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Applying for Permanent Residence – Quebec Selected Business Class Applicants: Investors or Entrepreneurs (IMM 4000)

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You now need to apply online

As of October 7, 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).

I can’t apply online and require accommodations

If you, your sponsor (if being sponsored by a family member) or representative cannot apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternative format. After we review your request, we’ll send you the application package in one of these formats:

  • paper
  • braille
  • large print

To request another format:

  1. Open a new email
  2. In the subject line of your email, include:
    • the format you need (paper, braille, or large print), and
    • the application package you want
  3. In the body of your email, include
    • your full name (principal applicant) as shown on your passport
    • the full name of your sponsor, if you’re being sponsored by a family member
    • a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
    • if you want the application in English or French
    • how we should send it to you (by email or regular mail)
      • Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This option will save you the time it would take to mail it to you.
      • Include your mailing address (in Canada only) if you want it mailed to you.
  4. Send your email to: IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

We will only reply to requests for alternative formats. We won't reply to any other emails. After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.

After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.

To submit your application

  • fill out and sign any paper forms
  • return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions

Use a courier to submit your paper application

Due to the labour disruption at Canada Post, you need to use a courier to send us your application. Use one that offers tracking so you have proof your application was delivered.

Find out how to check if your application has been received.

For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).

Table of Contents

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:

Overview

Application package

This application package has:

  • an instruction guide, and
  • the forms you need to fill out.

The instruction guide:

  • has information you must know before you submit your application, and
  • explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.

Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.

For an application to be considered complete, the principal applicant must fill out the forms listed below and must submit them all in the Permanent Residence Online Application Portal for the principal applicant and each of their dependants. Incomplete applications will be returned.

The forms include questions that will help the processing of your application.

Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:

Required step
What you must do to have your application processed.
Important information

Important information that you need to know to avoid delays or other problems.

Get more information

Where to get more information.

Note: Tips that will help you with this application.

Before You Apply

Permanent Residence under the Quebec Selected Business Immigration Program for Investors and Entrepreneurs

Canada welcomes successful business people who are seeking new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program is designed to encourage and facilitate the admission of these individuals. Both the federal and provincial/territorial governments welcome business immigrants and offer services to help immigrants start a business and settle in Canada.

Types of Business Immigrants

There are two classes of business immigrants:

  • Quebec investors and
  • Quebec entrepreneurs

You can apply under only one of these classes and you cannot change the class you are applying under once you have submitted your application.

The features of each class are listed in the table below to help you make that decision.

Do you intend to reside in Quebec?

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration, Quebec establishes its own immigration requirements and selects foreign nationals who will adapt well to living in Quebec. If you intend to come to Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, you must first contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

For more information, consult Quebec-selected skilled workers.

If you want to settle in Quebec, you will have to contact the responsible Quebec Immigration Office. The responsible Quebec Immigration office will send you an application, which includes a Demande de Certificat de sélection form, to be completed and returned to the appropriate address.

If your application is approved, you will be issued a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). You must then complete our forms and send them along with the original of the CSQ to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO).

Class type

Quebec investors

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province of Quebec operates its own immigrant investor program. All investors in the Quebec program must intend to live in Quebec and must be selected by Quebec. Investors in the Quebec program must invest CDN $800,000 and have a net worth of CDN $1,600,000.

Quebec entrepreneurs

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province of Quebec operates its own immigrant entrepreneur program, and Quebec-selected entrepreneurs are subject to Quebec’s own conditions rather than federal conditions. All entrepreneurs in the Quebec program must intend to live in Quebec and must be selected by Quebec. Entrepreneurs in the Quebec program must have a net worth of $300,000.

Staying informed

Selection criteria, requirements and other information for applicants can sometimes change. Please note that:

  • Applications will be processed according to the rules and regulations in effect at the time of the application. These may change at any time.
  • Our website contains the latest news, selection criteria updates and applications links. Check periodically for updated information.

Funds required to settle in Canada

The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to business immigrants.

