Application for Permanent Residence – Federal Self-Employed Persons and Quebec Selected Self-Employed Persons

You need to give your biometrics

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.

Biometrics and the application process

Image that represents the different stages of the application process and biometrics.

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.

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.

Basic entry requirements

You must meet some basic requirements to enter Canada. You must:

  • have a valid travel document, like a passport
  • be in good health
  • have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
  • convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
  • convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
  • have enough money for your stay
    • The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

Some people are not admissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:

  • criminal activity
  • human rights violations
  • organized crime

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

Find out more about inadmissibility.

Biometrics fee

  • Individual applicant: CAD $85
  • Families applying at the same time: maximum total fee of CAD $170
  • Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255

 Get help to open an application form or to fill one out in the Help Centre.

Do you want to buy or manage a farm in Canada?

As of March 10, 2018, we are no longer accepting new applications under the farm management stream of the Self-Employed Person Program.

This application package includes:

For Federal Self-Employed Class applications:

For Quebec Self-Employed Class applications:

If the CIO determines that your application is complete, it will be forwarded to the appropriate IRCC office for processing. If your application does not include all of the documents and forms set out in the checklist, we will return it to you. Do not provide documents which are not listed in the checklist.

Want to live in Quebec?

If you plan to settle in Quebec as a business immigrant, you must first apply to the Government of Québec for a Selection Certificate.

How to use this application package

Read the instruction guide to complete your application forms

  • Use the new Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 553.83KB). It can be completed and saved on a computer. You will need Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
  • Filling the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.
  • Trouble downloading? Right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’

Complete, validate, print, sign and date your application forms

To ensure you submit all the pages:

IMM 0008:

  1. Click on the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.

    Note: Validating the form before printing ensures you have answered all the questions and will avoid delays in processing your application.

  2. A last page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
    • Print on white, bond-quality and non-glossy paper
    • Use of a laser printer is recommended
  4. Place the barcode page on the top of each individual package.

Other forms:

Use the Document Checklist (IMM 5784) (PDF, 384.24KB) to make sure you include all the other forms and documents you need.

Pay the fees

Visit the Pay your fees page to learn about accepted methods of payment.

Send your completed application to the Centralized Intake Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Find out more about the barcode form.

Features

How-to video

Save Time: Send a Complete Application

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