Guide 0154 - Atlantic Immigration Program
You now need to apply online
As of October 28, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online.
If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).
I can’t apply online and require accommodations
If you, your sponsor (if being sponsored by a family member) or representative cannot apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternative format. After we review your request, we’ll send you the application package in one of these formats:
- paper
- braille
- large print
To request another format:
- Open a new email
- In the subject line of your email, include:
- the format you need (paper, braille, or large print), and
- the application package you want
- In the body of your email, include
- your full name (principal applicant) as shown on your passport
- the full name of your sponsor, if you’re being sponsored by a family member
- a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
- if you want the application in English or French
- how we should send it to you (by email or regular mail)
- Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This option will save you the time it would take to mail it to you.
- Include your mailing address if you want it mailed to you.
- Send your email to: IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
We will only reply to requests for alternative formats. We won't reply to any other emails.
After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.
To submit your application
- fill out and sign any paper forms
- return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions
For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).
Table of Contents
This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.
For legal information, consult the following documents:
Before You Apply
The Atlantic Immigration Program
Canada encourages applications for permanent residence from people with abilities, education, and work experience that will contribute to the Canadian economy.
The Atlantic Immigration Program allows Atlantic provincial governments to choose immigrants according to the economic needs of the province.
Who may use this application?
You may apply through the Atlantic Immigration Program if you meet the eligibility requirements and plan to settle permanently in one of these Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
Provincial Endorsement
Before you can apply to immigrate to Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program you must first receive an Endorsement certificate from an Atlantic province. Each province has its own application and endorsement procedures. However, IRCC has the authority to make the final decision on an application for permanent residence using existing selection and admissibility criteria. This includes security, criminal, and medical screening for candidates with Atlantic Endorsement certificate and valid job offers in one of the Atlantic provinces.
Note: You must have a valid provincial endorsement when you apply for permanent residence and when permanent residence is issued to you. If the province revokes your endorsement while IRCC is processing your permanent residence application, the endorsement is no longer valid.
The provincial endorsement certificate is valid as long as you submit a complete application for permanent residence on or before the expiry date of the endorsement. All endorsements certificates are valid for twelve months after the date of issuance. Extensions are not permitted under this program.
For more information about how to become endorsed by an Atlantic province, or to learn which employers are hiring under this program, contact the provinces below:
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible under the Atlantic Immigration Program, you must meet the minimum requirements outlined below.
Qualifying Work Experience
You must have the following work experience:
Applications received by IRCC on or before November 15, 2022
- within the last five years, you must have accumulated at least one year (at least 1,560 hours, the same as working 30 hours per week) of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience, in your main occupation at:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC 2016) Skill Type 0 (management jobs such as restaurant managers, mine managers, etc.) or
- NOC Skill Level A (professional jobs that usually need a degree from a university, such as doctors, dentists, architects etc.) or
- NOC Skill Level B (technical jobs and skilled trades such as chefs, electricians, plumbers etc.)
- NOC Skill Level C (intermediate jobs that usually call for high school and/or job-specific training, such as: industrial butchers. long-haul truck drivers. food and beverage servers.)
- you have performed the actions in the description of the NOC;
- you have performed most of the main duties of the NOC;
- your work experience must be from paid work (volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count);
- you worked overseas or in Canada (as long as you were legally authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident).
- you are not self-employed
- your work experience acquired during a period of study is allowed, as long as the work hours did not exceed what they were authorized to do.
Applications received by IRCC on or after November 16, 2022
- within the last five years, you must have accumulated at least one year (at least 1,560 hours, the same as working 30 hours per week) of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience, in your main occupation at:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021) TEER 0 (management jobs such as restaurant managers, mine managers, etc.) or
- TEER 1 (professional jobs that usually need a degree from a university, such as doctors, dentists, architects etc.) or
- TEER 2 and TEER 3 (technical jobs and skilled trades such as chefs, electricians, plumbers etc.)
- TEER 4 (intermediate jobs that usually call for high school and/or job-specific training, such as: industrial butchers. long-haul truck drivers. food and beverage servers.)
- you have performed the actions in the description of the NOC;
- you have performed most of the main duties of the NOC;
- your work experience must be from paid work (volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count);
- you worked overseas or in Canada (as long as you were legally authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident).
- you are not self-employed
- your work experience acquired during a period of study is allowed, as long as the work hours did not exceed what they were authorized to do.
Note: You do not have to be employed at the time you apply.
To calculate your hours worked:
- Count hours worked in part-time and full-time jobs.
- Count only paid hours of work. Volunteering or unpaid internships don’t count.
- Count hours worked inside or outside Canada. You must have been legally authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident.
- Count hours that were accumulated over a period of at least 12 months.
- Count work experience acquired while studying, as long as the work hours don’t exceed what was authorized.
- Don’t count hours when you were self-employed.
Note: Work experience does not need to be continuous to qualify and can be accumulated within the last 5 years. When calculating the period of 12 months of required employment, it cannot include any extended breaks in employment, periods of unemployment, prolonged sick leave or parental leave. However, a reasonable period of vacation time will be counted towards meeting the work experience requirement (for example, a 2-week period of paid vacation leave within a given 52-week period in which the applicant was engaged in qualifying work).