All business class applicants must establish that they have enough money to support themselves and their family members for at least one year after they arrive in Canada. This is normally satisfied by the net worth requirement.

Note: You should research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you intend to live and have access to enough ready capital for your initial establishment.

You should be aware that Canadian legislation requires persons entering Canada to declare cash funds of $10,000 CDN or more. You will have to disclose these funds to a Canadian official upon arrival. Cash funds means:

  • money (coins or bank notes),
  • securities in bearer form (stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills, etc.), and
  • negotiable instruments in bearer form (bank drafts, travellers’ cheques, money orders, etc.).

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.

As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada. You can go to a designated Service Canada location.

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.

Using a representative

Note: If a paid representative is submitting your application online on your behalf, they must sign in to their Representative Portal account to do so. You, as the Primary Applicant, need to electronically sign your application and your representative must also provide their declaration before submitting the application.

If you (the principal applicant) want to authorize a representative to act on your behalf (paid or unpaid) you must

  • submit a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]  (opens in a new tab) form
  • sign it digitally or by hand and get your immigration representative to do so also
  • upload it with your application

If you (the principal applicant) want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative you must

Step 1. Gather Documents

What documents are required?

Collect the documents you need to support your application. These are listed in the Document Checklist [IMM 5722] (opens in a new tab) .

Incomplete applications will be returned by email. For your application to be considered complete, you must include

  • all the information asked for, on the online forms from you
  • the forms completed by the principal applicant, and
  • all supporting documents we ask for

Important information: If you cannot provide one or more documents required on the document checklist, you must provide a written explanation for each missing document so your application is not delayed in processing or returned to you as incomplete. You must also provide any other evidence or documents you have available to satisfy the requirement. Upload them as the document type that was asked for.

It’s helpful to include any proof that you applied to get supporting documents (for example, a marriage certificate payment receipt). The officer processing your application will contact you if they need more information.

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.

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.

Note: You do not need to provide a police certificate from a country if you or your family members were under 18 years of age the entire time you lived in that country.

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.

Translation of documents

You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:

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:

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.

small exclamation warning signImportant 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.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.

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:

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.

Step 2. Complete the Application

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application forms.

Filling out the application

Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account.

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)

You must also fill out these PDF forms

Complete and sign these PDF forms, if they apply to you

Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.


Important information

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”.

If you need more space for any section, include an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and upload it with your application. For the document type, choose “other.”

Uploading additional documents to your online application:

To submit supporting documentation with your online application, select “Other” from the drop-down menu (Document type) and upload your documents or other additional information which can be in any of the following formats: JPG, JPEG or PDF.

Signatures

If signatures are missing (when this applies), we will return the application by email without processing it.

As the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application, including your family members by typing your full name exactly as it is shown on your passport.

Note:

  • Remember to check for signature requirements and sign when needed, either by hand or electronically. If forms are not signed in the correct places, and by the correct people, we will return your application without processing it.
  • Signatures may be required in more than one place or from more than one person on some forms.
  • Where a date is needed, make sure you fill it in.
  • A parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of a dependent child under the age of 18 when a signature for this person is required.

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

  • you, the principal applicant

Completing the form

You’ll fill out and submit the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) online. You don’t need to print and sign by hand. Please follow the instructions below to ensure the form is properly completed.

You must answer all questions on this application form unless otherwise indicated.

You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later.

Read and follow the steps below to help you fill out the form.

Application Details

Language preference

From the list, select your preferred language for:

  1. correspondence (any letters or emails we send you)
  2. interview: if your native language is not in this list, select “Other”
  3. interpreter requested: you must select “Yes” if you do not select English or French for the interview
Where do you plan to live in Canada?

If you plan to live in the Province of Quebec and haven’t received your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), enter the date when you applied for it. If you haven’t applied yet, you must do so before applying for permanent residence.

Personal Details

Family name

Family name is also known as last name or surname.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s).

Given name

Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s). For given name(s) enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.

