Guide 5599 - Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations under the February 4, 2016 Temporary Public Policy for nationals of Haiti and Zimbabwe

Table of Contents


This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.

For legal information, consult the following documents:


Overview

Application package

This application package has:

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

The instruction guide:

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

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

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:

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

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

Get more information

Where to get more information.

Note: Tips that will help you with this application.


Before you apply

Who may use this application?

Use this application to apply for permanent residence from within Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds (H&C) if you are applying under the February 4, 2016 Temporary Public Policy for nationals of Haiti and Zimbabwe.

To be eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR) on H&C grounds under the new special measures, you must meet these criteria:

  • You must be a national of Haiti or Zimbabwe;
  • You must have been residing in Canada on the day the temporary suspension of removals (TSR) was lifted (December 1, 2014) and currently be living in Canada;
  • You must be the subject of a removal order (including conditional removal orders) or out of status;
  • You must never have been found ineligible to have a refugee claim referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB);
  • You must not be inadmissible on grounds of security, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, criminality or organized criminality;
  • You must not have been excluded by the IRB from refugee protection under the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees;
  • You must not have had criminal charges dropped by the Crown to effect a removal order; and
  • You must not have an outstanding criminal warrant.

To remain in Canada while your application is being processed, you must have a pending application for PR on H&C grounds; or have applied for PR on H&C grounds in Canada no later than six months from the date authorizing the special measures, or, if you have applied for refugee protection and have a pending claim, no more than six months should have passed since receiving a negative decision by the IRB.

In this context, “negative decision” refers to the IRB’s first negative decision and does not include any avenues of recourse, including judicial review before the Federal Court.


Who may not use this application?

You may not apply for H&C consideration if you:

  • are a Canadian citizen,
  • a permanent resident,
  • have submitted an H&C application for which a decision has not been made
  • have an outstanding refugee claim,
  • became a designated foreign national within the last 5 years.

Designated Foreign National

The Minister of Public Safety advises individuals when they become a designated foreign national.

If you are a designated foreign national, you may not apply for H&C for at least 5 years after the day of your designation, or if you are a designated foreign national and made a:

  • refugee claim at the Refugee Protection Division, Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB),
  • appeal to your rejected refugee claim (at the IRB’s Refugee Appeal Division), or
  • application for a Pre-removal Risk Assessment,

you may not apply for at least 5 years after the date of the decision on that application or appeal.

In addition you may not apply for H&C consideration if you:

  • had a refugee claim that was rejected (including claims that were abandoned) within the last 12 months by either the Refugee Protection Division or the Refugee Appeal Division of the IRB, or
  • withdrew a refugee claim within the last 12 months, unless the claim was withdrawn before your hearing at the IRB.

Note: This is known as the “12-month bar” There are exceptions to the 12-month bar. You may be excepted if:

  • you provide sufficient credible and objective evidence that there are children under 18 years of age who would be directly and adversely affected if you were removed from Canada; or
  • you provide sufficient credible and objective evidence that you or a failed refugee claimant included in your application, if returned to home country, would be subject to a risk to life caused by the inability of your country(ies) of nationality, or former habitual residence if you don’t have a nationality, to provide adequate health or medical care.

Are you seeking protection?

If you are seeking protection for any of these reasons:

  • persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group,
  • danger of torture,
  • risk to life or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment,

you can visit our website to learn more about the in-Canada refugee process.


Administrative deferral of removal

If you meet the February 4, 2016 Temporary Public Policy criteria and you apply for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds by August 4, 2016, you will not be removed from Canada while your application is being processed. If you apply after August 4, 2016, you will be at risk of removal from Canada.

If you had a pending refugee claim on February 3, 2016 and it is refused, but you meet the February 4, 2016 Temporary Public Policy criteria, your application for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds must be submitted no later than six months from the first negative decision on your refugee claim from the IRB. If you apply more than six months from the date of the first negative decision on your refugee claim from the IRB, you will be at risk of removal from Canada.

When you have submitted an application, but it has not yet been created in the Global Case Management System (GCMS), you must be able to provide proof that you have submitted the application (copy of the application and proof of fees paid or loans program request) to be entitled for a deferral.


Concurrent applications for H&C and renewal of temporary resident status

If you are applying to renew your temporary resident status in Canada (student, visitor, worker, etc.) at the same time as your application for H&C, do not include your temporary resident renewal application in the same envelope. You must pay for this application separately and it must be mailed to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. The Backlog Reduction Office in Vancouver (BRO-V) only processes H&C applications. 


Humanitarian and compassionate grounds

Normally, foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to Canada must apply for and obtain a permanent resident visa from abroad. Foreign nationals do not have the right to apply for permanent residence from within Canada if they do not meet the requirements of an in-Canada immigration class, or if they are otherwise inadmissible.

However, section A25(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) allows foreign nationals who are inadmissible or who are ineligible to apply in an immigration class, to apply for permanent residence, or for an exemption from a requirement of the Act, based on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations.

Note: A person is only allowed to have one H&C application under consideration at any time.



Important information

Exemptions

Applying for H&C consideration is an exceptional measure – it is not simply another means of applying for permanent resident status in Canada.

In order to be considered for an exemption from the usual requirements of IRPA, you must:

  • clearly indicate in your application the specific exemption(s) you are requesting.
  • provide all details related to your request including the reasons why you believe an exemption(s) should be granted on H&C grounds.
  • demonstrate that there are sufficient and compelling reasons for you to be granted an exemption allowing you to apply for permanent residence from within Canada.

Note: The cost and inconvenience of returning to your home country to apply for permanent residence are not, in the absence of other compelling factors, sufficient factors for H&C considerations.



Important information

Your responsibility

You are responsible for making sure that all circumstances and factors that you wish to have considered are provided in your application. This must include any hardship you believe you will suffer if you are not granted the exemption(s) you are requesting. For example, if you are claiming hardship arising from circumstances in your country of origin, your supporting documents should include:

  • the hardship you anticipate,
  • whether the hardship would be faced in all areas of the country of origin or country of habitual residence,
  • whether you ever sought assistance from the authorities, including police or non-governmental organizations, to change or improve your situation in your country, and
  • if you have not sought assistance from within your country, you must provide reasons why you have not done so.

If you are subject to a one year bar on applications for permanent residence (see above “Who may not use this application”), and you are requesting an exception to the bar, you must provide information to support that request. It is also your responsibility to ensure that the information you provide is correct and up-to-date. This means that if your personal situation changes after you have submitted your application, you must notify us immediately in writing. A change in your personal situation can refer to any of the following: marital status, birth of a child, criminal convictions, change of employer, etc.


Are you inadmissible?

Reasons for inadmissibility include but are not limited to:

  • criminality,
  • health grounds,
  • financial reasons,
  • misrepresentation.

If you or a family member is inadmissible to Canada, it is strongly suggested that you resolve your inadmissibility if possible before applying for permanent residence. For example, if you are inadmissible due to a criminal conviction, you may be eligible to apply for rehabilitation or a record suspension (formerly a pardon).

Information on applying for criminal rehabilitation can be found on the CIC website.

Note: If you are unable to resolve your inadmissibility, you may request an exemption on humanitarian and compassionate grounds to overcome the inadmissibility; however such exemptions are given only in exceptional circumstances.


Factors that may be considered

Examples of the factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to:

  • establishment in Canada
  • an inability to leave Canada that has led to establishment
  • ties to Canada
  • best interests of any children affected by your application (see following section for more information)
  • health considerations
  • family violence considerations
  • consequences of your separation from relative
  • factors in your country of origin (not related to seeking protection)
  • any other relevant factors you wish to have considered that are not related to seeking protection.

Best interests of the child

The best interests of any children directly affected by the decision made on your application will be taken into consideration in the assessment of your application.

Factors related to the best interests of the child may include but are not limited to the:

  • age of the child,
  • child’s establishment in Canada,
  • conditions in the country of origin that could impact the child,
  • medical needs of the child,
  • child’s education, or
  • child’s gender.

