Application for Permanent Residence – Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (IMM 5798)

The Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program ended on June 18, 2019. If you submitted a complete application before June 18, we’ll continue to process it.

We’re committed to making sure caregivers continue to have a pathway to permanent residence. If you’re a caregiver who has been working in Canada as a home support worker, you may be eligible for the Home Support Worker Pilot.

Table of Contents


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?

This application guide is only for people applying for permanent residence under the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class.


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.


Do you intend to reside in Quebec?

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

For more information, consult Quebec-selected skilled workers.

If you intend to reside in the province of Quebec, you do not qualify to apply under the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class.


What are the requirements?

Your application to immigrate to Canada under this class will be assessed on a pass/fail basis against the following four requirements:

1) Qualifying work experience

You must have obtained a total of at least 24 months of authorized full-time work experience in Canada within the 48 months before your complete application is received. Full-time work means at least 30 hours of paid work per week.

To qualify, your work experience must have been obtained in one of the following occupations listed in the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC):

  • Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012)
  • Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233)
  • Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 3413)
  • Home support workers and related occupations (NOC 4412)

Note: Only Home support workers and workers in related occupations are eligible under NOC 4412. Housekeepers and workers in related occupations are not eligible to apply under the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class.

Determining whether you have qualifying work experience

The NOC is a system used by the Government of Canada to classify occupations and group them based on the types of job duties and the types of work a person does.

Follow these steps to determine if you have qualifying work experience in one of the eligible occupations under the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class:

  1. Go to the NOC website.
  2. Go to the “Quick Search” located in the bottom, left-hand side of the website.
  3. Enter the four-digit NOC code for the job description you wish to review.
  4. Make sure the initial description and list of main duties match what you did in your job.
Proof of qualifying work experience

You must provide proof of your qualifying work experience with your application. Refer to the Document Checklist (PDF, 384.83KB) (IMM 5800) for more information.

For the work experience you claim in your application, you must demonstrate you performed:

  • the actions identified in the initial lead statement of the NOC job description, and
  • a substantial number of the main duties, including all the essential duties, listed in the NOC job description. This means that you performed some or all of the main duties, including all the duties that distinguish your particular occupation from any other. For example, duties that begin with “may” in the NOC description are not usually considered to be essential duties.

You do not have to be employed at the time you submit your application.

Any periods of self-employment or periods of employment during which you were engaged in full-time study (e.g., work experience gained on a co-op, off-campus or on campus work permit) will not be included when calculating the period of qualifying work experience. You must have had temporary resident status on a valid work permit during the period of work experience acquired in Canada.

If you obtained your qualifying work experience in Canada as a Registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse (NOC 3012) or Licensed practical nurse (NOC 3233), you must demonstrate that you are licensed to practice in Canada and provide proof of licensure with the competent regulatory body in your province/territory at the time you apply.

Note: Your work experience does not need to be continuous to qualify, but the 24 months of required employment must have been in only one of the eligible occupations and does not include any extended absence from Canada (including any time worked for an employer outside Canada), periods of unemployment, long-term sickness or parental leave. However, a reasonable period of vacation time will be counted towards meeting the work experience requirement (e.g., a two-week period of paid vacation leave within a given 52-week period in which you were engaged in qualifying work, whether that period of vacation was taken in Canada or outside Canada).

2) Employment requirements

You must demonstrate you meet the relevant employment requirements of the eligible occupation you identify in your application. Relevant employment requirements include education, training or other qualifications as set out in the NOC description of your occupation.

Refer to the Document Checklist (PDF, 384.83KB) (IMM 5800) for more information.

3) Ability in English or French

You must meet the language proficiency requirement for the eligible occupation you identify in your application for all four language skill areas, as set out in the Canadian Language Benchmarks / Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.

Your level of language proficiency will be assessed in French or English in the following skill areas:

  • listening,
  • speaking,
  • reading, and
  • writing.

Your occupation will dictate the language proficiency requirement you need to meet under the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class. The level of proficiency you need to demonstrate will depend on how your job is classified in the NOC.

