Bermudians seeking Canadian visas can provide relevant biometrics with the Bermuda Department of Immigration this month.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said that the session is possible through a partnership with the Consul-General of Canada. It allows applicants to complete an important immigration step without needing to travel overseas.

The ministry noted that specific identification criteria are mandatory for all Bermudian students planning to study in Canada and “some individuals applying for a Canadian visitor visa, work or study permit, or permanent residency in Canada”.

Bermuda residents who have applied for the permits, provided their biometrics, paid the fee — CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 maximum for family members applying at the same time — and received a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada can log their biometrics with the Department of Immigration on Parliament Street on April 16 and 17.

Collection will be available by appointment only, from 9am to midday and 1pm to 4pm both days.

Mr Hayward said: “I appreciate the Consulate-General of Canada's continued collaboration in providing this convenient service, and I strongly encourage those eligible to take advantage of it.”

Applicants should arrive 15 minutes earlier than the time listed for their appointments, which can be booked by e-mailing CNGNYConsular@international.gc.ca.

They should take with them their passports, other travel documents and biometrics instruction letter.

Applicants receive a biometrics letter within 24 hours of paying the fee and must provide their biometrics within 30 days of receiving that document.

Anyone unable to attend the sessions on April 16 or 17 can visit canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics/where-to-give.html.