Canada Extends Ebola-Related Immigration and Travel Bans

Canada has announced that a new Labrador biometrics site will open in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in January 2027, ending a long-standing situation in which immigration applicants across Labrador have had to travel to St. John’s, Newfoundland, to provide their fingerprints and photograph.

Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced this at a press conference in St. John’s on September 29, 2026. For workers, students, visitors, and permanent residence applicants in Labrador, the new Labrador biometrics site promises a shorter, simpler, and far less costly step in the immigration process. This guide from Prestige Law explains what was announced, who must give biometrics, what the process looks like, how to prepare before the doors open, and how an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer can protect your application from avoidable delays.

In this guide

• Key takeaways Labrador Biometrics Site Opens January 2027
• What Canada announced
• Why a Labrador biometrics site matters
• What biometrics are in Canadian immigration
• Who must give biometrics?
• Who may be exempt
• How the biometrics process works
• Fees and validity
• What the new site means for different applicants
• Biometrics and the wider Canadian immigration system
• Common biometrics mistakes to avoid
• How to prepare before January 2027
• How Prestige Law can help
• Most-searched questions about Canadian biometrics
• Conclusion and contact details

Key takeaways about the Labrador biometrics site

• The federal government has announced a new biometrics collection site in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, with operations starting in January 2027.
• Until the site opens, many Labrador-based applicants must travel to St. John’s, a journey of roughly 900 kilometres by air or 1,600 kilometres by car and ferry.
• Biometrics for immigration purposes means a photograph and fingerprints.
• Biometrics requirements apply to temporary residence and permanent residence applications, and to some permanent resident card renewals.
• Applicants should follow the instructions in their own biometric instruction letter and should not assume that a deadline will be extended because a new site is coming.

What Canada announced

On September 29, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced at a press conference in St. John’s that the federal government will expand biometrics collection in Labrador. Under the plan, a new site in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will begin operating in January 2027. When it opens, people seeking immigration services in Labrador will be able to give their biometrics locally instead of crossing the Strait of Belle Isle and travelling across the island of Newfoundland.

The announcement is short on operational detail. Coverage of the announcement did not specify the exact opening day within January, the street address, the opening hours, or the appointment process. Those details matter, and applicants should expect Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to publish them closer to launch. Until then, anyone who needs to give biometrics should rely on the instructions in their own letter and on official IRCC pages rather than on rumours or social media posts.

What is clear is the direction of the policy. Ottawa is acknowledging that access to a basic immigration step should not depend on a person’s postal code. For a region as large and as sparsely populated as Labrador, a local collection point is a practical, meaningful improvement.

Why a Labrador biometrics site matters Labrador Biometrics Site Opens January 2027

Happy Valley-Goose Bay is the largest population centre in Labrador. The 2021 Census recorded 8,040 residents in the community, which gives a sense of the scale of the region: communities are small, distances are large, and transportation options are limited and often expensive.

Until now, a person in Labrador who was asked to give biometrics had to travel to St. John’s. From Happy Valley-Goose Bay, that trip is approximately 900 kilometres by air or 1,600 kilometres by car and ferry. For a foreign worker on a modest wage, an international student, or a family applying together, the cost of flights, accommodation, and time away from work or school can be high. In winter, weather can add further delays.

The new Labrador biometrics site addresses this directly. A local site means:

• Lower costs. Applicants can avoid airfare, ferry fees, fuel, and hotel stays.
• Less lost time. A trip that once took days may be reduced to a local appointment.
• Fewer missed deadlines. When travel is hard, applicants sometimes struggle to meet the deadline in their biometric instruction letter. A local option reduces that risk.
• Better support for employers. Businesses in Labrador that rely on foreign workers can keep their teams on the job rather than sending them off the mainland for biometrics.
• Fairer access. People in remote regions will have an option closer to home, similar to what applicants in larger centres already enjoy.

For communities that are working to attract and retain newcomers, a convenient service point also sends a welcoming message.

What biometrics are in Canadian immigration

In Canadian immigration, biometrics are personal identifiers that confirm who you are. For immigration applications, biometrics include an individual’s photograph and fingerprints. A trained service provider takes a digital photograph of your face and scans the fingerprints of all ten fingers.

