April 5, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Canada Border Services Agency / Ottawa International Airport Authority
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Ottawa International Airport Authority are pleased to announce the implementation of fingerprint verification for biometrically enrolled foreign nationals and permanent residents using Primary Inspection Kiosks at Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
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, citizenship applicants, as well as U.S. citizens 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 21 Primary Inspection Kiosks at YOW strengthen border security and simplify the border experience.
"The expansion of primary inspection kiosks to include biometric processing is another example of the CBSA working to enhance border security while also streamlining the traveller experience. We are pleased to work with our partners at the Ottawa International Airport Authority to offer this modernized service as a reliable method of identification."
Shawn Hoag, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region
"The Ottawa International Airport was the first airport to introduce the Primary Inspection Kiosks in 2017, and we are pleased to be taking the next step with CBSA to use biometric technology to strengthen border security and streamline passenger processing."
Mark Laroche, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority
