Self-employed person: How to apply
Biometrics and the application process
We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.
1. Apply for permanent residence
If you want to apply for permanent residence in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.
Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application.
2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for every application for permanent residence you submit. Even if you gave your biometrics in the past and they’re still valid.
- You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays.
- Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
- You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.
Temporary changes to biometrics
Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline on your biometric instruction letter, there may be measures in place to help you.
Find out who needs to give, how to give, and where to give your biometrics.
3. We process your application
After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.
If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.
4. We make a decision on your application
When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.
If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.
5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)
Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes documents like your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), permanent resident visa (if you’re from a country that needs a visa), or eTA (electronically linked to your passport) if you’re from a visa-exempt country or your single entry journey document if you don’t have a travel document.
Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.
Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents.
6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada
When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.
If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.
If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.
7. You’re allowed to enter Canada
If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.
Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.
Want to live in Quebec?
If you plan to live in Quebec as a business immigrant, you must first apply to the Government of Québec for a Selection Certificate.
How to apply online
Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account(opens in a new tab) .
The instruction guide, (IMM 4500), will help you fill out the forms properly.
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
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:
If you aren’t truthful in your application for permanent residence we may:
- refuse your application
- find you inadmissible
- bar you for up to 5 years from applying for permanent resident status
Using an immigration representative
If you’re a representative, find out how you can create an account and submit applications on behalf of your clients.
If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, 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
An immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer) can
- give you advice and help you with your application for a fee
- help you prepare the forms and documents you need to upload
- answer questions about the forms
- communicate with us on your behalf through their own account
They can’t
- open a portal account on your behalf
- electronically sign the application for you
- sign into the portal using your username and password
After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name and clicks the “submit” button. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law.
If you 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
- complete the form and sign it (digitally or by hand)
- get your designated individual to sign it as well
- upload it with your application
Technical issues
If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form
- under type of application/enquiry, choose technical difficulties from the drop-down menu
- in the text box, specify the program you’re applying under
- upload screenshots from your account that show us
- the page where you’re having problems
- the error message(s) you get
If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.
Get your fingerprints and photo taken
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
Find out if you need to give your biometrics.
- You must pay the biometric fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays.
- Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
- You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.
Pay your application fees
Our permanent residence fees are increasing
The fees for all permanent residence applications are increasing on April 30, 2024. Find out more about how the fees are changing.
In most cases, your fees will include:
- processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application
- the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
- biometrics
- third-party fees
You have to pay your fees using our online fee tool (opens in a new tab) .
Biometrics fee
In most cases, you must pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise, you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.
After you pay the biometrics fee with a complete application, we’ll send you a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. You must show this letter when you give your biometrics.
You must give your biometrics in person. Make sure to book an appointment if this service is offered. Find a collection point close to you.
Third-party fees
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
Our instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you.
Photo specifications
You need one photo for each person on your application.
Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.
Submit your online application
Before you submit your application, make sure you:
- 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
If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.
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