Guide 5424 - Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: Atlantic High-Skilled Program

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:

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Before You Apply

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot

Canada encourages applications for permanent residence from people with abilities, education and work experience that will contribute to the Canadian economy.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot 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 Pilot 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 Pilot you must first receive an Endorsement Letter 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 letters and valid job offers in one of the Atlantic Provinces.

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:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island

Language requirements

• You must have a level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• 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 your application is received.

Funds needed to settle in Canada

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.

You must submit proof with your application to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada. Examples of documents you can submit are:

• current bank statements or certification letter
• proof of your savings balance
• deposit statements

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.

We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you plan to live. Bring with you as much money as possible to make your establishment in Canada easier.

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. 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.

Working in Canada

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. For regulated occupations, you do not need to meet Canadian licensing requirements.

Although qualifications assessment and licensing are not needed for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, you should be aware of these issues when considering immigrating to Canada.

See regulated and non-regulated occupations (PDF, 2.12MB) 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 recognition process varies between provinces and territories and between occupations. Recognizing qualifications and issuing licenses can generally only be done in Canada. The process can take time. You may be asked to:

• provide documentation of qualifications
• do 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 set requirements and there is no legal requirement to get a licence. The employer will set the standards 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, 2.12MB).

Labour market information

Job opportunities and labour market conditions are different in each region of Canada. It is important to research conditions 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.

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.

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:

• a notary public;
• a commissioner of oaths; or
• a commissioner of taking affidavits.

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.

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:

• a notary public;
• a commissioner of oaths; or
• a commissioner of taking affidavits.

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.

Police certificates

If you and your family members are 18 years of age and older and aren’t permanent residents or Canadian citizens, you must provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which you spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.

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 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.

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.

Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant;
• your spouse or common-law partner (whether accompanying you to Canada or not), and
• your dependent children aged 18 years or older (whether accompanying you to Canada or not).

For refugee claimants in Canada: Only family members included in your application for refugee protection who are with you in Canada must complete this form.

Question 1

Enter your full family name (surname or last name) exactly as it is shown on your passport, travel or identity document.

Enter all of your given name(s) (first, second or more) exactly as they are shown on your passport, travel or identity document. Do not use initials.

Question 2

Enter your name in your native language or script (if applicable).

For example: Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Japanese characters or Chinese commercial/telegraphic code.

Question 3

Enter your date of birth. If you do not know your complete date of birth, please use an “*” (asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. For example, if the day and month of your date of birth is unknown you could enter 1964/*/*.

Question 4

Provide your father’s personal details including their:

• family name (surname or last name),
• given name(s),
• date of birth,
• town or city of birth,
• country of birth,
• date of death (if applicable).

Question 5

Provide your mother’s personal details including their:

• family name (surname or last name),
• given name(s),
• date of birth,
• town or city of birth,
• country of birth,
• date of death (if applicable).

Question 6

Answer each question by checking the appropriate box.

If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you must explain what happened in the space provided. If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

For questions 7-12, when answering:

• Do not use abbreviations
• Do not leave gaps in time

If a question doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” in the question.

If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

Important information: Processing will be delayed if you do not account for all periods of time.

Question 7

Education

Enter the number of years of formal education you have completed at each of the levels indicated.

Provide the details about each secondary and post-secondary educational institution you attended, including the:

• period of time that you attended the institution,
• name of the institution,
• city and country,
• type of certificate or diploma issued, and
• field of study.

If no diploma was issued, write “N/A”. If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

Question 8

Provide the details of your personal history since the age of 18, or the past 10 years, whichever is most recent.

Start with the most recent information.

If you were working:

• under “Activity”, enter your occupation or job title.
• make sure you provide a specific job title
• If your job title is not clear, provide a brief list of your duties

If you were not working:

• Explain what you were doing (for example: unemployed, studying, travelling, retired, in detention, etc.)

If you were outside your country of nationality, enter your status of the country you were in.

Important information: Please ensure that you do not leave any gaps in time. Failure to account for all time periods will result in a delay in the processing of your application.

Question 9: Membership in organizations

If you were or still are a member of an association or organizing, enter the names here.

This includes:

• political organizations,
• social organizations,
• youth or student organizations,
• trade unions, and
• professional associations.

