Sponsorship of adopted children and other relatives — The sponsor’s guide (IMM 5196)

This is not a legal document. For legal information, refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations or the Citizenship Act and Regulations, as applicable.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

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.

The forms are designed with 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:

Family members

Translation of documents

You must send the following for any document that is not in English or French, unless otherwise stated on your document checklist:

• the English or French translation; and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (see below for details); and
• a certified copy of the original document.

Translations may be done by a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French and the unofficial language).

If the translation isn’t done by a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada, you must submit an affidavit swearing to the accuracy of the translation and the language proficiency of the translator. A certified translator will provide both a certified translation and certified copies of the original documents.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

In Canada:

• a notary public
• a commissioner of oaths
• 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.

Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must (as described below) compare the original document to the photocopy and must print 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,
• his or her name,
• his or her official position or title, and
• his or her signature.

Who can certify copies?

Persons authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

• a notary public
• a commissioner of oaths
• a commissioner of taking affidavits

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities.

Outside Canada:

• a notary public

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities.

Applicants themselves or members of their family may not certify copies of your documents. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (IMM 1344)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• the sponsor,
• the co-signer, if applicable
• the principal applicant.

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

1. Download and fill out the application form on a computer.

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

2. Once the application is completed, click on the Validate button located at the top or bottom of the form.

A barcode page like the one below will be generated:

3. Print all pages of your application form.

4. Sign and date in the spaces provided.

5. Place the barcode page on top of your application (forms and supporting documents) when you submit it.

Part 1: Application to Sponsor and Undertaking

Question 1

Check one box to indicate how you wish to proceed if you do not meet the sponsorship requirements.

• If you check the box to withdraw your sponsorship application then
  • the sponsorship application will not be processed. All fees will be refunded, except for the $75 sponsorship fee.
• If you check the box to proceed with the application for permanent residence then
  • the sponsorship application will be refused. None of the fees will be refunded.

Note: Check “proceed with the application for permanent residence” if you submit an undertaking of assistance to support the permanent residence application of a family member or close relative on Humanitarian and compassionate considerations.

Question 2

Would you like to receive your correspondence in French or English?

Question 3

Check one box to indicate if you have a co-signer or not.

Only your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign this application.

Note: If you are sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner, you cannot have a co-signer.

Question 4

Write the following details about the principal applicant you are sponsoring:

• Family name(s) (surname)
• Given name(s) (first, second or more)

Note: If you are sponsoring a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, write:

• your Family name(s) and
• “Child” in the given name field or leave it blank.

Question 5

Indicate the principal applicant’s date of birth. If the complete date of birth is unknown, use “*” (star sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day, where applicable.

Question 6

1. Indicate the nature of your relationship to the principal applicant:
   • Spouse
   • Common-law partner
   • Conjugal partner
   • Child
   • Grandchild
   • Parent
   • Adoptive parent
   • Other
2. If you chose Other, provide details (i.e., brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, etc.).
3. If you are a conjugal partner, provide the date you entered into that conjugal relationship.

Sponsor Personal Details

Question 1

Full name

Indicate your family name(s) (surname) exactly as it appears on your passport or travel document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all your given name(s) here and leave the given name field blank.

Write all of your given name(s) (first, second, or more) exactly as it appears on your passport or travel document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave this field blank.

Question 2

Nickname/Alias

Check the box to indicate if you ever used any other name. This could include your birth name, maiden name, married name, nickname, etc.

If you checked “Yes”, indicate any other family name(s) that you have ever used.

If you checked “Yes”, indicate any other given name(s) (first, second, or more) that you have ever used.

Question 3

Indicate your sex.

Question 4

Indicate your date of birth. If your complete date of birth is unknown, use “*” (star sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day, where applicable.

Question 5

Indicate your city or town of birth.

Indicate your country of birth.

Question 6

Indicate your status in Canada:

• Canadian citizen by birth
• Canadian citizen by descent (citizenship through a parent)
• Naturalized Canadian citizen (after immigrating to Canada)
• Permanent resident

Question 7

If you are a permanent resident or a naturalized Canadian citizen (i.e., you came to Canada as a permanent resident and were later granted Canadian citizenship), provide:

1. The date on which you obtained this status (whichever is more recent)
2. Your UCI (Unique Client Identifier)/Client ID number)
3. Check the box to indicate if your actual full name is the same as when you became a permanent resident. If you checked “No”, provide your full name (family name(s) and given(s) name(s)) at the time you became permanent resident.

