Spousal Sponsorship and Biometrics: The Fingerprints That Can Shape Your Future Together

For couples applying for spousal sponsorship to Canada, love may be the foundation—but paperwork and procedures are the bricks that build your new life together. One essential step in this process is biometrics, a requirement that’s often underestimated but critical to your application’s success.

In 2025, IRCC continues to rely heavily on biometrics for identity verification, security checks, and fraud prevention. Missing or delaying this step can put your entire sponsorship application at risk.

1. What Are Biometrics?

Biometrics are digital fingerprints and a photograph collected by IRCC to:

• Confirm your identity

• Conduct criminal and security checks

• Link your records across immigration applications

2. Who Needs to Give Biometrics in Spousal Sponsorship?

Almost all sponsored spouses, whether applying from inside or outside Canada, must provide biometrics unless they:

• Have previously given biometrics in the past 10 years for another application, and

• That data is still valid at the time of processing.

3. The Process

1. After submitting your sponsorship application, IRCC sends a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).

2. You have 30 days to complete biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) outside Canada or at a Service Canada location inside Canada.

3. Your application will not move forward until biometrics are provided.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the 30-day deadline—late biometrics can cause delays or refusals.

• Not bringing the BIL and valid ID to your appointment.

• Assuming biometrics aren’t needed because of a previous application without checking validity.

5. Special Considerations in 2025

Processing centres have become faster in integrating biometric results into applications, but appointments at busy VACs can still fill up quickly. Early booking is key.

Expert Insight

As an immigration consultant, I’ve seen otherwise strong spousal sponsorship applications stall for months over biometric delays. This step is not just a formality—it’s a security clearance and identity verification essential to your approval.

Actionable Steps

• Book your biometrics appointment as soon as you receive the BIL.

• Keep proof of completion for your records.

• Double-check the 10-year validity if you’ve given biometrics before.

• Plan travel carefully—biometric locations may require advance scheduling.