If you were not a member of an association or organization, do not write “not applicable”. Instead, enter: “I have never been a member of an organization or association”.

Question 10

Enter any government positions you have held in the past such as:

• Civil servant;
• Judge;
• Police officer;
• Employee in a security organization;
• Etc.

Enter “NONE” in the box if you have not been a member of an association or organization.

Include:

• the name of the country and the level of jurisdiction (examples: national, regional or municipal),
• the name of the department or the branch you worked for, and
• activities and/or positions that you held.

Note: Do not use abbreviations.

Question 11

Give complete details about your military or paramilitary service (if applicable). Provide the details of your military or paramilitary service for each of the countries whose armed forces you served in. If you were not in any military or paramilitary service, write “NONE”. Do not leave gaps in time.

Question 12

Enter the residential addresses where you have lived since your 18th birthday or the past 10 years, whichever is most recent, complete with the postal code. Do not use P.O. Box addresses.

Authority to disclose personal information
Declaration of applicant

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully. Sign and date in the boxes provided. By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct. If you do not sign and date, the application will be returned to you.

Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

This form must be completed by:

• You, as the principal applicant,
• Your spouse or common-law partner (whether accompanying you to Canada or not), and
• Your dependent children aged 18 or over (whether accompanying you to Canada or not).

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
• 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.
• Your parent 1 (mother or father), and
• Your parent 2 (mother or father).

Section B

Write the personal details for your children. It is very important that you list all of your children (even if they are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada). This includes:

• 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 do not apply to you, answer “N/A”.

Section C

Write personal details about your:

• brother(s),
• sister(s),
• half-brother(s) and half-sister(s), and
• step-brother(s) and step-sister(s).

Section D

After carefully reading the statements contained in this section, sign and date the declaration.

Note: Once you have filled out the form, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom 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.

Supplementary Information: Your Travels (IMM 5562)

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant;

You must complete all sections including those for your spouse or common law partner (whether accompanying or not) and each dependent child over the age of 18 (whether accompanying or not).

If you need more space for any section, please add lines to the form by pressing the + button. If you apply on paper, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application. Print your name and the form's title on the additional sheet.

Question 1

Write your full family name (surname/last name) as it is shown on your passport or on the official documents that you will use to obtain your passport.

Write all of your given names (first, second or more) as they are shown on your passport or official documents. Do not use initials.

Question 2a

List all trips you have taken outside your country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since your 18^th birthday, if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If you did not travel outside your country during this period, select “did not travel”.

Question 2b

Write the full name (given name and surname/family name) of your spouse or common-law partner as it appears on their passport or on the official documents that will be used to obtain their passport. Do not use initials.

List all trips your spouse or common-law partner has taken outside their country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since their 18^th birthday if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If they did not travel outside their country during this period, select “did not travel”.

Question 2c,d,e

Write the full name (given name and surname/family name) of your dependent child 18 years or older as it appears on their passport or on the official documents that will be used to obtain their passport. Do not use initials.

List all trips that the dependent child has taken outside their country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since their 18^th birthday if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If they did not travel outside their country during this period, check “did not travel”.

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.

Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)

Who must complete this form?

This form must be completed and signed with handwritten signatures.

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.

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.

How to pay the fees for your application

To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

• a valid e-mail address;
• access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
• a credit card, Debit MasterCard^® or Visa^® Debit card.

Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

• Go to Online Payment.
• Follow the online instructions.
  • At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
• Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.
  • Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

 Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!

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.

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.

Mailing instructions

Note

Follow the instructions below to determine where to submit your application.

• Put the completed forms, supporting documents required by the CIO and fee payment receipt in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9” x 12”) envelope.
• Send your completed application to one (1) of the addresses shown below, depending on how it will be mailed.

Regular mail:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your Name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)

Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Centralized Intake Office
PO BOX 8900
Sydney, NS
B1P 0H1
Canada

Or by courier:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your Name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)

Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2
Canada

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.

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:

1. Click on Check application status, and
2. 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.

Need help?

If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.

Notes to the applicant

• Make sure that you provide the correct number of photos specified in the Checklist.
• You must provide identical and unaltered photos.
• 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).

Notes to the photographer

The photos 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.

The back of one (1) 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.