Question 8

1. Indicate your current marital status:

   Annulled Marriage:

   This is a marriage that is legally declared invalid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marital union did not have a binding force.

   Common-Law:

   This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for a minimum of one year.

   Divorced:

   This means that you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

   Legally Separated:

   This means that you are married, but no longer living with your spouse.

   Married:

   This means that 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.

   Single:

   This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

   Widowed:

   This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

2. Enter the date (year, month, day) you were married or you entered into your current common-law relationship.

   Note: This is the date your status officially changed from being single to common-law, not the date you started living together.

3. Write the family name(s) and given name(s) of your current spouse or common-law partner.

Question 9

Check the box to indicate whether you have previously been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “Yes”, provide:

• Family name(s)
• Given name(s)
• Type of relationship:
  • Common-law or
  • Married
• Dates (From – To) for which you were in the relationship with your previous spouse/common-law partner.

Sponsor Contact Information

Question 1

Indicate your current mailing address (where information should be mailed):

• Post Office Box (P.O. Box) number, if applicable. If you do not indicate post office box, the Street number must be provided
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
• Street number (No), if applicable. This must be provided if you did not indicate in a P.O. Box
• Street name, if applicable
• City or Town
• From the list, select the Country of your current mailing address
• Province or State
• Postal code/zip code
• District, if applicable

Note: All correspondence will go to this address unless you indicate your e-mail address.

If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business 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 Representative” section in this guide.

Question 2

Check the box to indicate whether your residential address (where you live) is the same as your mailing address. If “No”, indicate the following information:

• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
• Street Number (No.)
• Street Name
• City or Town
• Country
• Province or State
• Postal Code/zip code
• District, if applicable

Question 3

Check the appropriate box to indicate if the telephone number is from Canada/the United States (US) or Other (any other country).

Indicate the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

Write your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Question 4

Check the appropriate box to indicate if your additional telephone number is from Canada/the United States or Other (any other country).

Indicate the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

Write your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Question 5

Check the appropriate box to indicate if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada and United States or Other (any other country).

If applicable, write your facsimile (fax) number, including country code, area/regional codes, etc.

Question 6

If applicable, write your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net

Note: By indicating your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to transmit all correspondence, including your file and personal information to this specific e-mail address.

Question 1-18

Check “Yes” or “No” in the appropriate boxes.

Note: Sponsors residing in Quebec (or who intend to) do not need to answer questions 8, 9, 10 and 15.

• If you answer “No” to questions 1 to 3
  • You are not eligible to be a sponsor. You should not submit an application.
• If you answer “No” to question 4, but are a Canadian citizen living exclusively outside Canada
  • You may submit a sponsorship for your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner and children who have no children of their own.
  • You must, however, come to Canada to reside with the sponsored person. If this is your situation, complete the section “Residency Declaration”.
• If you answer “Yes” to any question between 5 and 15
  • You are not eligible to be a sponsor. You should not submit an application.
  • If you are sponsoring a parent or grandparent, this does not apply to you.
• If you answer “Yes” to questions 13, 16, 17 or 18
  • provide the details including date and place, and
  • read the section “Suspension of processing” for situations where processing may be suspended.

Co-Signer Contact Information

Question 1

Check the appropriate box to indicate if the telephone number is from Canada/the United States (US) or Other (any other country).

Indicate the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

Write your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Question 2

Check the appropriate box to indicate if your additional telephone number is from Canada/the United States or Other (any other country).

Indicate the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

Write your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “ Ext.”

Question 3

Check the appropriate box to indicate if the facsimile ( fax) number is from Canada and United States or Other (any other country).

If applicable, write your facsimile (fax) number, including country code, area/regional codes, etc.

Question 4

If applicable, write your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net

Note: By indicating your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to transmit all correspondence, including your file and personal information to this specific e-mail address.

Question 1-15

Check “Yes” or “No” in the appropriate boxes.

Note: Co-signers residing in Quebec (or who intend to) do not need to answer questions 5, 6, 7 and 12.