If you gained your work experience in Canada in a NOC A job (NOC 3012), you must meet the minimum level of CLB 7 in English or French for all four language skill areas.

If you gained your work experience in Canada in a NOC B or C job (NOC 3233, NOC 3413 or NOC 4412), you must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 in English or French for all four language skill areas.

Proof of language proficiency

To prove that you meet the required level of language proficiency in all four language skill areas, you must include original results of one of the following language tests designated by IRCC with your application:

English

French


Important information

If you do not submit original results of your official language proficiency test with your application, it will not be processed and will be returned to you as incomplete.

Language proficiency test

You must take a language proficiency test designated by IRCC before submitting your application.

Your test results must be less than two years old at the time that we receive your application.

  1. Make arrangements to take a designated language proficiency test and pay the test costs.
  2. Refer to the language test scoring grids on our website to confirm that your test results meet the language proficiency requirement.
  3. Submit the original test results with your application.
  4. Keep a copy of your language proficiency test results for your records and future use.

Note: Designated language test results will be used as proof of whether you meet the language proficiency requirement.

4) Post-secondary education

You must have at least a completed Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential (or an equivalent foreign credential).
To prove that you meet the education requirement, you must submit evidence of:

  • a completed Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential (or higher),
    OR
  • a completed foreign educational credential AND an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report issued by an organization designated by IRCC if your educational credential was obtained outside Canada. The ECA report must indicate that your completed foreign educational credential is equivalent to a completed Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential (or higher).

Important information: You must provide proof of your completed Canadian (or foreign equivalent) one-year post-secondary educational credential with your application. If you do not, your application will not be processed and will be returned to you as incomplete.

Proof of foreign educational credential equivalency

You must have your foreign educational credentials assessed by an organization designated by IRCC and obtain an ECA report before submitting your application.

Your ECA report must have been issued on or after the date the organization was designated by IRCC. In addition, your ECA report must be less than five years old on the date that we receive your application.

  1. Make arrangements to obtain an ECA report for your completed foreign educational credential(s) from an organization was designated by IRCC and pay the assessment costs.
  2. Refer to the table in Appendix B to confirm that the outcome stated on your ECA report matches at least one of the assessment outcomes identified in the table.
  3. Submit the original ECA report with your application along with proof of your completed foreign educational credential(s) (e.g. copies of your diplomas/degrees, transcripts, etc).
  4. Keep a copy of your ECA report for your records and future use.

Note: The ECA report will be used as proof of whether you meet the post-secondary education requirement.

Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

You and your family members may need to appear in person to have fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics.

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

Find out if you need to give biometrics.

If you have to give biometrics, you can give them after you:

  • pay for and submit your application and biometric fees; and
  • get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) which will direct you to a list of biometric collection service points you may choose from.

You must bring the BIL with you to the biometric collection service point to give your biometrics.

We encourage you to give your biometrics as soon as possible after getting the BIL. We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.

Where to give your biometrics

You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points.


Staying informed

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

  • Applications will be processed according to the rules and regulations in effect at the time of application.
  • Our website contains the latest news, eligibility criteria updates and application links. Check periodically for updated information and make sure you’re aware of current requirements before you apply.

Step 1. Gather documents

Use the Document Checklist (PDF, 384.83KB) (IMM 5800) to assist you in gathering in gathering the necessary documentation.

Note: If any of the required documents are missing, or photocopies are not clear, your application may be returned to you.

Note: Additional documents may be required during the processing of your application.


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

Do not undergo an immigration medical exam unless we advise you to do so. A medical exam will be required and you’ll receive instructions after you submit your application.

All your family members who are not already Canadian citizens or permanent residents must undergo and pass an immigration medical exam, even if your family members will not be processed for permanent residence with your application. Family members who do not undergo and pass a medical exam will not be eligible to be sponsored at a later date. Your family members will be contacted by the visa office in their area with instructions on their medical exams.


Police certificates

If you and your family members are 18 years of age and older and aren’t permanent residents or Canadian citizens, you must provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which you spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.

