Biometric collection sessions are to be held later this month for Bermudians who want to gain a Canadian visa.Wayne Caines, the national security minister, said that special ID criteria was now mandatory for some people applying for Canadian visitor visa, work or study permit or permanent residency.Mr Caines added: “This is mandatory for all foreign students, inclusive of Bermudian students. “Previously, biometric collection needed to be done overseas.”The collection service was set up through a deal between the Bermuda Government and the Consulate General of Canada and will be the second of its type to be held.Mr Caines said: “On behalf of the people of Bermuda, we offer our sincere thanks to the Consulate General of Canada. We encourage all applicants who have the necessary documents in hand to take advantage of this opportunity.”The sessions will be held on January 29 and 30 at the Department of Immigration, Government Administration Building, on Hamilton’s Parliament Street.People can attend between 9am to noon & 1pm to 5pm.Anyone can use the service if they live in, or can legally enter Bermuda, applied for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or for permanent residence.Applicants must also have paid the biometrics fee of CAD$85 per individual applicant or the CAD$170 maximum charge for families applying at the same time and have received a biometrics instruction letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Those who apply online for a visitor visa, study or work permit and pay the biometrics fee when they submit your application, they can get the biometrics instruction letter within 24 hours of.Applicants have 30 days after receipt of the letter to give their biometrics.A spokeswoman for the ministry said people should make an appointment in advance by e-mail to CNGNYConsular@international.gc.ca.The e-mail should include first and second names, date of birth, phone number and the IRCC number on the biometrics instruction letter.Applicants should also bring a valid passport or other travel document and the biometrics instruction letter.People should arrive for their appointment 15 minutes early. Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time. Anyone unable to use the service over the two days can visit https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp for further information.