fingerprints or facial data).

Privacy, Security, and Data Handling Considerations

• IRCC assures privacy protection through strict regulatory frameworks. Fingerprints will be purged from RCMP records once an applicant becomes a citizen
• The department’s stance includes secure storage, usage compliant with the Privacy Act, and alignment with Charter rights
• The sailing toward biometric modernization includes procurement to upgrade biometric collection technology—reflecting the overall investment in system integrity.

By 2027, all citizenship applicants will likely need to undergo biometric enrollment—a move driven by modernization, efficiency, and security.
Stakeholders—applicants, legal advisors, and consultancy firms—should monitor IRCC announcements, prepare for upcoming consultations, and update application guidance accordingly.