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

If the original certificate isn’t in English or French, you must get an accredited translator to translate it. You must include both the police certificate and the translation.

We’ll also do our own background checks to see if there are reasons why you or your family members may not be admissible to Canada.

For specific and up-to-date information, see our guide on where to get a police certificate.


Step 2. Complete the application

Filling out the application

The following are the forms that must be filled out and submitted:

  • Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
  • Additional Dependants/Declaration Form (IMM 0008DEP)
  • Schedule A -  Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
  • Schedule 16: Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (IMM 0008 Schedule 16)
  • Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562)
  • Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

Optional:

  • Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

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



Important information

Be complete and accurate

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



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.


Schedule 16: Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (IMM 0008 Schedule 16)

Who needs to fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

  • You, as the principal applicant.
Question 1

Write your full last name (surname/family name) as it appears on your passport or on the official documents that you will use to obtain your passport.

Write all of your given names (first, second or more) as they appear on your passport or official documents. Do not use initials.

Question 2

Write your date of birth.

Question 3

Check the appropriate box to indicate what will be your first official language in Canada, then check the next box to indicate whether you have taken an approved test to assess your proficiency in this language.

Submit your application only if:

  • you have taken an IRCC approved test
  • to assess your proficiency in English or French, and meet or exceed the level of proficiency required under the Caring for People with High Medical Needs class.
Question 4
  1. Check the appropriate box to indicate if you have previously worked in Canada on a full-time basis, and if so, indicate the period of time.

    “Full-time work” means at least 30 hours of paid work per week.

  2. Write the details of your work experience in Canada.

    List your occupations within the four years preceding the date your application is made starting with your current occupation.

    For each occupation listed, provide the following details:

    • the period of employment;
    • the appropriate NOC code and occupation description;
    • the name of your employer(s);
    • a description of your main duties;
    • the number of hours you worked per week.

    For more information. See “Determining your NOC category

Question 5

Check the appropriate box to indicate if you are applying in one of the following two occupations and provide proof of licensure with the appropriate regulatory body in your province/territory.

NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

NOC 3233 – Licensed practical nurses

Question 6

Check the appropriate box to indicate if you have a Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential (or higher).

If no, have you obtained an educational credential assessment (ECA) report from an organization designated by IRCC indicating that your completed foreign educational credential is equivalent to a completed Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential (or higher)

Note: Sign and date the form.


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.


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.


Step 3. Pay the fees

Calculating your fees

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

We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($515) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.

Application (per person) $CAN
Your application
Processing fee ($570) and right of permanent residence fee ($515)
1,085
Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) 570
Include your spouse or partner
Processing fee ($570) and right of permanent residence fee ($515)
1,085
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) 570
Include a dependent child 155

Note: The following persons are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of $515:

  • 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 members, if you are a protected person.
Biometrics fees $CAN
Biometrics (per person) 85
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)

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

170

Payment Issues

No fee included or insufficient fees

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

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

Overpayment

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

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

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

stop sign

Only online payments are accepted in Canada. If any other forms of payment are received, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return your application.

How to pay the fees for your application

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

  • a valid 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 the Application

Where to mail the 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)
Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o PR (HMN), Station 803
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

Send the document checklist

Make sure you use the document checklist and include it with your application.



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

Application process

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

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

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

  • notifies you of this fact and provides you with your file number
  • sets out some basic instructions for contacting us
  • gives you a brief outline of future processing steps

Processing

Review for decision: Your application will undergo a detailed review by an officer. The officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection criteria and admissibility requirements.


How long can I stay in Canada while waiting for permanent residence?

You can stay in Canada while waiting for your permanent residence as long as you maintain legal status. Temporary resident status is valid for a specific period of time and you must ensure that your status as a temporary resident remains valid while you are in Canada. Find out more about extending your stay.


Leaving Canada

If you go on a vacation outside of Canada, you are not automatically deemed ineligible for permanent residence under the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class. However, it is important to note that if you leave Canada while your application is being processed, we cannot guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter. Each time you re-enter Canada you will need to be re-assessed and meet all eligibility criteria for entering the country.