The best interests of a child do not outweigh all other factors in a case. The best interests of the child are only one of many important factors that will be considered by the decision maker.

Note: You must provide specific information and supporting documents to demonstrate how the child or children inside or outside of Canada would be affected.


Sponsorship/ undertaking assistance

CIC no longer assesses sponsorship undertakings in support of an in-Canada H&C application. Sponsorships already submitted will continue to be considered as a factor in the assessment of an H&C application similar to letters submitted by family members confirming their ability to support you. The level of importance given to the sponsorship/letters confirming ability to support in the overall H&C application remains at the discretion of the decision maker.


Do you live in Quebec?

If you are a Haitian or Zimbabwean national affected by the lifting of the temporary suspension of removals (TSR) living in the province of Quebec, you must complete an additional form Demande d’examen du parcours d’intégration au Québec en vue de l’obtention du certificat de sélection (available in French only).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’inclusion (MIDI) have set up joint procedures to assess these applications.

Applicants must submit their IRCC application forms along with the MIDI form (available in French only) at the same time. They should be mailed together to:

Backlog Reduction Office—Vancouver
#600–605 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC  V6B 5J3

The envelope should be clearly labelled with the words “Haiti – TSR” or “Zimbabwe – TSR” when you mail your application.


Do family members need to apply separately?

You may include your family member(s), residing in Canada, in your application for permanent residence.

Family members residing abroad cannot be included for concurrent processing. However, in your application, you must list all your family members residing inside Canada or abroad. Your spouse or common-law partner and children must meet all the requirements to become permanent residents of Canada.

Note: For the definition of a family member, see the table below.


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 (any gender) in a marriage legally recognized in the country in which it took place, as well as in Canada.

Important information

Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are not considered as valid spousal relationships under the Regulations nor are polygamous marriages. For more information, consult our policy on the legality of a marriage.

Common-law partner

Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (any 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.


Can I apply for a loan to cover the processing fees of my application?

If you are a national of Haiti or Zimbabwe and are eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds under the February 4, 2016 Temporary Public Policy, you may access the Immigration Loans Program until August 4, 2016 to cover the processing fees of your application.

To be eligible to access the Immigration Loans Program, you must show the need for a loan as well as the ability to repay the loan required. The need for a loan is based on an assessment of your financial situation. The ability to repay the loan is determined through an assessment of your income and family income potential against the cost of living in Canada and your current level of debt.

Applying for a loan to cover the processing fees

If you wish to apply for a loan to cover the processing fees of your application, you must:

This will notify IRCC of your intent to apply for an immigration loan.

Send the Notification of Intent and the supporting documents with your application.

What happens next?

We will contact you for further information in order to assess your request. Additional documents may be requested.

If a loan is approved, you will be required to complete and sign the Immigration Loans (Assistance Loan) form in the presence of a designated officer. Once signed, the loan agreement is a legal document.

If a loan is not approved, you will be notified and given the option to pay the application fees within 30 days. If the fees are not paid and we do not receive proof of payment within 30 days, your application will not be processed and will be returned to you. Your application will not be processed until you resubmit it with the requested fees.

Repaying your immigration loan

At any time, people facing hardships can request a review of their repayment arrangement.

If you need to contact a representative of IRCC or want to request a review of your repayment arrangement, you can contact CIC-Finance by:

Telephone
Toll free: 1-800-667-7301,
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Eastern Standard time)
Please have your loan documents available when you call.

Email, fax or mail
Email: collection@cic.gc.ca
Facsimile: 819-934-3884
Mailing address: 365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa Ontario, K1A 1L1

Please clearly describe your situation and specify exactly what you would like us to consider. Include your PAYEE number (located in the bottom right section of your statement) so that we can access your file.

Note that CIC-Finance is available to discuss your immigration loan only. Information on other topics such as permanent resident cards, application status, and travel documents is available online.

Visit our Help Centre for more information on immigration loans.


Can I apply for another type of loan?