IRCC uses biometrics to verify identity, to support security and criminal background screening, and to help make sure that the person who applied is the same person who arrives at the border. In 2024, IRCC collected biometrics from more than 3.5 million applicants, which shows how central the step has become to the system.

Biometrics are not the same as your application documents. They are collected separately, usually after you submit your application and receive a biometric instruction letter. The process itself is short, often taking only a few minutes, but it is a mandatory step for most applicants who are subject to the requirement. An application that is missing required biometrics generally cannot move forward.

Who may be exempt from biometrics

Some people do not need to give biometrics. The rules are detailed and change from time to time, so each applicant should confirm their position with IRCC or with a lawyer. In general, exemptions can include:

• Children under the age of 14, and adults over the age of 79, for many temporary residence applications
• Certain diplomats, heads of state, and government representatives
• Certain applicants who have already given biometrics within the past ten years and whose biometrics are still valid
• Some applicants in specific categories listed in official IRCC guidance

An exemption in one program does not automatically apply in another. A person who was exempt as a child, for example, may become subject to the requirement later. Similarly, a permanent resident card renewal is a situation in which an earlier age exemption may no longer apply.

If you are not sure, do not guess. A mistaken assumption can lead to a refused or returned application, or to a missed deadline that costs months. A short review of your situation with an immigration lawyer is often the most economical way to avoid that outcome.

How the biometrics process works

The process is straightforward when you follow it in order. Here is how it usually works for an applicant inside Canada, including a future applicant in Labrador.

Step 1: Submit your application and pay the fees. Complete your application accurately, include the biometrics fee where it applies, and submit it through the correct IRCC channel.

Step 2: Receive your biometric instruction letter. After IRCC processes the fee, it issues a biometric instruction letter. This letter explains how, where, and by when to give your biometrics. Keep it safe and read it carefully.

Step 3: Choose a collection point and book an appointment where required. Collection takes place at designated service points. Inside Canada, these have been Service Canada locations, and applicants outside Canada use Visa Application Centres or other authorised third parties. When the Happy Valley-Goose Bay site opens, Labrador applicants should expect to be able to use it, subject to IRCC’s official instructions.

Step 4: Attend with the right documents. Bring your biometric instruction letter and the passport or identity document named in it. Without them, the site may not be able to complete your collection.

Step 5: Give your photograph and fingerprints. A service provider takes your photo and scans your fingers. Staff cannot discuss the merits of your application, so ask your lawyer any questions about eligibility beforehand.

Step 6: Wait for processing. Your application continues once your biometrics are received and linked to your file. You can usually track progress through your IRCC account.

The most common practical issue is timing. The instruction letter sets a deadline. Missing it can slow your case or even lead to a refusal, so plan your appointment as soon as you receive the letter.

Fees and validity

At the time of writing, the standard biometrics fee for most applicants is $85 per person, with a family maximum of $170 when applicants apply together, and a group maximum for certain performing artists. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the official IRCC website before you pay.

Once you give your biometrics, they are generally valid for ten years for future temporary residence applications. This means you may not need to repeat the process if you apply again within that period, although IRCC may still require it in specific circumstances, such as when your original collection was unsuccessful or when your photo is no longer usable.

The opening of the Labrador biometrics site does not change the fee. It changes the cost of getting to the appointment. For many Labrador applicants, that travel cost was far greater than the $85 fee itself.

What the new Labrador biometrics site means for different applicants

Foreign workers and employers

For workers who live and work in Labrador, the new site removes the need to leave the region for a short appointment. Employers benefit because staff spend less time away from the job. Businesses that depend on seasonal or specialised labour know that even a short absence can disrupt operations. A local biometrics site makes it easier to keep workers on schedule while still meeting immigration requirements.

Employers should still plan. Work permit extensions, new hires, and permanent residence applications all carry deadlines, and a local site does not remove the need for careful scheduling.

International students

Students in Labrador often arrive with tight timelines around semester starts. A local site could shorten the time between application and decision, simply because the biometrics step becomes easier to finish. Students should still follow the instructions in their letter and apply early, because study permit processing depends on many factors beyond biometrics.

