Guide 5196: Sponsorship of adopted children and other relatives 

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, see the:

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

This information will help you complete the forms and guide you through the application process.

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:

What you must do to have your application processed.

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

Where to get more information.

Family member definitions

Your family members include your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and any children that are their dependent children.

Spouse

Refers to either of the two persons (opposite or same gender) in a marriage legally recognized in the country in which it took place, as well as in Canada.

Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are no longer considered as valid spousal relationships under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. For more information, consult Operational Bulletin 613.

Common-law partner

Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (opposite or same gender), and has done so continuously for a period of at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people.

This can be shown with evidence that the couple share the same home, support each other financially and emotionally, have children together, or present themselves in public as a couple.

Common-law partners who have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year but are unable to live together or appear in public together because of legal restrictions in their home country or who have been separated for reasons beyond their control (for example, civil war or armed conflict) may still qualify and should be included on the application.

Dependent children

We assess your child’s eligibility as a dependant based on how old they were at a specific point in time, called the lock-in date. This is usually the date we received your application. To see if your child qualifies as a dependant, we consider the age of your child on the lock-in date, even though your child’s age may change during processing.

Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be considered a dependent child if that child meets the requirements below on the lock-in date:

• They’re under 22 years old, and
• They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner

Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:

• They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
• They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition

With the exception of age, dependants must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.

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

If your child’s age was locked in on or before October 23, 2017, a previous definition of dependent children may apply.

Dependent child of a dependent child

Refers to children of dependent children of the applicant and those of the spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.

Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

You and your family members may need to appear in person to have their fingerprints and 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.

When to give your biometrics

You will need to pay for and then give your biometrics, even if you gave biometrics in the past to support a visitor visa, study or work permit application, or a different permanent resident application.

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 submit 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 (if they’re not a certified translator); and
• a certified copy of the original document.

Important information: Translations 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.

If the translation is not done by a certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial association 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.

An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document.

Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.

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.

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
• their name
• their official position or title
• 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:

1. a notary public
2. a commissioner of oaths
3. 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.

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.

Note

Completing the form

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 gender (F-Female, M-Male or X-Another gender).

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.

Note

Sponsor Residency Declaration

This section is to be completed only if you are a Canadian citizen living exclusively outside of Canada and sponsoring a spouse, a common-law or conjugal partner, and/or dependent children who have no children of their own.

You must check the appropriate box to confirm where (Canadian province, territory or the province of Quebec) you intend to live should your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and (or) dependent children become permanent residents.

Note

Sponsor Eligibility Assessment

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 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.

Note

Co-Signer Personal Details

The questions under “Co-signer Personal Details” are the same as in “Sponsor Personal Details”, except for question 8.

Follow the previous instructions to answer the questions for the co-signer.

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.

Note

Co-Signer Residency Declaration

This section is to be completed only if you are a Canadian citizen living exclusively outside of Canada and sponsoring dependent children who have no children of their own.

You must check the appropriate box to confirm where (Canadian province, territory or the province of Quebec) you intend to live should your dependent children become permanent residents.

Note

Co-Signer Eligbility Assessment

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.

Important information

Undertaking by Sponsor and Co-Signer, if applicable

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.

Note

Declaration

Read the declaration statement carefully before signing.

By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, accurate and factual.

You understand that any false or misleading statement may be grounds for prosecution and the removal of the person you are sponsoring and their family members from Canada.

By signing this form, you also declare that you will provide immediately any change of address and or any other information changed on the application by notifying us in writing.

Note

Signatures

In this section, the sponsor must sign and date the application form or it will be returned.

The spouse or common-law partner (if co-signer), must also sign and date the application or it will be returned.

The sponsored person (principal applicant), must also sign and date the application or it will be returned.

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant

Completing the form

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

Download and fill out the application form on a computer. The Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] must be validated with 2D barcodes.

Make sure that

• you properly validate your answers when filling out this form
• the 2D barcodes are properly generated

If the 2D barcodes are missing or can’t be machine read for any reason, the application will be returned to you without being processed.

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

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

Application Details

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:
  • Agri-Food Pilot
  • Atlantic High Skilled Program
  • Atlantic International Graduate Program
  • Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program
  • Home Child Care Provider Pilot
  • Home Support Worker Pilot
  • Rural and Northern Immigration Program
  • Federal Skilled Worker
  • Federal 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)
  • Start-up Business
  • Caregivers Program (select for the Interim Pathway for Caregivers)
  • High Medical Needs Program
  • Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot 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
  • Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area

Question 3

Enter 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: Enter 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 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

Question 5

Where do you plan on living in Canada?

