Waiting for a passport request after giving biometrics can feel slow and stressful, especially when you are trying to plan travel dates. Depending on the country, it takes about 3 to 4 weeks from completing biometrics to receiving a passport request. But it can be faster or slower based on your file and the visa office.
This guide explains how long it takes to get passport request after biometrics, what happens in the background during this time, and which factors can make the wait longer. You will also see simple steps you can take to avoid extra delays and feel more confident while you wait.
How Long It Takes to Get Passport Request After Biometrics?
After biometrics, the wait for a passport request or visa decision can be very short in some countries and quite long in others. For many people, it is a few weeks, but it can also stretch into several months when checks take longer, or the office is busy.
To make it easier to understand, here are some simple examples from different countries. These timelines can change depending on the country you apply from, the type of application, the office that handles your file, and how busy that office is at that time.
USA Visas After Biometrics
Many US visa applicants give biometrics at the same time as their consular interview or at an ASC before it. What happens next depends on whether the case is clear or needs extra checks. Here is the timeline based on the current NVC timeframe pages on the U.S. Department of State site.
Non-Immigrant Visas (tourist, student, work)
In clear cases that are approved on the spot, the passport with visa is usually ready in about 3 to 7 working days, sometimes up to 2 weeks, depending on the embassy or consulate and the courier service.
Cases in Administrative Processing
If the case goes into extra security review (221(g) or “administrative processing”), the wait can stretch to several weeks or even a few months before a final decision and passport return.
Canada Visas (Study And Visitor) After Biometrics
Many Canada study and visitor applicants give biometrics as part of the online application process at a visa application centre. Visitor visas cover many reasons, such as tourism, family visits, business trips, or attending a conference in Canada or other big events.
Study permits
Updated guides and IRCC real timelines show that a study permit is usually processed in about 7 to 10 weeks after biometrics for many countries, though some files move faster and others take longer. The passport request email normally comes near the end of this period when checks are complete.
Visitor visas
Official information says visitor visas are processed in “a few weeks” in many regions, but real cases vary by country. Some applicants get a decision and passport request in about 2 to 4 weeks after biometrics, while others wait 2 to 3 months or more if the visa office is busy or the file needs extra review.
UK Visas After Biometrics
For most UK visa types, the standard processing time starts from the date you give biometrics at a visa application centre. Here is the current timeline, but use the official visa processing time checker, as it may change from time to time.
Standard Visitor Visas
Government guidance says that standard visitor visas are usually processed in about 15 working days, which is around 3 weeks, for applications made outside the UK. Many applicants see their passports back in 2 to 4 weeks from biometrics.
Other UK Visas and Priority Services
Work, study, and family visas from outside the UK often follow a similar 3-week target, but can take longer when demand is high or the case is complex. Paid priority or super-priority services, where available, can reduce the waiting time, while in-country applications usually take longer than overseas ones.
Indian Passports After Biometrics
Indian passport applicants give biometrics and documents at a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office PSK, then the file goes to the Regional Passport Office and police verification.
Normal Passport Applications
In many cities, the file reaches the RPO within a few days. Police verification plus printing and dispatch can bring the total time to around 2 to 4 weeks for smooth cases, though some take longer if police reports are delayed.
Tatkaal Passport Applications
Under the Tatkaal scheme, once basic checks are clear and documents are in order, printing can be very quick. Many Tatkaal applicants receive their passports within a few days to about 1 week, with some parts of police verification done afterward.
Nigerian Passports After Biometrics
For Nigerian passports, biometrics are captured at a passport office, embassy, or consulate, then the file goes into production.
New or Renewal Applications in Many Missions
Several Nigerian missions state that applicants should expect around 6 to 12 weeks from biometric capture to passport collection, as long as there are no issues with National Identification Number details or system downtime.
Delays and Backlogs
Where there are shortages of booklets, technical problems, or very high demand, the wait can extend beyond this range, so applicants are usually advised to apply well before any planned travel date.
Ghanaian Passports After Biometrics
Ghana uses biometric passports processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and its missions abroad.