Permanent residence applicants

People applying for permanent residence, including through provincial nomination, are often in the middle of a multi-year plan. A smooth biometrics appointment helps keep the file moving. Applicants who were age-exempt when they first applied for permanent residence should pay particular attention when renewing a permanent resident card, because they may now be asked to give biometrics.

Visitors and families

Families visiting relatives in Labrador, or applying together, benefit from lower travel costs. Where a family fee cap applies, a local appointment can make the whole process more affordable.

Indigenous and remote communities

Labrador includes many remote communities. While Happy Valley-Goose Bay will not be next door for everyone, it is considerably closer than St. John’s for most people in the region. Residents should watch for IRCC updates about service options that further improve access.

Biometrics and the wider Canadian immigration system

The Labrador announcement fits into a larger pattern. IRCC collects biometrics through Service Canada in Canada and through Visa Application Centres abroad, and it maintains a large service network to help people comply with the requirement. Federal budgets in recent years have funded the collection and use of biometrics, including new authorities for the systematic collection of biometrics from citizenship applicants.

IRCC has also indicated that, beginning in 2027, the biometrics collection requirement is expected to expand to people applying for Canadian citizenship. That plan is still subject to the regulatory process, so applicants should watch for official updates. If it proceeds, demand for collection sites will rise, which makes new capacity such as the Happy Valley-Goose Bay site more valuable.

For applicants, the lesson is simple: biometrics are becoming a more standard part of Canadian immigration, and local access matters. Planning early, reading instructions carefully, and getting advice when your case is unusual will serve you well.

Who must give biometrics?

Biometrics requirements apply to applications for temporary residence and permanent residence. They also apply to renewals of permanent resident cards for individuals who were age-exempt from biometrics when they first applied for permanent residence.

In practical terms, you may be asked to give biometrics if you are applying for any of the following:

• A work permit, including employer-specific and open work permits
• A study permit
• A visitor visa or a temporary resident permit
• Permanent residence through Express Entry, a provincial nominee program, family sponsorship, or another pathway
• A permanent resident card renewal, if you were age-exempt when you first applied

People who plan to live or work in Labrador often come through a few common routes. Employers in the region hire foreign workers for fishing, health care, mining, construction, hospitality, and service roles. Students arrive to study in the province. Some newcomers are nominated through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program and then apply for permanent residence. All of these routes can involve biometrics.

The requirement is based on your application type and your circumstances, not simply on your nationality. For that reason, applicants should always read their own instructions carefully and avoid assuming that biometrics are either required or exempt.

Common biometrics mistakes to avoid

Even a short step can go wrong. These are the issues that most often cause trouble:

1. Missing the deadline. The instruction letter sets a clear time limit. Do not wait for a nearby site to open if your deadline falls before then.
2. Bringing the wrong documents. Always bring the letter and the passport or ID named in it.
3. Assuming you are exempt. Rules differ by program, age, and circumstance. Confirm before you skip the step.
4. Paying the fee incorrectly. Make sure the biometrics fee is paid with the application where required, so that the letter can be issued.
5. Using unofficial websites. Only rely on official IRCC channels for instructions, appointments, and fees.
6. Forgetting to repeat biometrics when required. If your earlier biometrics have expired or were unusable, you may need to give them again.
7. Not keeping proof. Save your receipt, your letter, and any confirmation, because they can help resolve problems later.

A careful, organised approach prevents nearly all of these issues.

How to prepare before January 2027

The site is not open yet, so there is real work to do in the meantime.

• Check your timeline. If you have a pending application or plan to apply soon, count the days until your likely deadline. If a biometric instruction letter arrives before the site opens, follow its deadline rather than waiting.
• Gather your documents. Keep your passport, letter, and any related paperwork together.
• Watch official sources. IRCC and the Government of Canada will publish the site’s address, opening date, hours, and booking details. Check them regularly as January approaches.
• Coordinate with your employer or school. If you need time off, plan around the opening and give notice early.
• Review your eligibility. Confirm whether you need biometrics at all, and whether your earlier biometrics are still valid.
• Speak with a lawyer if your case is complex. Prior refusals, gaps in status, or tight work permit expiry dates deserve professional attention.

Applicants whose status is about to expire should be especially careful. A missed biometrics deadline can interrupt maintained status or delay a decision at a time when every week counts.

