Canadian officials to be in Antigua to carry biometric processing for visas

The Government of Canada announced on Friday that Canadian officials would be in Antigua from 19 to 22 July 2022 to carry out biometric processing for persons wishing to obtain visas.As part of the visa application process, Antigua and Barbuda nationals must provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) when applying for a Canadian visitor visa, study, work, temporary residence permit, or for permanent residence. The biometrics collection will take place from 08:30 to 17:30 on Tuesday, July 19, Wednesday, July 20, Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22, 2022, at the Siboney Beach Club.During the upcoming July dates, Antigua and Barbuda visa applicants may take the opportunity to provide biometric information in Antigua rather than travelling abroad. Outside of this visit, standard procedures remain for Antigua and Barbuda nationals to travel to biometrics collection points in Barbados, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or Trinidad and Tobago at all other times.The authorities advised people planning to travel to Canada for study, business, tourism, family reunions or other reasons to complete their online visa application as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this opportunity in July.This exercise is geared towards the following individuals:1. Antigua and Barbuda nationals who anticipate travel to Canada;2. Persons who have already applied, whether online or by mail, for a visa, work or study permit or for permanent residence and have received their Biometric Instruction Letter; and3. Nationals of other biometric information-required countries residing in Antigua and Barbuda planning to travel to Canada.In order to book an appointment for biometrics collection, individuals can write to bdgtnvisa@international.gc.ca referencing their visa application file number. All applicants will be required to bring their biometrics Instruction Letter with them to their appointment in order to have their biometrics taken.Canadian government stated that its officials would be pleased to assist applicants who have both appointments and the required Biometrics Instruction Letter during the hours listed below. Officials will not be collecting applications or biometric information from applicants who have not received this letter.