No, children generally do not need to provide biometrics if they were 13 or under when their application was submitted.
Biometrics and Children: Understanding the Requirements
The need for biometrics, such as fingerprints and photographs, depends on the age of the applicant at the time of application. For children, there are specific age-related exceptions to biometric requirements. Let's break down when biometrics are needed for children.
Age-Based Biometric Exemption for Children
According to the provided reference, a crucial factor is the child's age at the time of application. Specifically:
- Children 13 and Under: If a child was 13 years old or younger when the application was submitted, they are *not* required to provide biometrics.
Biometric Requirements: A Quick Table
Here’s a simple table summarizing the biometric requirements based on age at application:
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Age at Application</th>
<th>Biometrics Required?</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13 and Under</td>
<td>No</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14 and older</td>
<td>Usually Yes</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>Practical Insights
- Timing is Key: It's essential to consider the child's age at the time of submitting their application. A child who is 13 at the time of application will be exempt from biometrics, while a child who is 14 will be subject to these requirements.
- Changes in Age: As stated in the provided reference, if you were 79 or younger when you applied but you are 80 when asked to provide biometrics, you must give them. This shows changes in age can impact the need for biometrics.
Conclusion
In summary, children aged 13 or under when they submitted their application are typically exempt from providing biometrics. However, the exact requirements depend on the regulations in place at the time of application. Always consult official guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