Qualifying international graduates are exempt from work experience requirements
You do not need to meet the work experience requirements if you’re an international graduate who
- has at least a two-year degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship credential from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, and was a full-time student for the entire duration of your studies.
- lived in either New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador or Prince Edward Island for at least 16 months within the last two years before getting your credential
- had valid temporary resident status throughout your stay in Canada
- had the visa or permit you needed to work, study or get training while you were in Canada
For more information, see National Occupational Classifications.
Job Offer
The job offer must meet all of these requirements
- The job offer must be from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland and Labrador).
- The job offer must be full time, meaning you’ll work at least 30 paid hours per week.
- The job offer must be non-seasonal. In general, this means you have consistent and regularly scheduled paid employment throughout the year.
- For NOC 0, A or B skill type or level job offers (NOC 2016), or TEER 0,1,2, or 3 (NOC 2021) the employer must be offering you a job that will last at least 1 year (1 year from the time you become a permanent resident).
- For NOC C skill level job offers (NOC 2016), or TEER 4 (NOC 2021) the employer must be offering you permanent employment, that is, there is no set end date.
- The job offer cannot come from a company where you (the applicant) or your spouse is a majority owner.
- The job offer must be at the same skill level as, or higher than, the work experience that qualified for the job (refer to the table below), unless you’re an international graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
- For certain health care sector occupations, you don’t need to have a job offer at the same skill level, or higher, than the qualifying work experience.
- Work experience in NOC 3233 (NOC 2016), 32101 (NOC 2021) (licensed practical nurses) and NOC 3012 (NOC 2016), 31301 (NOC 2021) (registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses) can be used as qualifying work experience if you have a job offer in NOC 3413 (NOC 2016, 33102 (NOC 2021) (nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates) or NOC 4412 (NOC 2016), 44101 (NOC 2021) (home health care workers)
NOC level job offer and qualifying work experience requirement
NOC level job offer (NOC 2016)
NOC 0
NOC A
NOC B
NOC C
Work experience requirement (NOC 2016)
NOC 0, A, B, C
NOC A, B, C
NOC B, C
NOC C
NOC level job offer (NOC 2021)
TEER 0
TEER 1
TEER 2 and TEER 3
TEER 4
Work experience requirement (NOC 2021)
TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
TEER 1, 2, 3, 4
TEER 2, 3, 4
TEER 4
You must submit an Offer of Employment to a Foreign National [IMM 0157] (PDF, 317 KB) with your application. Your employer must complete this form and the employer must send you a copy. You must read and sign the declaration at the bottom of the copy and submit it with your application.
Note: If your job offer is permanent, your employer must enter “permanent” as the expected duration of employment for box 22 on your Offer of Employment form (IMM 0157).
Education
You must have one of these
- If you have a job offer at the NOC 0 or A skill type or level (NOC 2016), TEER 0 or 1 (NOC 2021), you must have a Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential or higher, or the equivalent outside Canada.
- If you have a job offer at the NOC B or C skill level (NOC 2016), or TEER 2, 3, or 4 (NOC 2021) you must have a Canadian high school diploma, or the equivalent outside Canada.
However, if you studied outside Canada, you need an educational credential assessment (ECA) to confirm that your studies are equal to or higher than the required level of education for your job offer.
- Your ECA report must be less than 5 years old on the date we receive your application.
Eligible educational credentials
Only certain educational credentials are eligible for international graduates. An educational credential is not eligible if the credentials were obtained in a study or training program where:
- the study of English or French as a second language was at least half of the program;
- distance learning was at least half of the program; or
- where a scholarship or fellowship stipulated that the recipient return to their home country to apply the knowledge and skills gained.
Language requirements
- You must have a level 5 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for listening, speaking, reading, and writing for a job offer at the NOC 0, A or B skill level (NOC 2016) or TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (NOC 2021).
- You must have a level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for listening, speaking, reading, and writing for a job offer at the NOC C skill level (NOC 2016) or TEER 4 (NOC 2021).
- If your job offer is at the NOC C level (NOC 2016) or TEER 4 (NOC 2021), your employer will provide language training to increase your language proficiency to CLB 5 level.
- You will need to do mandatory language testing and submit your results with your application.
- If you have already done language testing, your test results must not be more than two years old on the date you submit your application.
Note: Canadian Language Benchmark/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens 5 is considered “Intermediate Proficiency” and means that you can:
- Listen to a short news report
- Understands a short phone message
- Give some advice to a friend
- Read an email
- Follow instructions on how to access a company database
- Find some information on government website
- Write a short email message
- Fill out a basic application form
Note: Canadian Language Benchmark/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens 4 is considered “Basic Proficiency” and means that you can:
- take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics;
- understand simple instructions, questions and directions;
- use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses; and
- show that you know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself.
Applicants inside Canada
If you are applying from inside Canada, you must submit proof that you have valid immigration status. Your status must be valid on the day you submit your application.