Physical characteristics - sex

If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB) form and send it with your application if

  • your foreign travel document or passport does not have the “X” gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option)
  • you have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document with a different gender identifier, including a
    • visa
    • electronic travel authorization
    • work permit or
    • study permit

You don’t need any supporting documents.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “U – Unknown”.

Physical characteristics - Eye colour

If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Other”.

Birth information - Date of birth

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, write 1901/01/01 in the fields fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation saying why you used this date.

Birth information - Place of birth

As shown in your passport or your travel document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you plan to adopt a child.

Citizenship(s)

If you aren’t a citizen of any country, choose “Stateless”.

If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose your other country of citizenship in the second field.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Current country of residence

You must be in this country legally.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “Canada” whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.

If you’ve lost your status
  • for “Status,” choose “Other”
  • in the details field, enter “Out of status, requires restoration”
  • leave the “From” and “To” fields blank

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you plan to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Previous countries of residence

This means you lived in the country for 6 months total, not just in a row.

If you chose “Other” as a status, try to provide as much detail and an explanation as to why you are out of status.

Marital and relationship status

You’re single if you’ve never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

You’re married if you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.

You’re common-law if you’ve lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for 1 year or more.

You’re divorced if you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

You’re legally separated if you’re still legally married but no longer living with your spouse.

You’re widowed if your spouse has died and you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

An annulled marriage has been legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage was not binding.

  • Family name is also known as last name or surname.
  • Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
  • If you’re in a common-law relationship, enter the date (year, month and day) you began living together.
  • If you’re legally separated or divorced, enter the date you were no longer living together.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Single”.

Contact Information

Current mailing address

  • Post office box (P.O. box) number: If you don’t enter a post office box, you must enter your street number
  • Street number (no.): The number on your house or apartment building. You must enter a street number if you didn’t enter a P.O. box

All correspondence will be mailed to this address unless you include your email address.

If you want a representative to do business with us on your behalf, you must provide their address in this section and on the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab) form.

For more information, read the Use of a Representative guide.

Email address

Use this format: name@provider.net

By entering your email address, you authorize IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific email.

Passport

Passport/travel document number (exactly as shown on your passport or travel document)

If you have more than one passport, choose the one you’ll use to travel to Canada.

Most people will need a passport to travel to Canada. If you’re approved to come here, you’ll need to get one.

A travel document is an identity document issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations). It has a photo and personal information, and let the holder travel between countries. If you have a passport, you don’t need a travel document.

Issue/expiry dates

You can find this information on the page in your passport that shows your photo and date of birth (also called the biodata page)

National Identity Document

A national identity document is an identity card with a photo which is issued by a government or official authority, and can be used as identification inside the country that issued it. It may also be known as "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card."

Document number

Enter your national identity document number exactly as shown on the identity document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Education/Occupation Details

Highest level of education

  1. None: No education.
  2. Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
  3. Trade/apprenticeship certificate/diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
  4. Non-university certificate/diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
  5. Post-secondary – no degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
  6. Bachelor’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum. Also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
  7. Post graduate – no degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
  8. Master’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before you can earn a Master’s degree.
  9. Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before you can earn a PhD.

Current occupation

If you don’t work, enter “not employed”.

Intended occupation

If you aren’t planning to work in Canada (for example, if you’re retired), enter “None”.

Language Details

Native language/mother tongue

This is the language that you learned at home during your childhood and that you still understand. If your native language is not in this list, choose “Other”.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, choose the native language of the country where you plan to adopt a child.

Test from a designated language testing organization to assess English or French

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have taken a test from a designated language testing organization to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Dependant’s Personal Details

Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to Canada.

If you answered “No,” explain why your dependant is non-accompanying.

Dependant’s relationship to the principal applicant

Select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:

  • Adopted Child
  • Adoptive parent
  • Child
  • Common-Law Partner
  • Grandchild
  • Parent
  • Spouse
  • Step-Child
  • Step-Grandchild
  • Other
Dependant type

Type A

The dependant is under the age of 22 and single (not married and not in a common-law relationship).

Type B (Important: This dependant type applies only if your child’s age was locked in before August 1, 2014)

The dependant has been continuously enrolled in and in attendance as a full-time student at a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority and has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22.

