Guide 5067 – Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents

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:

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

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.

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.

Convictions / offences outside Canada

If you were convicted of or committed a criminal offence outside Canada, you may overcome this criminal inadmissibility

• by applying for rehabilitation, or
• you may be deemed to have been rehabilitated if at least ten years have passed since you completed the sentence imposed upon you, or since you committed the offence, if the offence is one that would, in Canada, be an indictable offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than ten years.

If the offence is one that would, in Canada, be prosecuted summarily, and if you were convicted for two (2) or more such offences, the period for rehabilitation is at least five (5) years after the sentences imposed were served or are to be served.

Convictions / offences in Canada

If you have a criminal conviction in Canada, you must seek a record suspension (formerly a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) before you will be admissible to Canada.

Note: Do not complete the forms in this guide until you have received your record suspension.
You can request a Record Suspension Application Guide or additional information from:

Parole Board of Canada
Clemency and Record Suspension Division
410 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R1
Telephone: 1-800-874-2652 (Callers in Canada and the United States only)
Fax: 1-613-941-4981
Email: suspension@pbc-clcc.gc.ca
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board.html
(The instructional guide and application forms can be downloaded from the website)

In order to be considered for a record suspension under the Criminal Records Act, a specified period of time must pass after the end of the sentence imposed. The sentence may have been payment of a fine, period of probation, or imprisonment.

If you have had two (2) or more summary convictions in Canada, you may no longer be inadmissible if:

• at least five (5) years have passed since all sentences imposed were served or to be served,
• you have had no other convictions.

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 existing permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics.

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.

Translation of documents

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

• the English or French translation; and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (if they are not a certified translator)

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:

• a notary public;
• a commissioner of oaths; or
• a commissioner of taking affidavits.

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.

Important 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.

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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:

• a notary public;
• a commissioner of oaths; or
• a commissioner of taking affidavits.

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.

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Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant

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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.

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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.

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Personal Details

Family name

Family name is also known as last name or surname.

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Given name

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

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Physical characteristics - sex

If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (PDF, 1.6 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.

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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.”

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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.

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Birth information - Place of birth

As shown in your passport or your travel document.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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) form.

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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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 (for example, 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.”

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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.”

Test from a designated testing agency to assess English or French

Approved testing agencies include:

• IELTS
• CELPIP
• TEF
• TCF

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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.

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Dependant’s relationship to the principal applicant

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

• Adopted Child
• Child
• Common-Law Partner
• Grandchild
• Other
• Spouse
• Step-Child
• Step-Grandchild

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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.

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Family name

Family name is also known as last name or surname.

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Given name

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

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Physical characteristics - sex

If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (PDF, 1.6 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.

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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.”

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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.

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Birth information - Place of birth

As shown in your passport or your travel document.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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 (for example, 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 (for example, if they are younger than working age), enter “none.”

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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 testing agency to assess English or French

Approved testing agencies include:

• IELTS
• CELPIP
• TEF
• TCF

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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/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.

Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant;
• your spouse or common-law partner (whether accompanying you to Canada or not), and
• your dependent children aged 18 years or older (whether accompanying you to Canada or not).

For refugee claimants in Canada: Only family members included in your application for refugee protection who are with you in Canada must complete this form.

Question 1

Enter your full family name (surname or last name) exactly as it is shown on your passport, travel or identity document.

Enter all of your given name(s) (first, second or more) exactly as they are shown on your passport, travel or identity document. Do not use initials.

Question 2

Enter your name in your native language or script (if applicable).

For example: Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Japanese characters or Chinese commercial/telegraphic code.

Question 3

Enter your date of birth. If you do not know your complete date of birth, please use an “*” (asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. For example, if the day and month of your date of birth is unknown you could enter 1964/*/*.

Question 4

Provide your father’s personal details including their:

• family name (surname or last name),
• given name(s),
• date of birth,
• town or city of birth,
• country of birth,
• date of death (if applicable).

Question 5

Provide your mother’s personal details including their:

• family name (surname or last name),
• given name(s),
• date of birth,
• town or city of birth,
• country of birth,
• date of death (if applicable).

Question 6

Answer each question by checking the appropriate box.

If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you must explain what happened in the space provided. If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

For questions 7-12, when answering:

• Do not use abbreviations
• Do not leave gaps in time

If a question doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” in the question.

If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

Important information: Processing will be delayed if you do not account for all periods of time.

Question 7

Education

Enter the number of years of formal education you have completed at each of the levels indicated.

Provide the details about each secondary and post-secondary educational institution you attended, including the:

• period of time that you attended the institution,
• name of the institution,
• city and country,
• type of certificate or diploma issued, and
• field of study.

If no diploma was issued, write “N/A”. If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

Question 8

Provide the details of your personal history since the age of 18, or the past 10 years, whichever is most recent.

Start with the most recent information.

If you were working:

• under “Activity”, enter your occupation or job title.
• make sure you provide a specific job title
• If your job title is not clear, provide a brief list of your duties

If you were not working:

• Explain what you were doing (for example: unemployed, studying, travelling, retired, in detention, etc.)

