Canada’s federal government plans to open a new biometrics collection site in Labrador in January 2027.

Once operational, the site in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will allow people seeking Canadian immigration services in Labrador to provide their fingerprints and photographs locally.

At present, many people living in Labrador travel to St. John’s in Newfoundland to complete their biometrics requirements. The journey from Happy Valley-Goose Bay covers about 900 kilometres by air or 1,600 kilometres by car and ferry.

Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced the planned site during a press conference in St. John’s on September 29, 2026.

Biometrics Required For Immigration Applications

Biometrics generally include a person’s fingerprints and photograph. They are required for several Canadian immigration applications.

The requirement applies to temporary residence and permanent residence applications. It can also apply when certain permanent residents renew their permanent resident cards if they were exempt from providing biometrics when they first became permanent residents.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay is the largest population centre in Labrador. According to the 2021 Census, it had a population of 8,040 residents.

The new site is expected to make biometrics collection more accessible for people living in Labrador by reducing the need for long-distance travel to Newfoundland.

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