Types of immigration status documents
We issue many immigration documents after someone successfully applies for one of our immigration programs. Temporary and permanent residents use these documents to prove their status when applying for services and other benefits.
Immigration status document can be used
- as proof of historical immigration information, including the date and place of entry to Canada
- to access federal, provincial and municipal social benefits and services
If you accept these documents as part of your business, it’s important you know how to recognize them.
On this page
- Temporary residents (IMM 1442)
- Refugee Protection Claimant Document
- Permanent residents
- Verification of Status (IMM 5009)
Temporary residents (IMM 1442)
We issue the IMM 1442 document to all temporary residents authorized to enter and remain in Canada.
The contents of the IMM 1442 depend on the resident’s status. We issue documents for
- study permits
- work permits
- visitor records
- Temporary Resident Permits (TRP)
These documents cannot be
- used for travel
- used as an identity document
- laminated or altered in any way (altered or laminated documents are not valid)
We have started issuing a new version of the IMM 1442 document. Check the sections below for current examples of these documents.
Previous version of IMM 1442
Some temporary residents may have been issued the previous version of the document. If the expiry date on the document has not passed, the document is still valid.
Example of a previous version of a visitor record
Study permit
Example of a study permit
We issue study permits to foreign nationals so they can study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada, usually for periods longer than 6 months.
It includes
- the institute where they study
- if their travel within Canada is restricted
- the date they need to leave Canada
Learn more about study permits.
Work permit
Example of a work permit
We issue work permits to foreign nationals so they can work in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a work permit to legally work in Canada.
It includes
- the type of work they can do
- the employer they can work for
- where they can work
- how long they can work (up to 5 years)
Learn more about work permits, including
Visitor record
Example of a visitor record
We issue visitor records to both visa-required and visa-exempt foreign nationals to
- extend or limit their stay in Canada beyond the 6-month standard
- specify conditions during their stay
- restore their status
It includes
- the conditions of their stay
- the date which they must leave Canada
- the purpose of their stay in Canada
Learn more about visitor records.
Temporary Resident Permit
Example of a temporary resident permit.
Example of a temporary resident permit
We issue Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) under exceptional circumstances to foreign nationals who are inadmissible. They grant special authorization to enter or remain in Canada temporarily.
TRPs are usually valid for between 6 to 12 months.
Learn more about inadmissibility.
Refugee Protection Claimant Document
Example of a Refugee Protection Claimant Document.
Example of a Confirmation of Permanent Residence
We issue Refugee Protection Claimant Documents (RPCD) to refugee claimants after we refer their claims to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
A RPCD
- confirms you either
- made a refugee claim (either eligible or not), or
- have been referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
- shows you’re covered for health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
A RPCD does not
- explain the conditions for health coverage
- provide the authorized period of stay and length of health coverage
Learn more about claiming refugee status in Canada.
Permanent Residents
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
Example of a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
Example of a Confirmation of Permanent Residence
We issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) to foreign nationals either
- before they travel to Canada, or
- when they land in Canada
It confirms their permanent resident status before they get their permanent resident card.
The CoPR includes
- the official date of landing
- where they landed
- medical exam details
- any conditions of stay
Learn more about permanent resident status.
Permanent resident card
A permanent resident (PR) card proves that the holder has permanent resident status in Canada. If they travel abroad, they must show this card and their passport to return to Canada.
Learn more about permanent resident cards.
Verification of Status (IMM 5009)
We issue verification of status (VOS) documents to foreign nationals, permanent residents or Canadian citizens when their original status document has been
- lost
- stolen
- destroyed
The VOS document
- confirms the holder’s current immigration status
- provides information about the holder’s immigration history
- gets printed on plain paper
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