You may apply for a loan to cover the cost of the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. To qualify, you must show that the loan is necessary and that you have the ability to repay it. If you have been in Canada for three years or longer, you must also show that you were unable to get a loan from a bank or other lending institution.

The Right of Permanent Residence Fee loan application is available on our website.


Step 1. Gather documents

What documents are required?

Use the Document Checklist (IMM 5575) to help you gather the necessary documentation.

Important information: You must provide evidence that will support any statement you make on your application. Include any additional supporting document(s) explaining your hardship, best interests of a child, or any other factor you may want considered.



Note

Reminder

It is your responsibility to ensure that the information in your application is correct and up-to-date. If your circumstances change, you must inform IRCC. Decisions made on your application will be based on the information we have at the time your application is reviewed. Updated information should be sent to the Backlog Reduction Office in Vancouver (BRO-V) by fax at 604-666-1116, by email to: VancouverBRO@cic.gc.ca or by mail at:

IRCC - Backlog Reduction Office
#600 - 605 Robson Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 5J3

Note: The BRO-V will not provide an acknowledgement of receipt letter.


Translation of documents

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

Translations may be done by:

  • a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
  • a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).

If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

In Canada:

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

Outside of Canada:

  • a notary public

Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.

small exclamation warning signImportant information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

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



Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:

  • “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”;
  • the name of the original document;
  • the date of the certification;
  • the name of the authorized person;
  • their official position or title; and
  • their signature.

Who can certify copies?

Only authorized people can certify copies.

Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

People authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.

Outside Canada:

  • a notary public

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.



Medical requirements

You and your family members must undergo an immigration medical exam (IME)in order to become a permanent resident of Canada. You and your family members must not have a health condition that:

  • is a danger to public health or safety, or
  • would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.

Examples of “excessive demand” include ongoing hospitalization or institutional care for a physical or mental illness.

Find out more about immigration medical exams.

Important information: You must inform us immediately of any change in your marital status or your family composition (e.g. marriage, common-law relationship, separation, divorce, birth of a child, adoption of a child, death, etc). Any family member who has not been examined before you become a permanent resident can never be sponsored by you in the future.

Instructions

Information on medical instructions will be provided to you by the IRCC office. When you receive your assessment notice you will also receive medical forms for yourself (and any dependants, if applicable) and instructions on how to access a list of doctors in your area who are authorized to conduct IMEs (see below).

Note: You are not required to have an IME before you submit your application forms.

Exam validity

Medical results are valid for twelve months from the date of the IME. If your application is not finalized during this time, you may be required to do another medical exam.

Authorized doctors

The IME must be performed by a doctor from the IRCC list of Panel Physicians. You cannot choose your family doctor if their name is not on this list. See the list of Panel Physicians to find a doctor in your area.

Note that the doctor is only responsible for conducting the IME and cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.


Step 2. Complete the Application

Application forms to be completed

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

If you and your dependents are approved, you will be asked to provide additional information at a later date in order to finalize background checks.

This may include:

You and your family members who are 18 years of age and older and are not permanent residents or Canadian citizens will need to provide a valid police certificate for each country other than Canada, in which you have spent six or more months since the age of 18.

Note: If you or your family members were under 18 years of age (16 years of age in certain jurisdictions) for the entire time you lived in a particular country, you do not need to provide a police certificate for that country.

If the original certificate is not in English or French, then you will need to submit both the certificate and the original copy of the translation prepared by an accredited translator.

We will also do our own background checks to determine if there are grounds under which you and your dependants may be inadmissible to Canada.

For specific and up-to-date information, see Where to get a police certificate.



Important information

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete it may be returned to you and this will delay the processing of your application.

If you need more space for any section, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application.


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.

Note: Completing the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.

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 Immigration 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
    • TR to PR pathway
  • 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 economic 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, U – Unknown 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 form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.79 MB) form and send it with your application. You also need to complete this form and send it with your application if you’ve never had a Canadian temporary resident document but you intend to apply for one and you identify with a gender that is different than what appears on your foreign travel document or passport. 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] (PDF, 264 KB) 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.

