March 15, 2019 Montreal, Quebec Canada Border Services Agency
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is pleased to announce the implementation of fingerprint verification for biometrically enrolled foreign nationals and permanent residents using Primary Inspection Kiosks at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.
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 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, with the first in Canada being implemented at YVR on January 29, 2019.
Biometric-enabled Primary Inspection Kiosks are next generation technology that offer self-service options for international air travellers arriving in Canada.
The 23 Primary Inspection Kiosks at YQB strengthen border security and simplify the border experience.
"The successful partnership between the CBSA and Jean-Lesage International Airport allows us to offer modernized services that leverage technology to help us reduce border wait times while improving security."
Annie Beauséjour, Regional Director General, CBSA Quebec Region
"We are pleased to be the third Canadian airport to offer fingerprint verification through its Primary Inspection Kiosks. This CBSA service enhancement in the Customs area will improve the flow of foreign travelers and permanent residents who are required to provide biometric information."
Gaëtan Gagné, President and CEO, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.