• If you answer “No” to questions 1 or 2
  • Then you are not eligible to be a sponsor. You should not submit an application.
• If you answer “No” to question 3, but are a Canadian citizen living exclusively outside Canada
  • Then you may submit a sponsorship for your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner and children who have no children of their own.
  • You must, however, come to Canada to reside with the sponsored person. If this is your situation, complete the section “Residency Declaration”.
• If you answer “Yes” to any question between 4 and 12
  • Then you are not eligible to be a co-signer. You should not co-sign this application.
• If you answer “Yes” to any questions between 13 and 15
  • Then provide the details including date and place, and
  • Then read the section “Suspension of processing” for situations where processing may be suspended.

This section outlines what your role and responsibilities will be by submitting this application.

Part 2: Sponsorship Agreement

Obligations of the Sponsor and, if applicable, the Co-Signer; and Obligations of the Person to be Sponsored

All parties (sponsor, co-signer and person to be sponsored) must read the obligations carefully.

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• You, the principal applicant.

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

Download and fill out the application form on a computer.

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

In order to help you fill out the application form, read and follow the steps below.

Application Details

Question 1

From the list, select the Program under which you are applying:

• Family
• Economic
• Refugee
• Other

Question 2

From the list, select the Category under which you are applying:

• If you chose “Family” in question 1, select one of the following:
  • Spouse
  • Common-law partner
  • Conjugal partner
  • Dependent child/adopted child
  • Child to be adopted in Canada
  • Parents/grandparents
  • Orphaned sibling/nephew/niece/grandchild
  • Other relative
• If you chose “ Economic” in question 1, select one of the following:
  • Skilled worker
  • Skilled trades
  • Self-employed
  • Provincial nominee
  • Canadian experience class
  • Quebec selected skilled worker
  • Quebec selected entrepreneur
  • Quebec selected self employed
  • Quebec selected investor
  • Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)
  • Caring for Children Class
  • Caring for People with High Medical Needs
  • Startup Business
  • Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program
  • Atlantic High-Skilled Program
  • Atlantic International Graduate Program
• If you chose “Refugee” in question 1, select one of the following:
  • In Canada – Refugee Claim
  • In Canada – Protected Person (for Convention Refugees or other protected persons applying for permanent residence from within Canada)
  • Outside Canada – Refugee (for Convention Refugees or other protected persons applying for permanent residence from outside Canada)
• If you chose “Other” in question 1, select one of the following:
  • In Canada – Humanitarian & Compassionate Considerations
  • Permit Holder Class

Question 3

Indicate the total number of family members included in your application. This includes yourself and any family members, regardless of whether they intend to accompany you to Canada or not.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: Indicate the total number of family members included in your application for refugee protection who are with you in Canada.

Question 4

Language preference

From the list, select your preferred language for:

1. correspondence
2. interview (if you select English or French, an interpreter will not be required), and
   Note: If your native language does not appear in this list, select “other”.
3. interpreter requested (necessary if English or French is not selected for the interview).

Question 5

Where do you intend to live in Canada?

From the list select the:

1. Province/Territory
2. City/Town

Question 6

If you intend to live in the Province of Quebec and are applying under a Quebec immigration program, have you received your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)?

1. Check the corresponding box
2. If you checked “Yes”, please indicate the CSQ number
3. If you checked “No”, indicate the date when you applied for your CSQ (if you have not yet applied, please do so before applying for permanent residence)

Note: If you are not applying under a Quebec immigration program, check “no” for Question 6 a) and leave 6 c) blank.

Principal Applicant’s Personal Details

The following questions must be answered by the Principal Applicant.

Question 1

Indicate your full family name (surname or last name) as it appears on your passport, travel or identity document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate your family name(s).

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

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Child” or leave the given name field blank.

Question 2

Nickname/Alias

Check the box to indicate if you have ever used any other name than those indicated in question one. This could be your birth name, maiden name, married name, nickname, etc. If “Yes”, provide your nickname/alias by indicating it in the family name and given name(s) fields.

Question 3

Indicate your Unique Client Identifier number (UCI) or Client Identification number (Client ID), if known (8 or 10-digit number). Otherwise, leave it blank. If this is your first application with IRCC you will not have a UCI or a Client ID.

Question 4

From the list, select your sex (male, female or unknown).

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “Unknown”.

Question 5

Indicate your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 6

From the list, select your eye color.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “Other”.

Question 7

Indicate your complete date of birth.

Note: If you do not know your complete date of birth, please use a “*” (star sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day.