How Prestige Law can help

Prestige Law is a Canadian immigration law firm with offices in Richmond Hill and Toronto, Ontario. The firm serves clients across Canada and around the world, including people planning to live, work, or study in Newfoundland and Labrador. The firm’s lawyer, Zeesean Sheikh, helps individuals, families, and employers navigate Canada’s immigration system with clear advice and careful preparation.

When it comes to biometrics, Prestige Law can help you:

• Understand whether you must give biometrics and whether any exemption applies
• Prepare a complete application so that the biometric instruction letter is issued without delay
• Plan your timeline around the Labrador biometrics site opening and your own deadlines
• Respond to problems such as missed deadlines, unusable fingerprints, or unclear instructions
• Coordinate biometrics with work permit, study permit, and permanent residence strategies
• Support employers who need to manage several foreign workers at once

A small error at the start of an immigration file can become a large problem later. A consultation at the right time can save months of delay and thousands of dollars in costs. If you are planning an application that involves Labrador, or if you simply want a second opinion on your biometrics situation, contact Prestige Law through the details below.

Most-searched questions about Canadian biometrics

When will the Labrador biometrics site open?

The federal government says the new Labrador biometrics site will begin operations in January 2027. The announcement did not give an exact day, so watch official IRCC channels for the confirmed opening date.

Where will the Labrador biometrics site be located?

The site will be in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the largest population centre in Labrador. The precise address and hours have not been published in the coverage of the announcement, so confirm them with IRCC before you travel.

Who needs to give biometrics for Canadian immigration?

Biometrics apply to applications for temporary residence and permanent residence, and to certain permanent resident card renewals. Whether you personally need to give them depends on your application type, age, and circumstances, as stated in your instruction letter.

What counts as biometrics for a Canadian immigration application?

For immigration applications, biometrics means a photograph and fingerprints. Both are collected together at an approved service point.

How much does it cost to give biometrics in Canada?

At the time of writing, the fee is $85 per person, with a family maximum of $170 for people applying together. Because fees can change, check the current amount on the official IRCC website.

How long are biometrics valid in Canada?

Biometrics are generally valid for ten years for future temporary residence applications. If you applied within that period, you may not need to repeat them, although IRCC can still request them in some situations.

Do I have to wait for the new Labrador site to give my biometrics?

No. If you receive an instruction letter before the site opens, follow the deadline in that letter. Do not assume that the deadline will be extended because a local site is coming. If travel is a serious barrier, speak to a lawyer about your options before the deadline passes.

What happens if I miss my biometrics deadline?

Missing the deadline can delay your application or lead to refusal, depending on the case. If you have missed it or think you might, act immediately and seek advice, because early action can sometimes prevent a bigger problem.

Do I need a lawyer to give biometrics?

You do not need a lawyer to attend the appointment itself. However, a lawyer can help you decide whether biometrics are required, prepare your application so the letter is issued promptly, and respond if something goes wrong.

Will Canadian citizenship applicants need biometrics?

IRCC has indicated that, beginning in 2027, the biometrics requirement is expected to expand to citizenship applicants. The plan depends on the regulatory process, so check official updates for the final rules.

A practical step forward for Labrador

The decision to open a Labrador biometrics site in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in January 2027 is a practical, welcome step. It recognises how far Labrador applicants have had to travel for a short appointment, and it promises lower costs, fewer delays, and fairer access for workers, students, families, and permanent residence applicants.

But a new site does not replace good planning. Read your instruction letter, respect your deadline, gather the right documents, and confirm whether you are exempt. Watch official sources for the final address and booking details. If your case is complex, seek advice early.

If you need help with a work permit, a study permit, a permanent residence application, or a biometrics problem, Prestige Law is ready to help. Lawyer Zeesean Sheikh and the team can guide you from your first question through to a confident filing.

Contact Prestige Law

📍 Richmond Hill: 100–100 Mural Street, ON

📍 Toronto: 55 Town Centre Court, Suite 700, ON

📞 Telephone: +1 (647) 925-2222

🌐 Website: prestigelaw.ca

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees, and procedures change often, so confirm current details on the official IRCC website and speak with a qualified lawyer about your own situation. Source for the announcement: Canada’s federal government, as reported on September 29, 2026—related official guidance: IRCC biometrics collection and screening.