Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has contracted leading infotech firm Unisys Canada to develop a system to test the operational impact of using biometrics in CIC’s immigration program.

The field trial will take place over a six-month period once the system has been set up. Trials will include biometric recognition of fingerprints and facial features and will initially involve a limited number of temporary resident visa applicants and refugee claimants.

CIC says it is consulting with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to protect the personal information of field trial participants.

The European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are also testing or using biometrics to enhance the integrity of their border control systems.