Costa Rica News – As of December 31st, applicants for visas to Canada must provide photos and fingerprints. This measure is already in effect for countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It will be extended to the rest of the world.
The Canadian embassy in Costa Rica released a statement saying “The Government of Canada will expand its biometric data collection because of its proven effectiveness in protecting the integrity of the immigration system and national security.”
The visa applications will cost 85 Canadian dollars (about ¢39,000). Families will pay a maximum of 175 Canadian dollars.
Groups of artists will pay a maximum of 255 Canadian dollars.
The application can be submitted through www.cic.gc.ca and then the biometric data must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the instructions via email.
Once a visa is approved, the biometric data will be valid for 10 years.