See the document checklist for examples of documents you should submit.
How do I know if I have valid immigration status?
When you arrived in Canada and gave your passport to the officer, they authorized your stay by placing a stamp in your passport and/or issuing an additional document. Check your passport. If you find a stamp, it should look like one of these.
For example, if the officer specified a date as shown in the above illustration, your temporary resident status would expire on June 30, 1993.
If there is no stamp, a handwritten date or document in your passport, your temporary resident status will expire six months from the day you arrived in Canada.
If you were given a visitor record, study or work permit, the expiry date is marked on the document.
Funds needed to settle in Canada
You must submit proof that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada, with your application. Examples of documents you can submit are:
- current bank statements or bank certification letter
- proof of your savings balance
- deposit statements
Note: You do not have to submit this proof of funds if you are already working in Canada with a valid work permit.
You cannot borrow this money from another person. You must be able to use this money to pay the costs of living for your family (even if they are not coming with you).
The amount of money you need to support your family is set by the size of your family. We update these amounts every year.
Number of Family Members | Funds Required (in Canadian dollars) |
---|---|
1 | $3,439 |
2 | $4,281 |
3 | $5,263 |
4 | $6,391 |
5 | $7,248 |
6 | $8,175 |
7 | $9,101 |
For each additional family member | $926 |
We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you plan to live and have enough money to make your establishment in Canada easier.
The government of Canada provides no financial support to new immigrants. You must prove that you have enough money unencumbered by debts or obligations to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada.
Disclosure of funds
If you arrive in Canada with an amount greater or equal to CAN$10,000, or its equivalent in a foreign currency, you must tell this to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer when you arrive. These funds could be in the form of:
- cash,
- securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills), or
- bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’ cheques or money orders.
Note: Failure to disclose funds can result in fines and imprisonment.
Working in Canada
Although qualifications assessment and licensing are not needed to apply for permanent residence under the Atlantic Immigration Program, you should be aware that you may need to show you have or will soon be obtaining certification or licensing if you are applying for work permit in a regulated occupation.
You must show that you meet the employment requirements of the primary occupation listed on your application. These may include education, training or other qualifications in the NOC description.
See regulated and non-regulated occupations (PDF, 2.12 MB) for more information.
Regulated occupations
Twenty percent of people working in Canada work in jobs that are regulated to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Examples include:
- nurses
- engineers
- electricians
- teachers
Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies are responsible for:
- establishing entry requirements for individual occupations;
- recognizing prior credentials, training and experience; and
- issuing licences required to practice.
The process for recognizing credentials varies between provinces and territories, and between occupations. Recognizing qualifications and issuing licences in Canada, takes time. You may be asked to:
- provide documentation of qualifications
- take a language exam (which may differ from those needed for immigration)
- complete a technical exam (with accompanying fee)
- do supervised work
Non-regulated occupations
For non-regulated occupations, there are no legal requirements to get a license. The employer lists the main duties of the job and could ask for registration with a professional association.
Qualifications assessment
A qualifications assessment is advice on how qualifications from another country compare to Canadian qualifications. An assessment does not guarantee that:
- a regulatory body will issue you a licence to practice
- your credentials will be accepted by a Canadian employer
However, having your qualifications assessed will help you understand the Canadian educational system and help you with your job search.
To have your qualifications assessed by one of the provincial evaluation services, consult the Foreign credentials referral office (PDF, 2.12 MB).
Labour market information
Job opportunities and labour market needs are different in each region of Canada. It is important to research needs in the area where you want to live.
See the Working in Canada tool for information on the Canadian labour market, job banks, and provincial and territorial labour market information.
Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements
You and your family members may need to appear in person to have fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics.
As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada. You can go to a designated Service Canada location.
Find out if you need to give biometrics.
If you have to give biometrics, you can give them after you:
- pay for and submit your application and biometric fees; and
- get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) which will direct you to a list of biometric collection service points you may choose from.
You must bring the BIL with you to the biometric collection service point to give your biometrics.
We encourage you to give your biometrics as soon as possible after getting the BIL. We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.
Where to give your biometrics
You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points.
Using a representative
Note: If a paid representative is submitting your application online on your behalf, they must sign in to their Representative Portal account to do so. You, as the Primary Applicant, need to electronically sign your application and your representative must also provide their declaration before submitting the application.
If you (the principal applicant) want to authorize a representative to act on your behalf (paid or unpaid) you must
- submit a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 648.31 KB) form
- sign it (digitally or by hand) and get your immigration representative to do so also
- upload it with your application
If you (the principal applicant) want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative you must
- submit an Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 593.57 KB) form
Step 1. Gather Documents
What documents do I need?
Consult the Document Checklist [IMM 0155] (PDF, 367 KB) to help you gather the necessary documents.
Important information: If you can’t provide one or more documents required on the document checklist, you must provide a written explanation for each missing document so your application is not delayed in processing or returned to you as incomplete. You must also provide any other evidence or documents you have available to satisfy the requirement.
Important information: If you do not provide all the requested information and the documents from the checklist, your application will be returned to you.
For your application to be considered complete you must include :
- all the information asked for on the checklist for the principal applicant and dependants;
- the forms completed by the principal applicant, and
- all supporting documents we requested.
- Upload them as the document type that we requested.
Translation of documents
You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:
- the English or French translation; and
- an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (if they are not a certified translator).
Translations may be done by:
- a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
- a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).
If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.
The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:
In Canada:
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.
Outside of Canada:
- a notary public
Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.
Important information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.
Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.
Certified true copies
To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:
- “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”;
- the name of the original document;
- the date of the certification;
- the name of the authorized person;
- their official position or title; and
- their signature.
Who can certify copies?
Only authorized people can certify copies.
Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.
People authorized to certify copies include the following:
In Canada:
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.
Outside Canada:
- a notary public
Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.
Admissibility Requirements
Police certificates
If you and your family members are 18 years of age and older you must provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which you spent six or more months in a row since the age of 18.
Note: You do not need to provide a police certificate from a country if you or your family members were under 18 years of age the entire time you lived in that country.
If the original certificate isn’t in English or French, you must get an accredited translator to translate it. You must include both the police certificate and the original copy of the translation.
We’ll also do our own background checks to see if there are reasons why you or your family members may not be admissible to Canada.
For specific and up-to-date information, see our guide on where to get a police certificate.
Convictions / offences outside Canada
If you were convicted of or committed a criminal offence outside Canada, you may overcome this criminal inadmissibility
- by applying for rehabilitation, or
- you may be deemed to have been rehabilitated if at least ten years have passed since you completed the sentence imposed upon you, or since you committed the offence, if the offence is one that would, in Canada, be an indictable offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than ten years.
If the offence is one that would, in Canada, be prosecuted summarily, and if you were convicted for two (2) or more such offences, the period for rehabilitation is at least five (5) years after the sentences imposed were served or are to be served.
Convictions / offences in Canada
If you have a criminal conviction in Canada, you must seek a record suspension (formerly a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) before you will be admissible to Canada.
Note: Do not complete the forms in this guide until you have received your record suspension.
You can request a Record Suspension Application Guide or additional information from:
Parole Board of Canada
Clemency and Record Suspension Division
410 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R1
Telephone: 1-800-874-2652 (Callers in Canada and the United States only)
Fax: 1-613-941-4981
Email: suspension@pbc-clcc.gc.ca
Website: https://www.ca-ciconline.com/en/parole-board.html
(The instructional guide and application forms can be downloaded from the website)
In order to be considered for a record suspension under the Criminal Records Act, a specified period of time must pass after the end of the sentence imposed. The sentence may have been payment of a fine, period of probation, or imprisonment.
Note: Once you have a copy of the record suspension, send a photocopy to a Canadian visa office or Citizenship and Immigration Centre. If you are travelling to Canada carry a copy of the record suspension with you.
If you have had two (2) or more summary convictions in Canada, you may no longer be inadmissible if:
- at least five (5) years have passed since all sentences imposed were served or to be served,
- you have had no other convictions.
Step 2. Complete the Application
Be complete and accurate
Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “N/A”.
If you need more space for any section, include an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and upload it with your application. For the document type, choose “other.”
Uploading additional documents to your online application:
To submit supporting documentation with your online application select “Other” from the drop-down menu (Document type) and upload your documents or other additional information which can be in any of the following formats: JPG, JPEG or PDF.
Signatures
If signatures are missing (when this applies), we will return the application by email without processing it.
As the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application, including your family members by typing your full name exactly as it is shown on your passport.
Note:
- Remember to check for signature requirements and sign when needed, either by hand or electronically. If forms are not signed in the correct places, and by the correct people, we will return your application without processing it. Signatures may be required in more than one place or from more than one person on some forms.
Filling out the application
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application forms.
Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account.
Click on each applicable form’s name to access it, then follow the instructions to complete it. Some forms must be filled through a web form, others are PDFs that you will have to upload. As the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application, including those of your family members.
You must fill out these digital forms online
You’ll fill out these digital forms online (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older)
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)
You must also fill out these PDF forms
- you don’t need to sign them
- upload them to your online application
- as the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application, including those of your family members
- Document Checklist [IMM 0155] (PDF, 367 KB)
- Use this checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
- Economic Classes – Atlantic Immigration Program [IMM 5501] (PDF, 237 KB)
- Document Checklist [IMM 0155] (PDF, 367 KB)
Complete and sign these PDF forms, if they apply to you
- print and complete it
- sign it by hand
- get the third party to sign it by hand
- upload it with your application
Forms for the employer to fill out
- Offer of Employment to a Foreign National under the Atlantic Immigration Program [IMM 0157] (PDF, 318 KB)
- Your employer must
- fill out the form
- print it and sign it by hand
- make a copy
- send it to you
- You (the principal applicant) must
- read the declaration at the bottom and sign by hand
- make a digital copy, and
- then upload it with your online application
Note: If your job offer is permanent, your employer must enter “permanent” as the expected duration of employment for box 22 on your Offer of Employment form (IMM 0157).
Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.
Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Who must fill out this application form?
This form must be completed by:
- you, the principal applicant
Completing the form
You’ll fill out and submit the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) online. You don’t need to print and sign by hand. Please follow the instructions below to ensure the form is properly completed.
You must answer all questions on this application form unless otherwise indicated.
You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later.
Read and follow the steps below to help you fill out the form.
Application Details
Language preference
From the list, select your preferred language for:
- correspondence (any letters or emails we send you)
- interview: if your native language is not in this list, select “Other”
- interpreter requested: you must select “Yes” if you do not select English or French for the interview
Where do you plan to live in Canada?
If you plan to live in the Province of Quebec and haven’t received your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), enter the date when you applied for it. If you haven’t applied yet, you must do so before applying for permanent residence.
Personal Details
Family name
Family name is also known as last name or surname.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s).
Given name
Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s). For given name(s) enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.
Physical characteristics - sex
If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB) form and send it with your application if
- your foreign travel document or passport does not have the “X” gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option)
- you have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document with a different gender identifier, including a
- visa
- electronic travel authorization
- work permit or
- study permit
You don’t need any supporting documents.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “U – Unknown”.
Physical characteristics - Eye colour
If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Other”.
Birth information - Date of birth
If you don’t know your complete date of birth, write 1901/01/01 in the fields fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation saying why you used this date.
Birth information - Place of birth
As shown in your passport or your travel document.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you plan to adopt a child.
Citizenship(s)
If you aren’t a citizen of any country, choose “Stateless”.
If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose your other country of citizenship in the second field.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.
Current country of residence
You must be in this country legally.
For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “Canada” whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.
If you’ve lost your status
- for “Status,” choose “Other”
- in the details field, enter “Out of status, requires restoration”
- leave the “From” and “To” fields blank
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you plan to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.
Previous countries of residence
This means you lived in the country for 6 months total, not just in a row.
If you chose “Other” as a status, try to provide as much detail and an explanation as to why you are out of status.
Marital and relationship status
You’re single if you’ve never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.
You’re married if you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.
You’re common-law if you’ve lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for 1 year or more.
You’re divorced if you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.
You’re legally separated if you’re still legally married but no longer living with your spouse.
You’re widowed if your spouse has died and you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.
An annulled marriage has been legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage was not binding.
- Family name is also known as last name or surname.
- Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
- If you’re in a common-law relationship, enter the date (year, month and day) you began living together.
- If you’re legally separated or divorced, enter the date you were no longer living together.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Single”.
Contact Information
Current mailing address
- Post office box (P.O. box) number: If you don’t enter a post office box, you must enter your street number
- Street number (no.): The number on your house or apartment building. You must enter a street number if you didn’t enter a P.O. box
All correspondence will be mailed to this address unless you include your email address.
If you want a representative to do business with us on your behalf, you must provide their address in this section and on the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 264 KB) form.
For more information, read the Use of a Representative guide.
Email address
Use this format: name@provider.net
By entering your email address, you authorize IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific email.
Passport
Passport/travel document number (exactly as shown on your passport or travel document)
If you have more than one passport, choose the one you’ll use to travel to Canada.
Most people will need a passport to travel to Canada. If you’re approved to come here, you’ll need to get one.
A travel document is an identity document issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations). It has a photo and personal information, and let the holder travel between countries. If you have a passport, you don’t need a travel document.
Issue/expiry dates
You can find this information on the page in your passport that shows your photo and date of birth (also called the biodata page)
National Identity Document
A national identity document is an identity card with a photo which is issued by a government or official authority, and can be used as identification inside the country that issued it. It may also be known as "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card."
Document number
Enter your national identity document number exactly as shown on the identity document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.
Education/Occupation Details
Highest level of education
- None: No education.
- Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
- Trade/apprenticeship certificate/diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
- Non-university certificate/diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
- Post-secondary – no degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
- Bachelor’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum. Also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
- Post graduate – no degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
- Master’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before you can earn a Master’s degree.
- Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before you can earn a PhD.
Current occupation
If you don’t work, enter “not employed”.
Intended occupation
If you aren’t planning to work in Canada (for example, if you’re retired), enter “None”.
Language Details
Native language/mother tongue
This is the language that you learned at home during your childhood and that you still understand. If your native language is not in this list, choose “Other”.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, choose the native language of the country where you plan to adopt a child.
Test from a designated language testing organization to assess English or French
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have taken a test from a designated language testing organization to assess your proficiency in English or French.
Dependant’s Personal Details
Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to Canada.
If you answered “No,” explain why your dependant is non-accompanying.
Dependant’s relationship to the principal applicant
Select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:
- Adopted Child
- Adoptive parent
- Child
- Common-Law Partner
- Grandchild
- Parent
- Spouse
- Step-Child
- Step-Grandchild
- Other
Dependant type
Type A
The dependant is under the age of 22 and single (not married and not in a common-law relationship).
Type B (Important: This dependant type applies only if your child’s age was locked in before August 1, 2014)
The dependant has been continuously enrolled in and in attendance as a full-time student at a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority and has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22.