Question 8

Note, if your city, town, or country of birth is indicated in your passport or your travel document, please record it as it appears in the document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 9

Citizenship(s)

1. From the list, select your country of citizenship.
2. If you are a citizen of more than one country, select your other country of citizenship.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 10

Current country of residence

From the list, select the appropriate information to indicate:

• The name of your current country of residence. Your country of residence is the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country.

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

• Your immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Foreign National
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a status.
• The dates (From – To) you have been living in your current country of residence.

For out-of-status applicants:

• Under “Status” select “Other”;
• Under “Other” type in “Out of status, requires restoration”;
• Leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the country where you intend to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Question 11

Enter the date of your last entry to Canada, if applicable.

Indicate the place you last entered Canada (example: Toronto airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth, etc.).

Question 12

Previous countries of residence

Check the box to indicate whether you have lived in any country other than your country of citizenship or your current country of residence for more than six (6) months in the past five (5) years.

If you checked “Yes”, from the list select the appropriate information to indicate the following:

• The name of the country you lived in
• Your immigration status for the time you were in that country: Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Foreign National
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a status
• The dates (From – To) you were living in that country.

Question 13

1. From the list, choose your current marital status:

   Annulled Marriage:

   This is a marriage that is legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage union did not have a binding force.

   Common-
   Law:

   This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for a minimum of one (1) year.

   Divorced:

   This means that you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

   Legally Separated:

   This means that you are married, but no longer living with your spouse.

   Married:

   This means that 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.

   Single:

   This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

   Widowed:

   This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

2. Enter the date (year, month and day) you were married or you entered into your current common-law relationship.

3. Indicate the family name(s) and given name(s) of your current spouse or common-law partner.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “Single”.

Question 14

Check the box to indicate whether you have previously been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “Yes”, provide the following details for your previous spouse/common-law partner:

• Family name(s)
• Given name(s)
• Type of relationship:
  • Common-law or
  • Married
• Dates (From – To) for which you were in the relationship with your previous spouse/common-law partner
• Date of birth.

Contact Information

Question 1

Indicate your current mailing address (where information should be mailed) by typing the following information:

• Post Office Box (P.O. Box) number, if applicable. If you do not indicate post office box, the Street number must be provided
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
• Street number (No.), if applicable. It is the number on your house or apartment building. This must be provided if you did not type in a P.O. Box
• Street name, if applicable
• City or Town
• From the list, select the Country of your current mailing address
• Province or State
• Postal code/zip code
• District, if applicable

Note: All correspondence will go to this address unless you indicate your e-mail address.

If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business 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 section in this guide.

Question 2

Check the box to indicate whether your residential address (where you live) is the same as your mailing address. If “No”, indicate the following information:

• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
• Street Number (No.). It is the number on your house or apartment building.
• Street Name
• City or Town
• Country
• Province or State
• Postal Code/zip code
• District, if applicable

Question 3

Check the appropriate box to indicate if the telephone number is from Canada/the United States (US) or Other (any other country).

From the list, select the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

Indicate your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Question 4

Check the appropriate box to indicate if your alternate telephone number is from Canada/the United States or Other (any other country).

From the list, select the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

Indicate your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Question 5

Check the appropriate box to indicate if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada or the United States or Other (any other country).

If applicable, indicate your facsimile (fax) number, including country code, area/regional codes, etc.

Question 6

If applicable, indicate your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net

Note: By indicating your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific e-mail.

Passport

Question 1

Check the appropriate box to indicate if you have a valid passport or travel document.

Question 2

If you checked “Yes”, provide your passport or travel document number. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

From the list, select the country that issued your passport or travel document.

Question 4

Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of your passport or travel document.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Check the appropriate box to indicate if you have a valid identity document.

Question 2

If you checked “Yes”, provide your identity document number. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country that issued your identity document.

Question 4

Enter the issue date of your identity document.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of your identity document.

Education/Occupation Detail

Question 1

From the list, select your highest level of education.

Type of education

None

No education.

Secondary or less

High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.

Trade / Apprenticeship certificate / Diploma

Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.

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).

Post-secondary – No degree

Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.

Bachelor’s degree

Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who completed an undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.

Post Graduate – No degree

Post Graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).

Master’s degree

Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before a Master’s degree can be earned.

Doctorate – PhD

Highest university degree, usually based on at least three (3) years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.

Question 2

Indicate the total number of years of formal education that you have completed, including elementary and secondary school.

Question 3

Indicate your current occupation.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”.

Question 4

Indicate your intended occupation in Canada.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”.

