Government-LicensedLicence849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024Valid till 22/07/2029
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Reason 44 of 50 · Forms, documents and procedural compliance

Biometrics are not provided when required or not provided on time

Classified asProcedural requirement

YOUR FILEVISA OFFICERassesses44
Evidence weakness — fixableThis is not a statutory bar. It affects whether the officer is satisfied, and better evidence can change that.

What this actually means

The applicant receives a biometric instruction request but fails to complete biometrics within the required period or follow the instructions.

Why it matters to the officer

IRCC specifically advises applicants to provide required biometrics promptly (generally within 30 days of the request) to avoid delays or refusal. Existing biometrics for visitor/work/study applications are generally valid for 10 years even if a prior application was refused.

IRPR 179 — WHAT THE OFFICER MUST BE SATISFIED OFYou applied in the correct wayYou will LEAVE by the end of your stayYou hold a valid travel documentYou are not inadmissibleMost visitor refusals turn on the second line — s. 179(b).

What the officer compares

Biometric validity, instruction letter, appointment date and whether an extension was properly requested if necessary.

THE OFFICER CROSS-CHECKSBiometric validityinstruction letterappointment date

Weak file vs strong file

The same situation, presented two ways. The right-hand column is what a reapplication needs to look like.

WHAT WEAKENS ITWHAT STRENGTHENS ITAssuming a previous refusalcancels valid biometricsCheck existing biometric validitybefore filing and follow theattending without the correctinstructionmissing the deadline withoutcontacting IRCC

How to strengthen a reapplication

Check existing biometric validity before filing and follow the current BIL. If circumstances prevent timely completion, use the proper IRCC channel rather than ignoring the deadline.

Common mistakes

Assuming a previous refusal cancels valid biometrics; attending without the correct instruction; missing the deadline without contacting IRCC.

Illustrative example

A person who gave valid biometrics two years ago may not need to give them again for a new visitor visa, depending on current IRCC rules.

Before you reapply

THE ONLY SEQUENCE THAT WORKS1Read the notesFind the real reason2Fix that one thi…Not everything at on…3Prove it with do…Evidence, not claims4Then reapplyAnswering the object…

You cannot fix a reason you have not read. Your GCMS notes contain the officer's own words about your file, and requesting them is free we publish every step.

Scope note. IRCC does not publish an official ranked list of refusal reasons. This is a research-based classification of the legal grounds and evidence weaknesses that recur in real refusals. A weak itinerary or a new job is not itself a statutory ground — it affects whether the officer is satisfied under IRPR 179(b). Source references for this entry: [S10], [S20]. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Questions people ask about this refusal

The applicant receives a biometric instruction request but fails to complete biometrics within the required period or follow the instructions.

IRCC specifically advises applicants to provide required biometrics promptly (generally within 30 days of the request) to avoid delays or refusal. Existing biometrics for visitor/work/study applications are generally valid for 10 years even if a prior application was refused.

Biometric validity, instruction letter, appointment date and whether an extension was properly requested if necessary.

Check existing biometric validity before filing and follow the current BIL. If circumstances prevent timely completion, use the proper IRCC channel rather than ignoring the deadline.

Assuming a previous refusal cancels valid biometrics; attending without the correct instruction; missing the deadline without contacting IRCC.

No. IRCC states that refiling the same information will likely not change the decision. A reapplication has to answer the specific concern the officer recorded — which is why you should read your GCMS notes first and find out exactly what that concern was.

Not sure this is why you were refused?

Most refusals cite more than one concern, and only one of them is usually decisive. Your GCMS notes say which. Get them free, or send them to us and we will tell you exactly what to fix.

More in “Forms, documents and procedural compliance

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