Regular Processing
Official information for the current system mentions that regular passport applications are processed in about 15 working days, which is roughly 3 weeks, from the time biometrics and documents are accepted.
Expedited or Premium Services
Faster services, where offered, aim to deliver passports in around 5 working days or a little more, as long as the application is complete and there are no issues with records or identity checks.
Sample Timeline From Biometrics to Passport Request
Real cases are never exactly the same, but a simple example helps make the process easier to picture. This sample is for a short stay visa with a clear file, normal service, and no extra checks. Your own dates can be shorter or much longer than this. Here is the common timeline from biometrics to passport request:
Day 0: Biometrics Appointment
You go to the visa or passport center, give your fingerprints and photo, and hand in any required documents. The staff sends everything to the main office. In some systems, the online account still looks quiet at this point, so it may feel like nothing has started yet.
Day 2 to 5: Biometrics Linked to Your File
The main office receives your biometrics and connects them to your application number. Many people then see a new line, such as “Biometrics received” or “Biometrics completed”, in their online account. This step can be quick, but sometimes takes a few days if the system is slow or busy.
Day 6 To 15: Background and Security Checks
Once biometrics are linked, background checks usually begin. Officers or automated tools look at travel history, past visas, police or court records, and security databases. Simple cases may pass this stage quite fast. Files with long travel or unclear details can sit here for much longer without any clear update on the screen.
Day 10 to 25: Eligibility And Document Review
Around this time, someone checks if you meet the rules for your visa type. They look at your reason for travel, money, job or study plans, and how your documents support your story. If everything is clear, they move forward. If something is missing or confusing, they might send you a request for extra documents, which adds more days.
Day 20 to 35: Decision and Passport Request
After background and eligibility checks are done, the officer makes a decision. If the application is approved, the system creates a passport request letter or similar message with instructions. If it is refused, you get a refusal letter that explains the main reasons. Many people only see a sudden status change at this stage, even if the file has been moving for weeks.
Day 25 to 45: Passport Submission and Return
If your case is approved and a visa sticker or new passport is needed, you send or take your passport to the listed center, embassy, or consulate. Staff then print the visa or new booklet and return it by courier or pickup. This last stretch can add anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how busy the office is and how fast mail works in your area.
Steps After Biometrics Before Passport Request
After you finish biometrics for your Canada visa, your file goes through a few clear stages before you receive a passport request. Knowing these steps helps you understand what is happening in the background while you wait.
Biometrics Collected and Shown as “Completed”
First, the visa office receives your fingerprints and photo from the biometrics center and links them to your application.
In your online account, you usually see a line like “Biometrics completed” once this step is updated. This update can appear within a few days, but in some cases it takes longer, depending on how fast the local office and VAC share data.
Background and Security Checks
Next, your information is checked against different records. Officers look at:
- Your travel history
Previous visas and refusals - Police certificates and criminal history, if any
- Security and immigration records
Simple cases can move through this part quite quickly. Files with long travel history, work in sensitive areas, or missing details can stay here for a longer time while extra checks are done.
Eligibility Review for Your Visa Type
At the same time or after background checks, the embassy reviews if you meet the rules for your specific application type. For example:
- Visitor visa: purpose of visit, funds, ties to home country
- Study permit: school admission, funds, study plan
- Work permit: job offer, program rules, past work experience
- Permanent residence: program criteria, points, documents
If something is not clear, the officer may ask for extra documents or explanations. This can add more time between biometrics and passport requests.
Final Decision on the Application
Once background and eligibility checks are complete, the officer makes a final decision:
- If approved, you receive a passport request or a similar letter asking you to send your passport or submit it at a VAC
- If refused, you receive a refusal letter that explains the main reasons
Your online status may not show every small movement inside this step. It can look unchanged for days, then suddenly show a new message or letter.
Passport Request and Visa Stamping
If your application is approved, you will receive a passport request letter with clear instructions. Usually, you need to:
- Submit your passport at a Visa Application Centre or other listed office
- Pay any required service or courier fees
- Wait for the visa sticker or counterfoil to be printed and your passport to be returned
Main Reasons the Waiting Time After Biometrics is So Different
Two people can give biometrics on the same day and still get their passport requests at very different times. The gap is not random. It comes from a mix of country rules, type of application, service level, document quality, and how deep the checks need to be. Here are the key factors:
Country and Processing System
Each country runs its own passport and visa system. Some use fast online tools, others still rely on paper files and local police checks. Holidays, strikes, power cuts, or computer problems can slow things down. The same application may move quickly in one country and slowly in another.
Type of Application
Short stay visas usually move faster than long stay or residence applications. Visitor visas are often simpler. Study and work files need more checks on plans, funds, school, or job details. Residence and settlement cases take the longest because they give stronger rights and need a deeper review.
Service Level and Speed Options
Many systems offer normal and faster options. Priority, express, or Tatkaal services can move your file ahead of others and cut waiting time between steps. They cannot skip background or security checks, so timing still depends on how clear your case is and how busy the office is.
Quality of Documents and Application
Clear, complete applications are easier to decide. When forms, names, dates, and documents match, officers can finish checks in one go. Missing papers, unclear income, or mixed travel stories cause delays and extra questions. Each extra request adds more days or weeks after biometrics before a passport request.
Background, Security, and Police Checks
After biometrics, many offices run background, security, and police checks. Simple travel and clean records can pass quite fast. Long travel, unclear history, or name matches may trigger deeper review. Some people are surprised by a visa rejection after biometrics, but biometrics only confirm identity, not final approval.
Season and Office Workload
Timing in the year also matters. Holiday seasons, school intakes, and special programs bring more files to the same offices. Staff may not increase at the same speed. Queues then grow, and even simple applications wait longer after biometrics. During quiet months, the same case can move much faster.
What You Can Do While Waiting for Biometrics?
You may feel a sense of excitement and patience while you wait for your passport request. While this stage is crucial, staying active can help you manage the waiting time effectively. Here’s a guide on what to do during this period to ensure a smooth process.
Keep Your Email, Phone, and Spam Folder Updated
Make sure the email and phone number in your application are correct and still active. Check your spam or junk folder so you do not miss any messages from the visa or passport office. If you change your contact details, update them in the system as soon as possible.
Prepare Extra Documents in Advance
While you wait, look again at your application and think about what an officer might still want to see. You can prepare extra bank statements, job letters, travel plans, or study documents in case they are requested. Having these ready helps you respond quickly if a new document request appears.
Avoid New Mistakes While You Wait
Try not to make changes that could confuse your case, such as booking non-refundable flights for very different dates than you wrote in your application, or giving different information if you contact the office. Keep your story, dates, and details the same everywhere so there is no reason for extra doubt or delay.
Check Your Online Account Regularly
Log in to your online account once a day or a few times a week to look for new messages, letters, or updates. Regularly checking biometric status online is helpful, but you do not need to refresh it every few minutes. Calm, steady checks are enough to catch important changes in time.
Know When It Makes Sense to Contact the Office
If your application is still inside the usual processing time shown on the official website, contacting the office again and again rarely helps. If your wait is clearly longer than the normal time for your category, then you can send a polite enquiry or web form with your details and question.
Ways to Speed Up Your Passport Request Process
The passport application process can be accelerated with an organized approach and careful attention to detail. By following certain strategies, you can potentially speed up the process and avoid unnecessary delays. Here are some effective tips to help you accelerate your passport request.
Ensure Complete Documentation: Submit all required documents and forms accurately. Missing or incorrect information can lead to delays and additional requests for clarification.
- Pay Fees On Time: Make sure all applicable fees are paid timely and correctly. Delays in fee payment can halt the processing of your passport request.
- CAN+ option: Some visitor visa applicants with a valid US visa or past travel to Canada may qualify for CAN+. This can help the review move faster, though timelines still vary.
- Track Your Application: Regularly monitor the status of your application online. This helps you stay informed and respond quickly to any additional requests.