Language Detail

Question 1

1. From the list, select your first (native) language. This is the language that you learned at home during your childhood and which you still understand.

   Note: If your native language does not appear in this list, select “Other”.

2. If your native language is not English or French, select from the list which one you would most likely use:

   • English
   • French
   • Neither

Note: This question is not used for selection purposes. One of Canada’s objectives with respect to immigration is to support and assist the development of minority language communities in Canada.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the native language of the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 2

From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English and/or French:

• English
• French
• Both
• Neither

Dependant(s)

You, the principal applicant must answer each question on behalf of each of your dependant(s).

You can add up to five (5) dependants in this form (IMM 0008) (PDF, 553.83KB).

To add a new dependant to the application, click the “Add Dependant” button, located at the bottom of the page.

To remove a dependant from the application, click the “Remove Dependant” button.

If you have more than five (5) family members, you must complete the Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP) (PDF, 424.19KB) form for each additional family member in order to include everyone in your application.

Dependant’s Personal Details

Questions 1-9

Questions 1 to 9 are identical to the questions you answered for yourself. Refer to the previous instructions to help you answer the questions for your dependant(s).

Question 10

1. From the list, select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:
   • Adopted Child
   • Child
   • Common-law partner
   • Grandchild
   • Other
   • Spouse
   • Step-Child
   • Step-Grandchild
2. Complete if you chose “Other”

Question 11

1. Check the box to indicate whether or not, your dependant will accompany you to Canada.
2. If you answered “No”, provide the reason why your dependant is non-accompanying.

Question 12

From the list, select the type of dependant:

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 dependent 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 himself or herself 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.

Question 13

Current country of residence

From the list, select the appropriate information to indicate:

• The name of your dependant’s current country of residence. The country of residence is the country in which they are residing, provided they have been lawfully admitted to that country.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select Canada whether your dependant has been lawfully admitted or not.

• Your dependant’s immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Foreign National
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a status.
• The dates (From – To) your dependant has been living in their current country of residence.

For out-of-status applicants:

• Under “Status” select “Other”;
• Under “Other” type in “Out of status, requires restoration”;
• Leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank.

Question 14

Enter the date of your dependant’s last entry to Canada.

Indicate the place they last entered Canada (example: Toronto airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth, etc.).

Question 15

Previous countries of residence

Check the box to indicate whether your dependant has lived in any country other than their country of citizenship or their current country of residence for more than six (6) months in the past five (5) years.

If you checked “Yes”, select the appropriate information from the list to indicate the following:

• The name of the country your dependant lived in
• Your dependant’s immigration status for the time they were in that country:
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Foreign National
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a status
• The dates (From – To) your dependant was living in that country.

Question 16

1. From the list, choose your dependant’s current marital status:

   • Annulled Marriage
   • Common-Law
   • Divorced
   • Legally Separated
   • Married
   • Single
   • Widowed
2. Enter the date (year, month and day) your dependant was married or entered into their current common-law relationship.
3. Indicate the family name(s) and given name(s) of your dependant’s current spouse or common-law partner.

Question 17

Check the box to indicate whether your dependant has previously been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “Yes”, provide the following details for your dependant’s previous spouse/common-law partner:

• Family name(s)
• Given name(s)
• Type of relationship:
  • Common-law or
  • Married
• Dates (From – To) for which your dependant was in the relationship with their previous spouse/common-law partner.

Passport

Question 1

Check the appropriate box to indicate if your dependant has a valid passport or travel document.

Question 2

If you checked “Yes”, provide their passport or travel document number. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country that issued their passport or travel document.

Question 4

Enter the issue date of their passport or travel document.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of their passport or travel document.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Check the appropriate box to indicate if your dependant has a valid identity document.

Question 2

If you checked “Yes”, provide their identity document number. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country that issued their identity document.

Question 4

Enter the issue date of their identity document.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of their identity document.

Education/Occupation Detail

Question 1

From the list, select your dependant’s highest level of education.

For definitions, refer to the type of education table.

Question 2

Indicate the total number of years of formal education that they completed, including elementary and secondary school.

Question 3

Indicate their current occupation.

Question 4

Indicate their intended occupation in Canada.

Language Detail

Question 1

1. From the list, select your dependant’s first (native) language. This is the language that they learned at home during their childhood and which they still understand.

   Note: If the native language does not appear in this list, select “Other”.

2. If your dependant’s native language is not English or French, select from the list which one they would most likely use:
   • English
   • French
   • Neither

Note: This question is not used for selection purposes. One of Canada’s objectives with respect to immigration is to support and assist the development of minority language communities in Canada.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the native language of the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 2

From the list, select whether they are able to communicate in English and/or French:

• English
• French
• Both
• Neither

Question 3

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

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

Refer to the following table in order to complete your form properly.

Additional Dependants/Declaration Form (IMM 0008DEP)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• You, the principal applicant, on behalf of each of your dependants not included in the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).

The questions are the same that you answered for yourself and other dependants on the IMM 0008.

Follow the previous instructions to help you answer the questions.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and then:

1. Write your dependant’s name in the space provided.
2. Check the appropriate box to indicate if you agree that the information contained in this application related to your dependant’s intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers in order to assist them in hiring workers.
3. Sign and date in the spaces provided.

By signing, you certify that your dependant fully understands the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct. If you do not sign and date, the application will be returned to you.

Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

Who must fill out this application form?

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.

Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)

Who must complete this form?

This form must be completed and signed by the sponsor and common-law partner, only if the latter is a co-signer on the application

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 himself or herself 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?

Complete this form only if you:

• are appointing a representative;
• have 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 are required to complete 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 provides advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process, or in a proceeding and, if you appoint him or her as your representative by filling out this form, has your permission 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.

When you appoint a representative:

• you also authorize IRCC and CBSA to share information from your case file with this person in place of you. Please note the representative will receive all correspondence from IRCC or the CBSA, not the applicant;
• your application will not be given special attention nor can you expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome;
• the representative is authorized to represent you only on citizenship or immigration matters related to the application you submit with this form; and
• you can appoint only one (1) representative for each application you submit.

Important information: You must notify IRCC if your representative’s contact information changes, or if you change your representative, or cancel the appointment of your representative. For more information on updating IRCC with your representative’s information, please see below section - Notify IRCC about any changes.

There are two (2) types of representatives.

Uncompensated Representatives:

Uncompensated representatives do not charge fees or receive any other form of consideration or compensation for providing advice or services to represent you before IRCC or the CBSA.

Uncompensated representatives include:

• friends and family members who do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration for their advice and services;
• organizations that do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration for providing citizenship or immigration advice or assistance (such as a non-governmental or religious organization);
• consultants, lawyers and Quebec notaries, and students-at-law under their supervision, who do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration to represent you.

Note: You do not have to pay someone for them to be your representative. IRCC will conduct business with an uncompensated representative if an applicant appoints them on their behalf.

Compensated representatives:

Compensated representatives charge a fee or receive some other form of consideration in exchange for the representation that they provide.

It is important to know that anyone who represents or advises you for payment - or offers to do so - in connection with IRCC proceedings or applications is breaking the law unless they are an authorized representative or they have a specific agreement or arrangement with the Government of Canada that allows them to represent or advise you. This applies to advice or consultation which happens before or after a citizenship or an immigration application is made or a proceeding begins.

IRCC will only conduct business with compensated representatives who are in good standing with their designated regulatory body. For more information see - Find out if your representative is authorized.

Note: If a representative is being paid or compensated by someone other than you, the representative is still considered to be a compensated representative.

Authorized representatives are:

• consultants who are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC);
• lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society and students-at-law under their supervision;
• notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and students-at-law under their supervision.

If you appoint a compensated representative who is not a member in good standing of one of these designated bodies, your application will be returned. Learn about using a representative.

General Application Information

Appoint a representative

• Check box to indicate if you are appointing a representative to represent you with your application process. Complete sections A, B and D.

Cancel a representative

• Check box to indicate if you are canceling a representative. Complete sections A, C and D; and
• Check both boxes and complete all sections if you are cancelling a representative and appointing a new one at the same time.

Section A – Applicant Information

Question 1

Write your last name (surname or family name) and given name(s).

Question 2

Write your date of birth.

Question 3

If you have already submitted your application, write:

• the name of the office where the application was submitted; and
• the type of application you have submitted.

Question 4

Write your IRCC’s Identification (ID) or Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number (if known). If you have not dealt with IRCC since 1973, you will not have a UCI or a Client ID.

Section B – Appointment of Representative

Question 5

Write your representative’s full name.

If your representative is a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), a law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec, print his or her name as it appears on the organization’s membership list.

