Bermudians who want to work, study or live in Canada already need to give biometric information, the Canadian Government has said.

Bermudians who carry any type of British passport — including British Overseas Territories Citizens passports — are now required to submit fingerprints and a photograph with their application for a study or work permit.

A spokesman for the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada earlier said the information would not be required until the end of the year.

But the spokesman explained in an amended statement: “As Bermuda is a dependent territory of the UK, nationals of the country became biometric-required as of July 31, 2018 when they apply for a study or work permit, or for permanent residence.

“However, Bermudians do not need to give their biometrics when coming to Canada as a tourist, no matter how long they stay in the country.

“For those coming to study or work temporarily in Canada, they will only need to provide their biometrics once every ten years.

“Those applying for permanent residence will need to give their biometrics and pay the fee every time they apply.”

The cost to process the information is CAD$85 for individuals and a maximum of CAD$170 for family applications.

There is nowhere in Bermuda where the biometric information can be provided, but those who want to apply can supply their information at one of 135 locations in the United States.

The spokesman added that the Canadian Government was “constantly monitoring” its visa application centre network and “may decide to open a new VAC location at a later date”.

• For more information, including where people can go to give fingerprints and photos, please visit Canada.ca/biometrics.