Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: Apply for permanent residence
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
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.
How to apply
You must now apply online
As of September 23, 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).
Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account (opens in a new tab) .
Get the instruction guide
Use our instruction guide to fill out the forms properly.
We recently updated the eligibility and other requirements for this pilot. The instruction guide you need depends on when you applied for community recommendation.
If you applied for a community recommendation on or before September 22, 2022
If you applied for a community recommendation on or after September 23, 2022
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
Forms for the employer to fill out
- Offer of Employment to a Foreign National - Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot [IMM 5984] (PDF, 1.52 MB)
- 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
Forms for the designated Economic Development Organization of the participating community to fill out
- Recommendation from the designated Economic Development Organization – Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (IMM 0112)
- You must upload it with your online application
Tips for downloading and filling out the application forms
- Make sure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher and Javascript is turned on. If you have trouble downloading, right-click the link and choose "Save Target As…"
- Fill out the form on your computer instead of by hand. It’s easier and reduces mistakes that can cause delays.
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. But 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
A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also
- help you prepare the documents you need to upload
- answer questions about the forms
After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name. 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
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.
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 fees online
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.
Find out how to pay your fees.
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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