Type C
The dependant is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22, and is unable to provide for themselves because of a medical condition.
Not sure which type of dependant your child is? Check if your child qualifies as a dependant by answering a few questions.
Family name
Family name is also known as last name or surname.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s).
Given name
Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s). For given name(s) enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.
Physical characteristics - sex
If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB) form and send it with your application if
- your foreign travel document or passport does not have the “X” gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option)
- you have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document with a different gender identifier, including a
- visa
- electronic travel authorization
- work permit or
- study permit
You don’t need any supporting documents.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “U – Unknown”.
Physical characteristics - Eye colour
If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Other”.
Birth information - Date of birth
If you don’t know your complete date of birth, enter 1901/01/01 to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation.
Birth information - Place of birth
As shown in your passport or your travel document.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you plan to adopt a child.
Citizenship(s)
If you aren’t a citizen of any country, choose “Stateless”.
If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose your other country of citizenship in the second field.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.
Current country of residence
You must be in this country legally.
For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “Canada” whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.
If you’ve lost your status
- for “Status,” choose “Other”
- in the details field, enter “Out of status, requires restoration”
- leave the “From” and “To” fields blank
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you plan to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.
Previous countries of residence
This means you lived in the country for 6 months total, not just in a row.
If you chose “Other” as a status, try to provide as much detail and an explanation as to why you are out of status.
Marital and relationship status
You’re single if you’ve never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.
You’re married if you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.
You’re common-law if you’ve lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for 1 year or more.
You’re divorced if you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.
You’re legally separated if you’re married but no longer living with your spouse.
You’re widowed if your spouse has died and you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.
An annulled marriage has been legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage was not binding.
- Family name is also known as last name or surname.
- Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
- If you’re in a common-law relationship, enter the date (year, month and day) you began living together.
- If you’re legally separated or divorced, enter the date you were no longer living together.
Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Single”.
Passport
Passport/travel document number (exactly as shown on your passport or travel document)
If you have more than one passport, choose the one you’ll use to travel to Canada.
Most people will need a passport to travel to Canada. If you’re approved to come here, you’ll need to get one.
A travel document is an identity document issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations). It has a photo and personal information, and let the holder travel between countries. If you have a passport, you don’t need a travel document.
Issue/expiry dates
You can find this information on the page in your passport that shows your photo and date of birth (also called the biodata page)
National Identity Document
A national identity document is an identity card with a photo which is issued by a government or official authority, and can be used as identification inside the country that issued it. It may also be known as "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card."
Document number
Enter their national identity document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.
Education/Occupation Details
Highest level of education
- None: No education.
- Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
- Trade/apprenticeship certificate/diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
- Non-university certificate/diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
- Post-secondary – no degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
- Bachelor’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum. Also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
- Post graduate – no degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
- Master’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before you can earn a Master’s degree.
- Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before you can earn a PhD.
Current occupation
If your dependant doesn’t work, enter “not employed.”
Intended occupation
If your dependant isn’t planning to work in Canada (e.g., if they are younger than working age), enter “None”.
Language Details
Native language/mother tongue
This is the language that they learned at home during their childhood and they still understand. If their native language does not appear in this list, select “Other”.
Test from a designated language testing organization to assess English or French
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have taken a test from a designated language testing organization to assess your proficiency in English or French.
Consent and Declaration of Applicant
- Follow the instructions at the bottom of the online application to view the declaration.
- Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and:
- check the “Yes” or “No” buttons to show if you agree that the information in this application about your intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers to help them hire workers;
- type your name in the blue field.
By typing your name, you’re signing the application electronically. By doing so, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct. You can’t submit your application online unless you sign it.
Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
For refugee claimants in Canada: Only family members included in your application for refugee protection who are with you in Canada must be included using this form.
Personal details
Family and given names
Family name is also known as last name or surname.
Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
Enter your names exactly as they appear on your passport, travel document or identity document.
Questionnaire
If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you must enter an explanation in the details field.
Education
If you didn’t earn a diploma, leave the “Type of certificate or diploma issued” field blank.
Personal history
Important: do not leave any gaps in time.
If you don’t account for all time periods, it may delay the processing of your application.
Personal history - Activity
Examples of activity types
- employment (please specify)
- unemployed
- educational activity
Personal history - Status in country or territory
Examples of status
- work visa
- citizen
- study visa
- visitor visa
Exception: If you have not worked in the past 10 years (for example, you’re retired), you must provide details of your personal history since the age of 18. The resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) that you provide with your application will help verify the information in this question.
Membership and association with organizations
Examples of organizations
- political organizations
- social organizations
- youth or student organizations
- trade unions
- professional associations
Don’t use abbreviations.
Government positions
Examples of government positions
- civil servant
- judge
- police officer
- employee in a security organization
Don’t use abbreviations.
Military and paramilitary service
Important: do not leave any gaps in time.
If you don’t account for all time periods, it may delay the processing of your application.
Addresses
Write out addresses in full without using any abbreviations. Use the apartment or unit number, if this applies.