Important information

Updating your contact information

During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number by:


In Canada and the United States

You may also Contact Us or go online to see the current status of your application:

  1. Click on Check application status, and
  2. Follow the instructions provided.

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

If you are outside Canada and the United States:

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


Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

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

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


Need help?

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


Appendix A – photo specifications

Notes to the applicant

Take this information with you to the photographer

  • Make sure that you provide the correct number of photos specified in the Checklist.
  • You must provide identical and unaltered photos.
  • Photos may be in colour or in black and white.
  • Photos must be original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing photo.
  • Photos must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past six (6) months).

Notes to the photographer

The photos must be:

  • taken by a commercial photographer;
  • 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
  • clear, sharp and in focus;
  • taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling);
  • taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections;
  • taken straight on, with face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera (i.e. the photos must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the middle of the photo);
  • taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background. Photos must reflect and represent natural skin tones.
Image described below

The back of one (1) photo must include:

  • the name and date of birth of the person in the photo
  • the name and complete address of the photography studio
  • the date the photo was taken;

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are not accepted.


Appendix B - ECA Report Assessment Outcomes

Verify that the outcome noted on your Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report (from an IRCC designated organization) corresponds to one of the equivalents to a Canadian one-year post-secondary educational credential on this list.

One-year post-secondary credential:

  • College Certificate
  • Completion of College-level certificate
  • University Certificate
  • University Diploma
  • One-year certificate in [name of discipline]
  • Post-secondary certificate with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • One-year Post-secondary certificate with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • One-year certificateFootnote 1

Two-year post-secondary credential:

  • College Diploma
  • College Diploma (two years)
  • Diploma (two years)
  • Two-year diploma Footnote 1
  • Two-year diploma in [name of discipline]
  • Secondary school diploma and diploma (two years)
  • Associate Degree
  • Associate of [Arts/Science] degree
  • Post-secondary Diploma with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Two-year post-secondary Diploma with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Two-year associate degree Footnote 1

Three-year or longer post-secondary credential:

  • College Diploma (three years)
  • Diploma (three years)
  • Three-year diploma in [name of discipline]
  • Three-year advanced diploma Footnote 1
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Applied Bachelor’s Degree
  • Bachelor’s degree (three years)
  • Three-year Bachelor’s degree, specializing in [name of discipline]
  • Three-year Bachelor degree Footnote 1
  • Bachelor’s degree (four years)
  • Four-year Bachelor’s degree, specializing in [name of discipline]
  • Four-year Bachelor degree Footnote 1
  • Three-year post-secondary Diploma with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Applied Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • Bachelor of Technology degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Three-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Four-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1

Post-Bachelor or Post-Graduate credential:

  • Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
  • Post-undergraduate certificate Footnote 1
  • Post-Bachelor’s Diploma
  • Post-undergraduate diploma Footnote 1
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Graduate Certificate with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • Postgraduate Certificate
  • Postgraduate Diploma
  • Graduate Diploma with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • Graduate Diploma Footnote 1
  • Two-year Postgraduate Diploma, specializing in [name of discipline]
  • Two-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • One-year Postgraduate Certificate in [name of discipline]
  • One-year of graduate study with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Study Toward a Master’s Degree

University-level credential at the Master’s level:

  • Master’s Degree
  • Master’s Degree (Taught)
  • Master of [name of discipline]
  • Master’s degree, specializing in [name of discipline]
  • Master’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • One-year Master’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Two-year Master’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Master of Business Administration Footnote 1
  • One-year Master of Business Administration degree Footnote 1
  • One-year Master degree Footnote 1
  • Master degree Footnote 1

Doctoral level credential:

  • Earned Doctorate Degree
  • Earned Doctorate (Ph.D.)
  • Professional Doctorate Degree
  • Doctor of [name of discipline, such as Business Administration, Law, Psychology]
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • Doctorate (Ph.D.) Footnote 1

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