  • 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 (e.g., 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

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.

  1. From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English and/or French:
    • English
    • French
    • Both
    • Neither
  2. If you selected “Both”, choose whether you are most at ease in English or French.
  3. 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:

Important

You must list all family members in your application for permanent residence, whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not. You must also provide details on family members whose location is unknown (including those missing or presumed dead). If these family members are not listed on your application, you will not be able to sponsor them at a later date.


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
    • Adoptive Parent
    • Child
    • Common-Law Partner
    • Grandchild
    • Parent
    • Spouse
    • Step-Child
    • Step-Grandchild
    • Other
  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 (e.g., 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.

  1. From the list, select if they are able to communicate in English and/or French:
    • English
    • French
    • Both
    • Neither
  2. If you selected “Both”, choose whether they are most at ease in English or French.
  3. 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).

    Barcode

    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.

Note: If you are less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or a legal guardian.


Supplementary Information Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations (IMM 5283)

Who needs to fill out this form?

This form must be completed by:

  • You, the principal applicant
  • Your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children, who are 18 years of age or older, ONLY if they have unique or different humanitarian and compassionate grounds than you AND are included in your application.

Include all factors you wish to have considered by CIC. For all the factors, you must provide evidence to support any statements you make on this form.


General information

This form must be completed in:

  • English or French only and
  • Typed or printed clearly in black or blue ink.

You must answer all questions that apply to you. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not applicable” or N/A”.

Note: If there is not enough space to fully answer a question, use an additional sheet of paper. Write your name and date of birth at the top left corner of each additional sheet. Remember to submit the additional sheet with your application.

Personal Information

Question 1
Write in the appropriate box:
  • your last name (surname/family name) as it appears on your passport or other valid identity document
  • your given name(s) as it appears on your passport or other valid identity document
  • your date of birth and
  • your country (or countries) of citizenship.

With whom were you living before coming to Canada?

Question 2
Write or check in the appropriate box the information of whom you were living with before coming to Canada:
  • the last name (surname/family name)
  • given name(s)
  • gender (F-Female, M-Male or X-Another gender)
  • relationship to you (e.g.friend)
  • country of birth
  • date of birth and
  • address

Family members living in Canada

Question 3
Write or check in the appropriate box the details of your immediate family (parents, non-dependent children, brothers and sisters) living in Canada.
  • the last name (surname/family name)
  • given name(s)
  • gender (F-Female, M-Male or X-Another gender)
  • relationship to you (i.e. friend)
  • country of birth
  • date of birth and
  • address.

Person you are living with in Canada

Question 4
Check “ yes” or “ no” to indicate if you are living with someone in Canada. If “yes” write in the appropriate box the details of the person you are living with:
  • the last name (surname/family name)
  • given name(s)
  • gender (F-Female, M-Male or X-Another gender)
  • relationship to you (i.e. friend)
  • country of birth
  • date of birth and
  • address

Family members living abroad/outside Canada

Question 5
Write or check in the appropriate box, the details of your immediate family members (parents, non-dependent children, brothers and sisters) living outside Canada whether they wish to be considered in your application for permanent residence at this time or not:
  • the last name (surname/family name)
  • given name(s)
  • gender (F-Female, M-Male or X-Another gender)
  • relationship to you
  • country of birth
  • date of birth and
  • address

Additional information or documentation

This information will be used to determine if there are sufficient humanitarian and compassionate grounds to:

  • grant your request to process your permanent resident application from within Canada, and/or
  • exempt you from any criteria or obligations of the Act.

Important information: In questions 7 to 13, you must ensure that you explain in detail your situation and all the reasons you would suffer hardship if the requested exemptions are not granted. Your application will be assessed on all the information you provide. Make sure to include everything you want considered.

Question 6

Are you currently subject to a removal order? If so, please provide details.

Note: A removal order is made against a person who has violated the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) or its Regulations. There are 3 types of removal orders: departure, exclusion and deportation.

Question 7

Explain in detail why you believe you should be granted exemptions from the requirements of IRPA on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds. Include information about the hardships you would experience if the requested exemption is not granted.