- Follow Up Wisely: Contact the processing office only if absolutely necessary. Excessive follow-ups can sometimes cause delays or be counterproductive.
- Double-check Personal Information: Ensure that all personal details on your application are accurate. Errors or discrepancies can cause delays in processing.
- Stay Informed About Policies: Keep up with any changes in visa policies or procedures that could impact your application. Adapting to new requirements can prevent unnecessary delays.
Applying these tips can help you handle the passport request process more efficiently. Stay organized and attentive to details for the best results.
What to Do After You Receive a Passport Request?
Once a passport request is issued, the focus shifts from waiting to action. This step is important because submitting your passport correctly helps avoid delays and ensures the visa stamping process moves smoothly.
Read The Passport Request Letter Carefully
Start by reading the passport request letter from beginning to end. It explains where to submit your passport, the deadline for submission, and any country-specific instructions. Missing small details, such as photo size or required forms, can cause unnecessary delays.
Submit Your Passport Through VFS Or Courier
In most countries, passport submission is handled through VFS Global. Applicants can visit a VFS center in person or use a two-way courier service if available. The exact method depends on your location and the instructions provided in the passport request letter.
Prepare All Required Documents Before Submission
Along with your passport, you may need recent photographs, consent forms, and a printed copy of the passport request letter. Some countries may require additional documents, so reviewing the checklist in advance helps prevent last-minute issues.
Track Your Passport After Submission
After submitting your passport, you can track its status through the VFS website or the courier tracking system. Tracking allows you to stay informed about progress and know when your passport is ready for delivery or collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Passport Request After Biometrics
When managing the visa application process, understanding the typical timeline for receiving a passport request after completing biometrics is crucial. The following frequently asked questions provide clarity on what to expect and how to manage the waiting period effectively.
How Long Does It Usually Take To Get Passport Request After Biometrics?
In many simple cases, people receive a passport request a few weeks after biometrics. For others, it can take several months. Timing depends on the country, type of application, background checks, and how busy the processing office is at that moment.
Why Is There No Update After My Biometrics?
Most systems do not show every small internal step. After biometrics, your file can stay in background or eligibility checks for weeks with the same status. No update usually means the case is still under review, not that it has been forgotten or refused.
Can I Get Visa Rejection After Biometrics?
Yes. Biometrics only confirm who you are. The officer still decides if you meet the rules. A visa rejection after biometrics can happen if your funds are weak, your documents are not trusted, your travel plan is unclear, or background and security checks raise concerns.
How Long Do Background And Security Checks Take?
There is no fixed number. Simple files can clear background checks in a short time. Cases with long travel history, mixed records, or name matches in security systems can take many weeks or even months. This part usually happens quietly in the background.
Is My Application Stuck If Status Has Not Changed For Weeks?
Not always. Many systems only show a few main statuses, even though officers are working behind the scenes. A file can be in active review while the screen still shows “in process” or similar. It is a concern only if your wait is far beyond normal times.
Should I Book Flights Before Receiving My Passport Request?
It is safer to wait until the visa is approved and your passport is back. If you must book early, try to choose flexible or refundable tickets. Many people lose money by booking non-refundable flights long before the decision is made.
Do I Need to Give Biometrics Again for a New Visa Application?
Biometrics are usually valid for up to 10 years. If you gave biometrics before and they are still valid, you may not need to give them again. Your online account will normally confirm this during the application process with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
When Is The Right Time To Contact The Embassy Or Visa Office?
First, check the usual processing time for your visa type on the official website. If you are still inside that time, it is better to wait. If you are clearly well beyond the normal range, you can send a short, polite enquiry with your file number and basic details.
Final Words
Due to a variety of factors, determining the exact timeframe for passport requests is challenging. While the average waiting period is around 3 to 4 weeks, individual cases may vary significantly. By understanding “How long it takes to get passport request after biometrics?” you can manage your expectations and stay informed throughout the process.
As you go through the visa application process, remember to maintain patience and stay organized. By following the tips provided in this article, you can increase your chances of a smoother and more efficient experience. We wish you all the best in your visa application process!