Type C

The dependant is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22, and is unable to provide for themselves because of a medical condition.

Not sure which type of dependant your child is? Check if your child qualifies as a dependant by answering a few questions.

Family name

Family name is also known as last name or surname.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s).

Given name

Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s). For given name(s) enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.

Physical characteristics - sex

If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB) form and send it with your application if

  • your foreign travel document or passport does not have the “X” gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option)
  • you have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document with a different gender identifier, including a
    • visa
    • electronic travel authorization
    • work permit or
    • study permit

You don’t need any supporting documents.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “U – Unknown”.

Physical characteristics - Eye colour

If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Other”.

Birth information - Date of birth

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, enter 1901/01/01 to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation.

Birth information - Place of birth

As shown in your passport or your travel document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you plan to adopt a child.

Citizenship(s)

If you aren’t a citizen of any country, choose “Stateless”.

If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose your other country of citizenship in the second field.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Current country of residence

You must be in this country legally.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “Canada” whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.

If you’ve lost your status
  • for “Status,” choose “Other”
  • in the details field, enter “Out of status, requires restoration”
  • leave the “From” and “To” fields blank

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you plan to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Previous countries of residence

This means you lived in the country for 6 months total, not just in a row.

If you chose “Other” as a status, try to provide as much detail and an explanation as to why you are out of status.

Marital and relationship status

You’re single if you’ve never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

You’re married if you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.

You’re common-law if you’ve lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for 1 year or more.

You’re divorced if you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

You’re legally separated if you’re married but no longer living with your spouse.

You’re widowed if your spouse has died and you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

An annulled marriage has been legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage was not binding.

  • Family name is also known as last name or surname.
  • Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
  • If you’re in a common-law relationship, enter the date (year, month and day) you began living together.
  • If you’re legally separated or divorced, enter the date you were no longer living together.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Single”.

Passport

Passport/travel document number (exactly as shown on your passport or travel document)

If you have more than one passport, choose the one you’ll use to travel to Canada.

Most people will need a passport to travel to Canada. If you’re approved to come here, you’ll need to get one.

A travel document is an identity document issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations). It has a photo and personal information, and let the holder travel between countries. If you have a passport, you don’t need a travel document.

Issue/expiry dates

You can find this information on the page in your passport that shows your photo and date of birth (also called the biodata page)

National Identity Document

A national identity document is an identity card with a photo which is issued by a government or official authority, and can be used as identification inside the country that issued it. It may also be known as "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card."

Document number

Enter their national identity document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Education/Occupation Details

Highest level of education

  1. None: No education.
  2. Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
  3. Trade/apprenticeship certificate/diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
  4. Non-university certificate/diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
  5. Post-secondary – no degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
  6. Bachelor’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum. Also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
  7. Post graduate – no degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
  8. Master’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before you can earn a Master’s degree.
  9. Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before you can earn a PhD.

Current occupation

If your dependant doesn’t work, enter “not employed.”

Intended occupation

If your dependant isn’t planning to work in Canada (e.g., if they are younger than working age), enter “None”.

Language Details

Native language/mother tongue

This is the language that they learned at home during their childhood and they still understand. If their native language does not appear in this list, select “Other”.

Test from a designated language testing organization to assess English or French

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have taken a test from a designated language testing organization to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

  1. Follow the instructions at the bottom of the online application to view the declaration.
  2. Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and:
    1. check the “Yes” or “No” buttons to show if you agree that the information in this application about your intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers to help them hire workers;
    2. type your name in the blue field.

By typing your name, you’re signing the application electronically. By doing so, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct. You can’t submit your application online unless you sign it.

Step 3. Pay the Fees

Calculating your fees

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. The processing fee must be included with your application.

We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($575) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.

Application (per person) $CAN
Your application
Processing fee ($1,810) and right of permanent residence fee ($575)		 2,385
Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) 1,810
Include your spouse or partner
Processing fee ($950) and right of permanent residence fee ($575)		 1,525
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) 950
Include a dependent child 260

For applicants who started an immigration process before August 1st, 2014, see the Definition of Dependent Children Before August 1st, 2014.

