The Government of Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB) announced today that it has formed a partnership with the Government of Canada to for biometric passport processing for three days in January, 2020.
Canadian officials will be in Antigua from 27 to 29 January 2020 to carry out biometric processing for persons wishing to obtain visas.
According to the government release, “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, or temporary residence permit, or for permanent residence. During the upcoming January dates, Antigua and Barbuda visa applicants may take the opportunity to provide biometric information in Antigua rather than travelling abroad.”
The release advises persons planning to travel to Canada for study, business, tourism, family reunions or other reasons, to complete online visa applications as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this opportunity in January.
Officials will be able to travel to meet applicants on-site at the Parliament Building in January, and the GOAB hopes that, “this eased convenience will be fully taken advantage of.”
Outside of this visit, standard procedures remain for Antigua and Barbuda nationals to travel to biometrics collection points in Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or Trinidad and Tobago at all other times.
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; and (3) 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, the passport department is asking that persons please write to [email protected] referencing your visa application file number.
Canadian officials will be pleased to assist applicants with both appointments and the required Biometrics Instruction Letter during the hours listed. Officials will not be collecting applications or biometric information from applicants who have not received this letter.
All applicants will be required to bring their Biometrics Instruction Letter with them in order to have their biometrics taken. The biometrics collection will take place from 08:00 to 17:00 on Monday, January 27, 08:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28 and 08:00 to 17:00 on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at the Parliament Building.