March 12, 2019 Toronto, Ontario Canada Border Services Agency / PortsToronto
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and PortsToronto are pleased to announce the implementation of fingerprint verification for biometrically enrolled Foreign Nationals and Permanent Residents using Primary Inspection Kiosks at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
The Government of Canada is now using fingerprint verification technology through its Primary Inspection Kiosks to establish that a person seeking entry into Canada is the same person that was issued their visa, permit or permanent residence documentation. This will prevent individuals from using a stolen, borrowed, or altered visa or permit on their attempt to enter Canada.
Canadian Citizens and citizenship applicants are not required to provide biometrics and are therefore not required to complete fingerprint verification while seeking entry to Canada.
Biometric enrollment became a requirement for new visa and permit applicants from Europe, Africa and the Middle East effective July 31, 2018, while applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas became subject to the same requirements starting December 31, 2018.
All temporary resident visa, work permit, study permit, and temporary resident permit applicants (excluding U.S. Citizens) and all Permanent Resident applicants are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and digital photograph) when submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or to the CBSA.
Fingerprint verification with Primary Inspection Kiosks will be phased in at all major Canadian airports throughout 2019.
Biometric-enabled Primary Inspection Kiosks are next generation technology that offer self-service options for international air travellers arriving in Canada.
The Primary Inspection Kiosks at YTZ strengthen border security and simplify the border experience.
"Biometrics helps immigration and border officials prevent identity theft, spot those who pose a security risk and stop criminals from entering Canada, while facilitating entry into Canada for most travellers. We are proud to work with PortsToronto to implement this important verification process at Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport."
Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, CBSA Greater Toronto Area Region.
"Together with the Canada Border Services Agency, we are pleased to introduce fingerprint verification technology at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport at all of our primary inspection kiosks. Billy Bishop Airport is known for its convenience and efficiency and this innovative biometric-enabled technology will assist in further strengthening border security and simplifying the experience for international travellers arriving in Canada through YTZ."
Gene Cabral, Executive Vice President, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
