Major Update: Canada Resumes Biometric Services in Sudan for Immigration Applicants
- What's New: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has resumed biometric collection services within Sudan through a partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
- Who is Affected: This change applies to individuals in Sudan with in-progress applications under Canada's family-based permanent residence pathways and resettlement programs.
- How it Works: Services are strictly by appointment only. The IOM will directly contact eligible applicants to schedule their biometric collection and, if necessary, a medical exam.
On July 24, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a critical development for many Sudanese nationals seeking to come to Canada. In a significant move to address a major processing obstacle, IRCC is resuming biometric collection services in Sudan. This initiative, launched in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will remove the need for applicants to travel outside the country, a previously difficult and often dangerous requirement.
Who Does This Affect?
This new measure is specifically targeted at individuals who are currently in Sudan and have an existing application in one of the following streams:
- Applicants under the family-based permanent residence pathway (e.g., spousal, common-law, and child sponsorship).
- Applicants under Canada’s resettlement programs, including government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees.
It is crucial to understand that this service is for those with applications already submitted and in progress. The IOM will only contact individuals who have been identified by IRCC as requiring biometrics to continue their application.
Detailed Breakdown of the Changes
The resumption of services addresses a significant bottleneck that had stalled many applications. Here is a closer look at how the new process will function.
The IRCC-IOM Partnership
IRCC has enlisted the IOM to manage the on-the-ground logistics in Sudan. The IOM, a United Nations agency, has extensive experience operating in complex environments. This partnership allows Canada to securely collect biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) from applicants who were previously unable to complete this mandatory step due to the suspension of services and the inability to safely leave Sudan.
Appointment-Only System
Access to biometric collection is strictly controlled to ensure safety and efficiency. The process is by appointment only. Applicants should not attempt to visit an IOM office without a confirmed appointment. The IOM will be responsible for all scheduling and will reach out directly to eligible individuals to arrange a time and location. As stated by IRCC, "Only people who have been contacted by the IOM and have a confirmed appointment will be able to give their biometrics."
Combined Medical Examinations
To further streamline the process for applicants, the IOM will also facilitate immigration medical examinations where needed. The announcement notes that the IOM "will try to book biometric collection appointments and medical exams together wherever possible." This coordinated approach is designed to minimize travel and logistical burdens for applicants and their families.
Context and Implications (The "Why")
The previous pause in biometric services in Sudan created an immense challenge for applicants. With no way to complete this mandatory stage of their application, many were left in a state of uncertainty. Forcing individuals to travel to a neighboring country for biometrics was not a viable solution for many, given the security situation and financial constraints.
This announcement signals Canada's recognition of these challenges and its commitment to its humanitarian immigration goals. By establishing a secure process within Sudan, IRCC is providing a tangible and safe pathway forward. In the short term, this will allow a significant backlog of family sponsorship and refugee applications to resume processing. In the long term, it establishes a flexible operational model that could potentially be deployed in other regions facing instability, demonstrating adaptability in Canada's immigration system.
How to Prepare
If you believe you are affected by this announcement, here are the recommended next steps:
- Wait to be Contacted: Do not attempt to contact the IOM or IRCC to request an appointment. The IOM will contact you directly if you are eligible for this service.
- Update Your Contact Information: Ensure that the email address and phone number associated with your immigration application are current. You can do this through your online IRCC secure account to ensure the IOM can reach you.
- Review Biometric Requirements: Prepare for your potential appointment by understanding what is involved. You can learn more on the official government page about .
Conclusion
The resumption of biometric collection in Sudan is a welcome and crucial piece of news for many families and individuals. This collaboration between IRCC and the IOM provides renewed hope and a clear path forward for applicants in the family and resettlement streams. By removing a significant barrier, Canada is reaffirming its commitment to family reunification and providing refuge for the vulnerable, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
