The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has welcomed the expansion of federal biometrics collection services to Labrador, improving access to an essential step in the immigration process for residents, workers, students, and newcomers. Starting in early 2027, applicants will be able to provide their biometrics in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, creating a second biometrics collection location in the province and bringing important immigration services closer to the communities that rely on them.
The new service location is expected to reduce travel time and costs for individuals who previously had to travel to St. John’s to complete biometric requirements. The initiative supports regional immigration efforts, strengthens newcomer attraction and retention in Labrador, and helps employers and communities benefit from a more accessible and efficient immigration system.
Improved Access for Labrador Residents
Currently, individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador who require biometrics services must travel to St. John’s. The addition of a biometrics collection site in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will significantly reduce travel requirements for Labrador residents, making the immigration process more convenient and accessible.
The decision follows ongoing advocacy by the Provincial Government to increase access to federal immigration services across the province. The new location will help newcomers, workers, students, families, and employers by reducing travel costs and saving valuable time.
Supporting Immigration and Regional Growth
The expansion of biometrics services reflects efforts by both provincial and federal governments to improve access to essential immigration services in rural and remote communities. By bringing services closer to where people live and work, the initiative supports newcomer attraction and retention efforts while helping employers meet workforce needs across Labrador.
Quotes
“Providing biometrics services in Labrador will make an important immigration service more accessible to people living and working in the region. Reducing the need to travel to St. John’s for this service will help address a significant geographic barrier for newcomers, workers and families. We are pleased that our advocacy has helped expand service options and improve access to immigration services in our province.
– Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
“Labrador’s distance from many government services can create challenges for residents, employers and newcomers alike. The addition of biometrics collection services in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is a practical improvement that will save individuals time and money while making immigration services more accessible. We welcome this investment and thank our federal partners for responding to the needs of Labrador communities and helping us attract and retain newcomers throughout the region.”
– Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs
“With the establishment of biometrics collection services in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, residents of Labrador will soon be able to avoid unnecessary travel, saving them time and money. This comes at a time when we are improving accessibility across the country—including through expanded passport services in Atlantic Canada and the recent launch of online passport renewal. The Government of Canada will continue to work to make life more convenient by providing important services closer to the people who rely on them.”
– Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“This is an important step forward for Labrador. Bringing biometrics services to Happy Valley-Goose Bay means residents will no longer have to leave Labrador to access this essential service. It will save people time and money, reduce unnecessary travel, and make an important federal service more accessible to the people of Labrador.”
– Philip Earle, Member of Parliament, Labrador
Bottom Line
The introduction of biometrics collection services in Happy Valley-Goose Bay marks an important step toward improving immigration service accessibility in Labrador. By eliminating the need for many residents to travel to St. John’s, the initiative will make the immigration process more efficient, support regional workforce development, and strengthen Labrador’s ability to attract and retain newcomers.