Example: 999 Family Street, Unit #3, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K3J 9T5
Authority to disclose personal information
Declaration of applicant
Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and type your full name into the blue field (this is your digital signature).
By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct.
Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Section A
Write the personal details for:
- Yourself:
- If when selecting your marital status, you indicate that you are married, select the option that corresponds to your situation:
- Check “Yes”, if you were physically present at the marriage ceremony
- Check “No”, if you were not physically present at the marriage ceremony
- If when selecting your marital status, you indicate that you are married, select the option that corresponds to your situation:
- Your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner (if this applies)
- If you are married, select the option that corresponds to your situation:
- Check “Yes”, if your spouse was physically present at the marriage ceremony;
- Check “No”, if your spouse was not physically present at the marriage ceremony.
- If you are married, select the option that corresponds to your situation:
- Your parent 1 (mother or father), and
- Your parent 2 (mother or father).
Section B
Include:
- married children,
- adopted children,
- children of your spouse(step-children) or common-law partner,
- any of your children who have been adopted by others,
- any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner or other guardian.
You must answer all questions. If any sections don’t apply to you, enter “Not Applicable”.
Section C
Write personal details about your:
- brother(s),
- sister(s),
- half-brother(s) and half-sister(s),
- step-brother(s) and step-sister(s).
Read all of the statements in all sections carefully.
By clicking the “Complete and return to application” button, you certify that
- you fully understand the questions asked and
- the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)
Who must complete this form?
This form must be completed and signed with handwritten signatures.
Submitting an application to sponsor a family member
- If the sponsor's common-law partner is a co-signer on the application to sponsor
- the sponsor and their common-law partner must complete this form.
- If the person being sponsored (the principal applicant) has a common-law partner
- the person being sponsored and their common-law partner must complete this form.
- Question 1
-
Write the following information in the space provided:
-
- Country of current residence
- Province/state/territory of current residence
- Name of the declarant (as shown on passport/travel document)
- Name of the declarant’s partner (as shown on passport/travel document)
- Name of city, town, village
- Name of county (if applicable)
- Name of province/state/territory
- Name of the country
- Number of continuous year(s) in a conjugal relationship
- Date of the relationship (from-to)
- Question 1A
-
Check the box to indicate if you have jointly signed a residential lease, mortgage or purchase agreement relating to a residence in which you both live.
- Question 1B
-
Check the box to indicate if you jointly own property other than your residence.
- Question 1C
-
Check the box to indicate if you have a joint bank, trust credit union or charge card accounts.
- Question 1D
-
Check the box to indicate if you have declared your common-law union under the Canadian Income Tax Act (T-1 “General individual income Tax Return”).
- Question 2
-
Check the box to indicate if you have life insurance on yourself which names your common-law partner as a beneficiary.
- Question 3
-
Check the box to indicate if your common-law partner has life insurance on themselves which names you as a beneficiary.
- Question 4
-
If you answered “no” to questions 1 to 3, indicate other documentary evidence you have that would indicate your relationship as common-law partners.
- Question 5
-
solemn declaration
Write the following information in the space provided: -
- Name of the declarant (as shown on passport/travel document)
- Name of the declarant’s partner (as shown on passport/travel document)
- Name of the city, town, village
- Name of the county
- Name of the province/state/territory
- Name of the country
- Date (day, month, year)
- Signature of the declarant
- Signature of the declarant’s partner
- Name of the person who administered the declaration
- Select the person’s title from the choices provided
- Signature of the person who administered the declaration
Note: Once you have filled out the form, click on the “Validate” button located at the top of the form. Missing information will be identified by a pop up when you press the “Validate” button. You should fill out your forms on a computer and validate them electronically to reduce mistakes and help you submit forms that are complete.
Note: The form will not produce a barcode when it is validated.
For more information about the “Validate” button, visit the Help Centre.
Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
Who may use this form?
Fill out this form only if you:
- are appointing a representative;
- need to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or
- are cancelling a representative’s appointment.
If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they must fill out their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.
Who is a representative?
A representative is someone who:
- you have appointed by completing the IMM 5476 form;
- gives advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process; and
- has your consent to conduct business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.
For more information, see: Use of a Representative.
Notify IRCC about any changes
You must use this Web form to tell us if any information changes regarding the person you authorized to represent you on your application.
Note: If a paid representative is submitting your application online on your behalf, they must sign in to their Representative Portal account to do so. You, as the Primary Applicant, need to electronically sign your application and your representative must also provide their declaration before submitting the application.
Step 3. Pay the Fees
Calculating your fees
Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($515) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.
Application | $CAN |
---|---|
Your application Processing fee ($850) and right of permanent residence fee ($515) |
1,365 |
Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) | 850 |
Include your spouse or partner Processing fee ($850) and right of permanent residence fee ($515) |
1,365 |
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) | 850 |
Include a dependent child | 230(per child) |
Note: Dependent children are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence fee.
Biometrics fees | $CAN |
---|---|
Biometrics (per person) | 85 |
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)
Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place |
170 |
How to pay the fees for your application
To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:
- a valid email address;
- a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.
