Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced the expansion of biometrics screening program
Commencing on July 31, 2018, all nationals* from countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East are required to provide biometrics (i.e. fingerprints and photo) when applying for a Canadian visitor visa, a work or study permit, or permanent residence.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada moved towards expending the biometrics screening program in an effort to "facilitate travel to Canada while keeping Canadians safe".
Collection of biometric information; systematic fingerprint verification at major airports and expanded fingerprint verification at additional ports of entry; and information-sharing, constitute the scope of the expansion project. In this vein, Canada is moving towards increased biometric-based information-sharing with the U.S. and automated biometric-based information-sharing with Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.