From the list select the:

1. Province/Territory
2. City/Town

Question 6

If you plan 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. Select the corresponding box
2. If you selected “Yes”, enter the CSQ number
3. If you selected “No”, enter 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, select “no” for Question 6 a) and leave 6 c) blank.

Principal Applicant’s Personal Details

The principal applicant must answer the following questions.

Question 1

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

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

If you don’t have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all given names in the family name field and leave the given name field blank.

If you don’t have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave the given name field blank.

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

Question 2

Nickname/Alias

Select the box to tell us if you have ever used any other names than those indicated in question 1. This could be your birth name, maiden name, married name, nickname, etc. If “Yes,” enter your nickname/alias in the family name(s) and given name(s) fields.

Question 3

If you know your unique client identifier (UCI) number or client identification number (client ID), enter it here without any spaces. If you applied for temporary or permanent residence in the past, this is an 8 or 10 digit number you can find on previous documents sent by us. If this is your first application with us, or if you do not know your UCI, leave this space blank.

Question 4

From the list, select your gender (F – Female, M – Male or X – Another gender).

Note: If you choose the X gender identifier and you currently have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document (visa, electronic travel authorization, work permit or study permit) with a gender identifier other than X, 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 you’ve never had a Canadian temporary resident document and your foreign travel document or passport does not contain the X gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option), you also need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (PDF, 1.6 MB) form and send it with your application.

No supporting documents are required.

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

Question 5

Enter your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 6

From the list, select your eye colour.

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

Question 7

Enter your date of birth. If you do not know your complete date of birth, use “01” to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation saying why you couldn’t include the complete date.

Question 8

Enter your place of birth, including the city or town and country of birth, as shown in your passport or your travel document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada 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 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.
• Fill in the dates (From – To) you have been living in your current country of residence.

For out-of-status applicants

• for “Status,” select “Other”
• for “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.

Enter the place you last entered Canada (for example, Toronto airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth).

Question 12

Previous countries of residence

Select the box to tell us if you have lived in any country other than your country of citizenship or your current country of residence for more than 6 months in the past 5 years.

If you checked “Yes,” for each country

• select the name of the country you lived in
• select 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
• fill in 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 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. Enter 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

Select the box to tell us if you have been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “Yes,” give the following details for your previous spouse or 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

Enter 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 enter a post office box, you must provide the street number
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
• Street number (no.), if applicable. It is the number on your house or apartment building. You must provide a street number if you did not enter 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 or zip code
• District, if applicable

Note: All correspondence will go to this address unless you indicate your email 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 guide.

Question 2

Select the box to tell us if your residential address (where you live) is the same as your mailing address. If “No,” enter 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 or zip code
• District, if applicable

Question 3

Enter 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.”

Select the box to tell us if your telephone number is from Canada or the US or Other (any other country).

From the list, select the type of telephone:

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

Question 4

If you have a second telephone number, enter it here, including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

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

Providing an alternate telephone number will help make sure we can contact you with information about your application.

Select the box to tell us if your second telephone number is from Canada or the US or Other (any other country).

From the list, select the type of telephone:

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

Question 5

If you have a fax number, enter it here, including country code, area/regional codes, etc.

Select the box to tell us if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada or the US or Other (any other country).

Question 6

If you have an email address, enter it here (for example, name@provider.net).

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

Passport

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if you have a valid passport or travel document. If you don’t have one or can’t obtain one, you must select the “No” box.

Question 2

If you select “Yes,” provide your passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

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

Question 4

Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date your passport or travel document will expire.

Question 6

For this trip, select Yes or No to tell us if you are using a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows your personal identification number.

Question 7

For this trip, select Yes or No to tell us if you are using a National Israeli passport.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if you have a valid national identity document.

Question 2

If you selected “Yes,” provide your national identity document number exactly as shown on the identity document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

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

Question 4

Enter the date your national identity document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date your national identity document will expire.

Education/Occupation Detail

Question 1

From the list, select your 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 a Master’s degree can be earned.
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 a PhD can be earned.

Question 2

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

Question 3

Enter 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

Enter 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

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

1. From the list, select your first (native) language. 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, select “Other.”

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.

2. From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English and/or French:
   • English
   • French
   • Both
   • Neither
3. If you selected “Both,” choose whether you are most at ease in English or French.
4. Select “Yes” or “No” to tell us whether you have taken a test from a designated testing agency to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Dependant(s)

You must answer each question on behalf of each of your dependants.

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.

You can add up to 5 dependants using this form.

If you have more than 5 dependants:

To include everyone in your application, you must complete the following form for each additional family member:

• Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] (PDF, 0.42 MB)

Dependant’s Personal Details

Questions 1–9

Questions 1 to 9 are the same questions you answered for yourself. See 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 select “Other.”

Question 11

1. Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to Canada.
2. If you answered “No,” explain 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 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.

Question 13

Current country of residence

• From the list, select 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.

• Indicate one of the following as your dependant’s immigration status 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.
• Fill in the dates (From – To) your dependant has been living in their current country of residence.

For out-of-status applicants

• for “Status,” select “Other”
• for “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.

Tell us the place they last entered Canada (for example, Toronto airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth).

Question 15

Previous countries of residence

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has lived in any country other than their country of citizenship or their current country of residence for more than 6 months in the past 5 years.

If you checked “Yes,”

• select the name of the country your dependant lived in from the list
• select 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
• fill in the dates (From – To) your dependant was living in that country

Question 16

1. From the list, select 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. Tell us the family name(s) and given name(s) of your dependant’s current spouse or common-law partner.

Question 17

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has previously been married or in a common-law relationship. If you selected “Yes,” give the following details for your dependant’s previous spouse or common-law partner:

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

Passport

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has a valid passport or travel document. If they don’t have one or can’t obtain one, you must select the “No” box.

Question 2

If you selected “Yes,” provide their passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

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

Question 4

Enter the date their passport or travel document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date their passport or travel document will expire.

Question 6

For this trip, select Yes or No to tell us if they’re using a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows their personal identification number.

Question 7

For this trip, select Yes or No to tell us if they’re using a National Israeli passport.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has a valid national identity document.

Question 2

If you selected “Yes,” provide their national identity document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

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

Question 4

Enter the date their national identity document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date their national identity document will expire.

Education/Occupation Detail

Question 1

From the list, select your dependant’s highest level 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 have 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 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

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

Question 3

Tell us their current occupation.

Question 4

Tell us their intended occupation in Canada.

Language Detail

Question 1

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

1. From the list, select your dependant’s first (native) language. 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.”

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.

2. From the list, select if they are able to communicate in English and/or French:
   • English
   • French
   • Both
   • Neither
3. If you selected “Both,” choose whether they are most at ease in English or French.
4. Select “Yes” or “No” to tell us whether they have taken a test from a designated testing agency to assess their proficiency in English or French.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

1. Once the application is completed, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form. This will generate a barcode page or pages (see image below).

   

   Note: This barcode page will not appear if you fill out your application by hand.

2. Print all pages of your application form.

3. Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and

   1. write your 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 intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers in order to assist them in hiring workers
   3. sign, with a handwritten signature, and date in the spaces provided

   By signing, you certify that you fully understand 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.

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

Additional Dependants/Declaration (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 as the ones that you answered for yourself and other dependants on the IMM 0008 form.

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. select the box to tell us 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 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)

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.

Do not use abbreviations.

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.

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.

Authority to disclose personal information
Declaration of applicant

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully. Sign and date in the boxes provided. By signing, you certify that you fully understand 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.

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 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?

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 them 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, family members or other third parties who do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration for their advice and services;
• 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 their 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, they 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, 1.52 MB).

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.

Payment Issues

No fee included or Insufficient Fees

If you do not pay the full fees for your application(s) we will return your application(s). We will only start processing your application after you return it with the correct fees.

 For immigration applications, see section 10 of the IRPR and for citizenship applications, see section 13 of the Citizenship Act for more information.

Overpayment

If you pay more than the fees needed for your application(s) we will start processing your application, and send you a refund as soon as possible.

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

Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt (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!

For more information

Current processing times

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

Important information

Updating your contact information

While your application is in process, you must tell us if you change your address, email address, or telephone number. Use the Change your address tool to give us your new contact information.

Checking application status

The person you are sponsoring can receive instant email updates and a more detailed, up-to-date case status on their permanent residence 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:

• Click on Check application status and 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 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.