Question 6

Check one box to indicate if your representative is uncompensated or compensated.

If your representative is compensated, write the membership ID number of:

• the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC); or
• a Canadian provincial or territorial law society; or
• the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

Question 7

Write your representative’s contact information.

If you are appointing a student-at-law to represent you, include their supervising lawyer’s information including their membership ID.

Note: By indicating your representative’s e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific e-mail address.

Question 8

To accept responsibility for conducting business on your behalf, your representative must:

• sign the declaration; and
• date the declaration.

Section C – Cancel the Appointment of a Representative

Question 9

Fill in this section if you wish to cancel the appointment of a representative. Write the representative’s full name.

Complete all sections of the form if you wish to both cancel a representative and appoint a new one.

Section D – Your Declaration

Question 10

By signing, you authorize IRCC to complete your request for yourself and your dependent children under 18 years of age.

For sponsorship application, your spouse or common-law partner does not have to complete a separate request. If your spouse or common-law partner is included in this request, he or she must sign in the box provided.

Release of information to other individuals

To authorize IRCC to release information from your case file to someone other than a representative, you will need to complete the form Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) (PDF, 593.57KB). The form is also available from Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad.

The person you designate under that form (IMM 5475) will be able to obtain information on your case file, such as the status of your application. However, they will not be able to conduct business on your behalf with IRCC.

Where to submit the form

Immigration and citizenship applicants

If you have not yet submitted your immigration or citizenship application:

Send this form along with your application to the office listed in the guide of your application.

If you have already submitted your immigration or citizenship application:

You may use this Web form to upload the IMM 5476.

or;

If you know which IRCC office is processing your immigration or citizenship application, send the completed form to the office mailing address. Consult IRCC office mailing addresses.

Notify IRCC about any changes

You must let IRCC know if any information changes regarding the person you authorized to represent you on your application.

eTA applicants

If you have not yet submitted your eTA application:

Send the Voluntary Renunciation of Permanent Resident Status form and supporting documents to the IRCC office closest to you. Consult IRCC office mailing addresses.

If you have already submitted your eTA application:

You will receive a letter from IRCC which includes the Voluntary Renunciation of Permanent Resident Status form. You will be asked to complete the form and submit it and your supporting documents online through a secure IRCC account. You will not be able to follow these steps unless you are asked to do so from IRCC. The letter will also include instructions about how to create a secure account.

Who needs to give biometrics?

Permanent Resident applicants may have to appear in person to have their fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point.

Find out if you need to give biometrics.

If applicants have to give biometrics, they will give them after:

• submitting the application;
• paying the application fees; and
• getting a letter from us that says biometrics is needed

Applicants must bring the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) with them to the biometric collection service point to give their biometrics.

Applicants are encouraged to give their biometrics as soon as possible after getting the letter from us asking for them. We will start processing your application after we get the biometrics.

Note: Canadian citizens and existing permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics

How often do I need to give biometrics?

Applicants will need to give their biometrics and pay the fee, even if they gave biometrics in the past to support a visitor visa, study or work permit application, or a different permanent resident application.

Where to give biometrics?

• Outside Canada and the U.S.: At one of Canada’s Visa Application Centers (VAC) locations around the world
• In the United States: At one of many Application Support Centers across the U.S.
• In Canada: When the in-Canada service is established in 2019
• At the port of entry: Asylum claimants, and applicants for work and study permits who are eligible to apply at the port of entry.

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 your return it with the correct fees.

 See section 10 of the IRPR 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 do not 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 (paper applications). If there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.

How to pay the fees for your application

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

• a valid email address;
• access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
• a credit card or Canadian debit card.

Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

• Go to Online Payment.
• Follow the online instructions.
  • At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
• Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.
  • Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

 Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!

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

During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number. You can do this by going to Change of address or by consulting the Help Centre.

Checking application status

The person you are sponsoring can receive instant email updates and more detailed, up-to-date case status on their permanent resident application by creating an online account. Find out how.

In Canada and the United States

You may 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.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.

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 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. For more information about the protection of your data, visit the 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.

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.

"X" in the sex field on an immigration document

In the future, we will be introducing an "X" in the sex field. Sign up for email updates on changing your sex to X (unspecified). Until this becomes available, you may request a supporting document, free of charge that will state that your sex is unspecified.

You can request the supporting document once your application has been approved and you’ve received your immigration document.

Find out how to request a supporting document with X.