Note: The following persons are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of $575:

  • Your dependent children;
  • You, if you are the principal applicant and the dependent child of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. You must meet the definition of “dependent child” at the time of the application;
  • You and your family member, if you are a protected person.
Biometrics fees $CAN
Biometrics (per person) 85
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)

Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place

 170

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.

blue question mark 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.

Note: You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.

Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt (if a receipt is attached to a paper application or uploaded as part of an online application). If you paid directly within an online application (no receipt attached), or if there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.

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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.

How to pay the fees for your application

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

  • a valid email address;
  • a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.

Follow these instructions to pay your fees online.

stop sign hand Do not exit without printing or saving the receipt! The receipt is your proof of payment!

  • At the end, click on the “Save” button to save a PDF copy of the IRCC official receipt.
  • Upload a copy of this receipt to your online application when asked.

Additional fees

You must also pay for the following for yourself and your family members (if applicable):

  • medical examinations
  • police certificates
  • language assessments

Step 4. Submit the Application

Now that you’ve prepared your application, you can submit it for processing. To help make sure the application can be processed as quickly as possible:

  • 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, including the invitation to apply letter with your confirmation number

Submit the document checklist

Make sure you complete the Document Checklist (IMM 5722) included in this guide and include it with your application.

What Happens Next?

The application process

Submission

Completion check: Once you have submitted your application, we will check to determine that all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted, the application processing fee has been paid, and that all requested supporting documentation has been provided.

If your application package does not meet these requirements, we will return it to you. No file will be created or record kept until a complete application has been submitted.

Acknowledgment of receipt: If your application is complete, we will begin to process it. You will be sent a letter that:

  • notifies you of this fact and provides you with your visa office file number,
  • sets out some basic instructions for contact with the visa office,
  • gives you a brief outline of future processing steps.

Processing

Review for decision

Your application will undergo a detailed review by a Visa Officer. The Officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection standards.

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.

Permanent resident status

If your application is successful, you and your family members will receive permanent resident visas. You will become permanent residents of Canada when you move to Canada within the validity of your visa(s). Some conditions will apply:

  • You will remain a permanent resident until you become a Canadian citizen, as long as you spend at least two years of each five-year period in Canada.
  • You may leave and re-enter Canada as often as you wish.

Rights

As permanent residents, you and your family members will have the right to:

  • live, study and work in Canada for as long as you remain permanent residents,
  • access most social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens (see “Limitations”),
  • apply for Canadian citizenship, and if granted, apply for a Canadian passport once you have a physical presence for four years (1,460 days) out of the six years.

Limitations

There are a few limitations on permanent residents:

  • You cannot vote in certain elections.
  • You may be ineligible for certain jobs requiring high-level security clearances.
  • If you or any of your family members commit a serious crime, you or your family members may be stripped of permanent resident status and deported from Canada.

Obligations

As permanent residents, you will also have the same legal obligations as Canadians, such as paying taxes and respecting all federal, provincial, and municipal laws.

The Permanent Resident Card

All new permanent residents will be issued a card as part of the process. Cards will be mailed to your home address soon after you become a permanent resident. For more information about the Permanent Resident Card, visit Get a permanent resident card.


For more information

Current processing times

You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.


Important information

Updating your contact information

During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number by visiting Change My Address online.

Note: If your personal situation changes (for example change of marital status, birth of a child, etc.) after you have submitted your application, you must notify us in writing.

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.

Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.

Online services

For more information about the programs offered by IRCC, visit Immigration and Citizenship.

Need help?

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

How to contact Immigration Quebec

Visit the website of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion.

Appendix A – Photo Specifications

Notes to the applicant

Take this information with you to the photographer

  • 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 twelve (12) months).

Applying online

  • You need one (1) photo.
  • Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo to your application.

Notes to the photographer

The photo 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 centered 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 and not be altered.
Image described below

The back of the 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.

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