By: T. Chapman
Canadian officials will be in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis during the week of the 26th of August to carry out biometric processing for persons wishing to obtain visas to travel to Canada.
Effective last year, Caribbean nationals are required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) when applying for a Canadian visitor visa, study, work or temporary residence permit or for permanent residence.
Prior to its introduction, regional Governments through their respective High Commission’s sought ways to ease the process for Caribbean Nationals in their respective countries.
Canada has responded favourably to the requests and as such St. Kitts and Nevis nationals would have their biometrics collected during the week of the 26th.
The collection process would also be carried out in Antigua during the same week.
Via a release posted by THG, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mark Brantley said:
“I am pleased that through our diligent efforts, St. Kitts and Nevis has made significant progress on the diplomatic front. Canada has agreed to send a team here to collect biometrics for all wishing to get visas to travel to Canada rather than requiring persons to travel to Barbados or Trinidad. I place on record my congratulations to High Commissioner Sherry Tross and her team for their work on this.”
Applications for Canadian visas have to be made on-line on the website of Canada Immigration and once a letter of acceptance has been received, applicants can provide their biometric data to the mobile Canada team.
Persons who haven’t applied as yet are urged to complete their online visa applications as soon as possible so as to take advantage of the opportunity.
As per information disseminated, the biometric process is geared towards:
1. Nationals of biometric-required countries residing in the Federation,
2. Nationals and residents who anticipate travel to Canada,
3. Persons who have already applied either online or by mail for a visa, work or study permit or for permanent residence.
All applicants will be required to bring their Biometrics Instruction letter with them in order to have their biometrics taken.
According to press statement by the Ministry of Finance, the public would be apprised of any additional information.