If you were outside your country of nationality, enter your status of the country you were in.

Important information: Please ensure that you do not leave any gaps in time. Failure to account for all time periods will result in a delay in the processing of your application.

Question 9: Membership in organizations

If you were or still are a member of an association or organizing, enter the names here.

This includes:

• political organizations,
• social organizations,
• youth or student organizations,
• trade unions, and
• professional associations.

If you were not a member of an association or organization, do not write “not applicable”. Instead, enter: “I have never been a member of an organization or association”.

Question 10

Enter any government positions you have held in the past such as:

• Civil servant;
• Judge;
• Police officer;
• Employee in a security organization;
• Etc.

Enter “NONE” in the box if you have not been a member of an association or organization.

Include:

• the name of the country and the level of jurisdiction (examples: national, regional or municipal),
• the name of the department or the branch you worked for, and
• activities and/or positions that you held.

Note: Do not use abbreviations.

Question 11

Give complete details about your military or paramilitary service (if applicable). Provide the details of your military or paramilitary service for each of the countries whose armed forces you served in. If you were not in any military or paramilitary service, write “NONE”. Do not leave gaps in time.

Question 12

Enter the residential addresses where you have lived since your 18th birthday or the past 10 years, whichever is most recent, complete with the postal code. Do not use P.O. Box addresses.

Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

This form must be completed by:

• You, as the principal applicant,
• Your spouse or common-law partner (whether accompanying you to Canada or not), and
• Your dependent children aged 18 or over (whether accompanying you to Canada or not).

Section A

Write the personal details for:

• Yourself:
  • If when selecting your marital status, you indicate that you are married, select the option that corresponds to your situation:
    • Check “Yes”, if you were physically present at the marriage ceremony
    • Check “No”, if you were not physically present at the marriage ceremony
• Your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner (if this applies)
  • If you are married, select the option that corresponds to your situation:
    • Check “Yes”, if your spouse was physically present at the marriage ceremony;
    • Check “No”, if your spouse was not physically present at the marriage ceremony.
• Your parent 1 (mother or father), and
• Your parent 2 (mother or father).

Section B

Write the personal details for your children. It is very important that you list all of your children (even if they are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada). This includes:

• married children,
• adopted children,
• children of your spouse(step-children) or common-law partner,
• any of your children who have been adopted by others,
• any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner or other guardian.

You must answer all questions. If any sections do not apply to you, answer “N/A”.

Section C

Write personal details about your:

• brother(s),
• sister(s),
• half-brother(s) and half-sister(s), and
• step-brother(s) and step-sister(s).

Section D

After carefully reading the statements contained in this section, sign and date the declaration.

Note: Once you have filled out the form, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form.  Missing information will be identified by a pop up when you press the “validate” button. You should fill out your forms on a computer and validate them electronically to reduce mistakes and help you submit forms that are complete.

Note: The form will not produce a barcode when it is validated.

For more information about the “validate” button, visit the Help Centre.

Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)

Who must complete this form?

This form must be completed and signed with handwritten signatures.

Question 1

Write the following information in the space provided:

• Country of current residence
• Province/state/territory of current residence
• Name of the declarant
• Name of the declarant’s partner
• Name of city, town, village
• Name of county (if applicable)
• Name of province/state/territory
• Name of the country
• Number of continuous year(s) in a conjugal relationship
• Date of the relationship (from-to)

Question 1A

Check the box to indicate if you have jointly signed a residential lease, mortgage or purchase agreement relating to a residence in which you both live.

Question 1B

Check the box to indicate if you jointly own property other than your residence.

Question 1C

Check the box to indicate if you have a joint bank, trust credit union or charge card accounts.

Question 1D

Check the box to indicate if you have declared your common-law union under the Canadian Income Tax Act (T-1 “General individual income Tax Return”).

Question 2

Check the box to indicate if you have life insurance on yourself which names your common-law partner as a beneficiary.

Question 3

Check the box to indicate if your common-law partner has life insurance on themselves which names you as a beneficiary.

Question 4

If you answered “no” to questions 1 to 3, indicate other documentary evidence you have that would indicate your relationship as common-law partners.

Question 5

solemn declaration
Write the following information in the space provided:

• Name of the declarant
• Name of the declarant’s partner
• Name of the city, town, village
• Name of the county
• Name of the province/state/territory
• Name of the country
• Date (day, month, year)
• Signature of the declarant
• Signature of the declarant’s partner
• Name of the person who administered the declaration
• Select the person’s title from the choices provided
• Signature of the person who administered the declaration

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Who may use this form?

Fill out this form only if you:

• are appointing a representative;
• need to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or
• are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they must fill out their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.

Who is a representative?

A representative is someone who:

• you have appointed by completing the IMM 5476 form;
• gives advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process; and
• has your consent to conduct business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.

For more information, see: Use of a Representative.

Photograph 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 six (6) 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 centred 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.

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.