Follow these instructions to pay your fees online.
Do not exit without printing or saving the receipt! The receipt is your proof of payment!
- At the end, click on the “Save” button to save a PDF copy of the IRCC official receipt.
- Upload a copy of this receipt to your online application when asked.
Payment Issues
No fee included or insufficient fees
If you do not pay the full fees for your application(s) we will return your application(s). We will only start processing your application after you return it with the correct fees.
For immigration applications, see section 10 of the IRPR and for citizenship applications, see section 13 of the Citizenship Act for more information.
Overpayment
If you pay more than the fees needed for your application(s) we will start processing your application, and send you a refund as soon as possible.
Note: You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.
Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt (if a receipt is attached to a paper application or uploaded as part of an online application). If you paid directly within an online application (no receipt attached), or if there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.
Only online payments are accepted in Canada. If any other forms of payment are received, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return your application.
Additional fees
You will also have to pay fees to third parties for yourself and your family members (if applicable) for:
- medical examinations
- police certificates
- language assessments
Step 4. Submit the application
Now that you’ve prepared your application, you can submit it for processing. To help make sure the application can be processed as quickly as possible:
- answer all questions;
- electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport);
- include your processing fee receipt;
- upload all the supporting documents; and
- you will receive a confirmation of submission which you should retain for your records.
What Happens Next
The application process
Submission
Completion check: Once you have submitted your application, we will check to make sure:
- all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted,
- the application processing fee has been paid, and
- all required supporting documents from the document checklist have been submitted.
If your application is missing any of the requested documents, it will be returned to you. Failure to provide supporting documents in certain circumstances may result in the refusal of your application.
Acknowledgment of receipt: If your application is complete, it will be placed into processing. You will be sent a letter or e-mail that:
- notifies you of this fact and provides you with your IRCC office file number
- sets out some basic instructions for contact with the IRCC office processing your file
- gives you a brief outline of future processing steps
Processing
Review for decision
Your application will undergo a detailed review by an IRCC Officer. The Officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection standards.
Medical requirements
You and your family members must undergo an immigration medical exam (IME)in order to become a permanent resident of Canada. You and your family members must not have a health condition that:
- is a danger to public health or safety, or
- would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.
Examples of “excessive demand” include ongoing hospitalization or institutional care for a physical or mental illness.
Find out more about immigration medical exams.
Important information: You must inform us immediately of any change in your marital status or your family composition (e.g. marriage, common-law relationship, separation, divorce, birth of a child, adoption of a child, death, etc). Any family member who has not been examined before you become a permanent resident can never be sponsored by you in the future.
Instructions
Information on medical instructions will be provided to you by the IRCC office. When you receive your assessment notice you will also receive medical forms for yourself (and any dependants, if applicable) and instructions on how to access a list of doctors in your area who are authorized to conduct IMEs (see below).
Note: You are not required to have an IME before you submit your application forms.
Exam validity
Medical results are valid for twelve months from the date of the IME. If your application is not finalized during this time, you may be required to do another medical exam.
Authorized doctors
The IME must be performed by a doctor from the IRCC list of Panel Physicians. You cannot choose your family doctor if their name is not on this list. See the list of Panel Physicians to find a doctor in your area.
Note that the doctor is only responsible for conducting the IME and cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.
Permanent resident status
If your application is successful, you and your family members will receive status as permanent residents of Canada. To prepare, see Understanding permanent resident status.
What you can do to help processing
There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast as possible:
- submit all documents and information we have asked for with your application
- pay your application and biometric fees (if required)
- provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required)
- tell us if your contact information changes, including:
- mailing address;
- telephone numbers;
- facsimile number (fax);
- e-mail address.
Things that delay processing
The following may delay processing:
- unclear photocopies of documents;
- verification of your information and documents;
- a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations;
- a criminal or security issue;
- consultation is needed with other offices in Canada or abroad.
In Canada and the United States
You may also Contact Us or go online to see the current status of your application:
- Click on Check application status, and
- Follow the instructions provided.
For details about how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.
If you are outside Canada and the United States:
Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.
Protecting your information
Your personal information is:
- available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
- not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.
For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Frequently Asked Questions/Help Centre.
Quality Assurance Program
Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:
- verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
- verify that your application has been completed properly.
Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.
Need help?
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.
Appendix A - Photo Specifications
Notes to the applicant
Take this information with you to the photographer
- Photos may be in colour or in black and white.
- Photos must be original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing photo.
- Photos must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past six (6) months).
Applying online
- You need one (1) photo.
- Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo to your application.
Notes to the photographer
The photo must be:
- taken by a commercial photographer;
- 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
- clear, sharp and in focus;
- taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling);
- taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections;
- taken straight on, with face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera (i.e. the photos must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the middle of the photo);
- taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background. Photos must reflect and represent natural skin tones and not be altered.
The back of the photo must include:
- the name and date of birth of the person in the photo
- the name and complete address of the photography studio
- the date the photo was taken;
The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are not accepted.
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