Question 8

If you or a family member is inadmissible to Canada:

  • provide all relevant documents regarding the inadmissibility such as conviction certificate, rehabilitation or record suspension (formerly a pardon) application,
  • clearly indicate the exemption you are requesting, and
  • explain why you should receive an exemption.
Question 9

Provide information that you believe may support your request to have an application for permanent residence processed from within Canada about your:

  • family, and/or
  • relationships.
Question 10

Provide information on any child who would be affected by your application. If applicable, explain the hardships your child or children would experience if you were not granted the requested exemption(s).

You must provide specific information and supporting documentation on how the child or children would be affected.

Question 11

Explain how you have established yourself in Canada.

Note: You may want to show how you are involved or participate in the community. Remember to provide supporting documentation if it is available. e.g. letters from community organizations, religious institutions, etc. If the documentation is not available, explain why.

Question 12

Provide any documentation that would support your statements on how you intend to support yourself and your family while your application is in process. (e.g. a letter from your employer)

Question 13

Indicate any other information you want considered in your application.

Declaration of Applicant

You must provide all documents that support your case for H&C considerations.

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


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 College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC);
  • 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 College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), 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:
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, 593.57 KB).

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 IMM 5475 and IMM 5476 forms

Paper applications

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 IMM 5475 or 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.

Online applications

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

Upload this form along with your online application

If you have already submitted your immigration or citizenship application:

You may use this Web form to upload IMM 5475 or IMM 5476.

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.



Important information

If you and your dependents pass eligibility requirements, you will be asked to complete and provide the following documents (IMM5669 and IMM5406).

Please note, these forms are not required at time of application.


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.

small exclamation warning signImportant information: Processing will be delayed if you do not account for all periods of time.

Question 7

Education

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

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

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

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

Question 8

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

Start with the most recent information.

If you were working:

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

If you were not working:

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

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

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

Question 9: Membership in organizations

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

This includes:

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

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

Question 10

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

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

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

Include:

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

Note: Do not use abbreviations.

Question 11

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

Question 12

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

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.

Note: The bottom section of Schedule A should not be completed at this time.


Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

This form must be completed by:

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

Section A

Write the personal details for:

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

Section B

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

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

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

Section C

Write personal details about your:

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

Section D

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

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

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

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


Step 3. Pay the fees or access the Immigration Loans Program

Your fees

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

We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($490) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.

Application (per person) $CAN
Your application
Processing fee ($550) and right of permanent residence fee ($490)
$1,040
Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) $550
Include your spouse or partner
Processing fee ($550) and right of permanent residence fee ($490)
$1,040
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) $550
Include a dependent child $150

Note: The following persons are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of $490:

  • Your dependent children;
  • You, if you are the principal applicant and the dependent child of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. You must meet the definition of “dependent child” at the time of the application;
  • You and your family member, if you are a protected person.

Note: If you wish to apply for a loan to cover the processing fees of your application, you must:

This will notify IRCC of your intent to apply for an immigration loan.

Send the Notification of Intent and the supporting documents with your application.

For more information about applying for a loan to cover the processing fees of your application, refer back to the above section entitled Can I apply for a loan to cover the processing fees of my application?


Incorrect fee payment

Payment issue - No fee included

We will return your application if you do not include the fee, unless you include the Notification of Intent for the Immigration Loans Program with your application.

Note: If you do not wish to apply for the Immigration Loans Program and your fees have not been received, your application will be returned to you and processing of your application will only start after you return your application with the requested fees.

Payment issue - Insufficient fees included

We will return your application for insufficient fees unless you include the Notification of Intent with your application.

Note: If you do not wish to apply for the Immigration Loans Program and your fees have not been received, your application will be returned to you and processing of your application will only start after you return your application with the requested fees.

Payment issue - Overpayment

We will:

  • start processing your application, and
  • send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You do not have to request a refund, it will be done automatically.



Important information

Payment for any other type of application cannot be included with this application.  Any other application (i.e. renewal of temporary resident status) must be sent to the appropriate processing centre and paid for separately.


How to pay the fees for your application

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

  • a valid e-mail address;
  • access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
  • a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® 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.

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



Step 4. Mail your application

Where to mail the application?


Important information

Your application must be postmarked no later than August 4, 2016. If you had a pending refugee claim on February 3, 2016, and it is refused, your application for permanent residence on H&C grounds must be submitted no later than six months from the date of the first negative decision on your refugee claim from the IRB.

The envelope should be clearly labelled with the words “Haiti – TSR” or “Zimbabwe – TSR” when you mail your application.


Mail your completed application in a stamped envelope to the address shown below:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)
Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)
IRCC - Backlog Reduction Office
IRCC - Backlog Reduction Office
#600 - 605 Robson Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 5J3

Note: All applications for permanent residence from within Canada based on humanitarian and compassionate considerations must be sent directly to the Backlog Reduction Office in Vancouver (BRO-V). BRO-V will not accept or process any applications for renewal of temporary resident status.

Note: For information on IRCC’s backlog Reduction Plan, please visit our website


Submit the document checklist

Make sure you use and submit the Document Checklist (IMM 5575) along with your application forms and supporting documents.

Mail your application

Do not fold documents.

For your personal records, you should make photocopies of all documentation, forms and your fee receipt submitted with your application.

Do not include pre-paid return envelopes.

You may want to send your application via registered mail or Xpresspost to track the delivery.



Note

Sign the form

The application must be signed and dated before it is submitted.

If you are:

  • 18 years of age or older, sign and date in the boxes provided at the bottom of the page,
  • less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or legal guardian.

Note: If your application is not signed and dated, it will be returned to you.


Submit the application form

When submitting your application, to ensure your encoded data is captured, you must include the last page or pages which contain your unique barcodes. See the image below:

Sample Barcodes

Note: This page is only available when you complete your application electronically (on a computer).


What Happens Next

What you will receive from IRCC

The following table outlines the type of communication that you may receive from IRCC as a result of submitting this application.

  • If your application is received and properly completed
    • your application will be processed.

      Note: We may contact you to arrange an interview to verify or expand on information contained in your application.

  • If your application is received and incomplete
    • your application will be returned to you.
  • If your application is approved
    • we will inform you in writing and provide further information on the next steps to proceed to obtain your permanent residence status (i.e. medical instructions, background checks).
  • If your application is refused
    • we will inform you in writing.
  • If your application is received with insufficient or non-payment of fees
    • we will not process your application and it will be returned to you with further instructions.


Important information

Updating your contact information

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


Withdrawing the application

If you wish to withdraw your application for H&C considerations, you must do so in writing. Make sure to indicate your client ID number, family name and first name on all correspondence with IRCC.

You must send your notification by fax at 604-666-1116, by email to: VancouverBRO@cic.gc.ca or by mail at:

IRCC - Backlog Reduction Office
#600 - 605 Robson Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 5J3


Checking application status

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.

If you are outside Canada and the United States:

Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region



For more information

Current processing times

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


Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

  • available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
  • not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.

For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Frequently Asked Questions/Help Centre.


Quality Assurance Program

Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:

  • verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
  • verify that your application has been completed properly.

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



Need help?

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


Appendix A: Police Certificates

Text version: Request for Police Certificates/Clearances and Authorization for Release of Information
  • Surname
  • Given name(s)
  • Other surname(s) used (example maiden name, previous married names)
  • Name in original script (example Farsi, Arabic, Chinese, etc.)
  • Date of birth (day, month, year)
  • Place of birth
  • Sex (male, female)
  • Citizenship
  • Current address in Canada (number, street, city, province and postal code)
  • Dates
    • From (month, year)
    • To (month, year)
  • Address(es) while resident in (name of country)

I authorize the police or relevant authorities in the country/state named above to disclose to Immigration Canada details about any previous criminal convictions that may exist.

  • Signature of applicant
  • Date (Day, Month, Year)

Features

Find out if you are eligible

Page details

Date modified: