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How to apply

2024 caps

In 2024, we’ll accept up to the following number of applications in the Direct to permanent residence category:

  • Home Child Care Provider Pilot: 1,100 applications
    • 1,000 online applications Open
    • 100 alternate format applications Open
  • Home Support Worker Pilot: 1,100 applications (online or alternate format) Open

You must submit your application before the cap is reached or before the pilot’s end on June 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Apply

Step 1: Apply online using the Permanent residence portal

You can apply online using the Permanent residence portal.

Apply through the PR Portal

Use the instruction guide for applicants under the Direct to permanent residence category (opens in a new tab)  to help you fill out the forms correctly.

If you're using an immigration representative

If you’re a representative, find out how you can create an account and submit applications on behalf of your clients.

If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must

An immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer) can give you advice and help you with your application for a fee. But they can’t

  • open a portal account on your behalf
  • electronically sign the application for you
  • sign into the portal using your username and password

A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also

  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about the forms

After you read the declaration at the end of your online application, you must be the one who types your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law.

If you want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative you must

If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

If you need accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in an alternate format (paper, braille or large print).

To ask for an alternate format

  • follow our instructions on what to do
  • include this information:
    • which pilot you’re applying for
    • which category you’re applying for (Direct to permanent residence)

Make sure you mail your application to the correct address. You’ll get this address when you ask for an alternate format. We won’t accept any applications mailed to the wrong address and will return them to you.

You must ask for an alternate format before the cap for your category has been reached. After the cap has been reached, we won’t accept any requests and will return any applications we receive. You must wait until the cap reopens to ask for an alternate format.

If you're having technical issues

If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form.

  • Under type of application/enquiry, choose technical difficulties from the drop-down menu.
  • In the text box, specify the program you’re applying under.
  • Upload screenshots from your account that show us
    • the page where you’re having problems
    • the error message(s) you're getting

Choose the category you want to apply to

Once you sign in to the portal, choose “Economic” when you’re asked which program you’re applying to. You’ll then see the 4 categories available for these pilots (as long as the cap hasn’t been reached):

  • Home Child Care Provider Pilot: Gaining experience category
  • Home Child Care Provider Pilot: Direct to permanent residence category
  • Home Support Worker Pilot: Gaining experience category
  • Home Support Worker Pilot: Direct to permanent residence category

Make sure you choose the right category. If you choose the wrong category, we may return or refuse your application.

If the cap has been reached when you want to apply

You won’t be able to start an application for this category in the portal. If you started an application before we reached the cap

  • you won’t be able to submit it
  • it will expire after approximately 30 days

Fill out all the forms

You’ll fill out some forms online, in the portal itself. Others you’ll fill out separately and either sign them digitally, or print and sign them by hand. You must answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. There are serious consequences if you misrepresent yourself or leave important information out of your application.

Forms you'll fill out directly in the portal

You’ll fill out these forms directly in the portal (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older). We won't accept the PDF versions.

You can look at the PDF versions of these forms to find out what information you’ll need to start collecting before you apply online.

  • Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
  • Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
  • Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
  • Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)
PDF forms you’ll upload – without a signature

You’ll download, fill out and upload these PDF forms to your online application:

PDF forms you’ll upload – with a signature

You’ll print, fill out and sign these PDF forms by hand (and get the third party to sign them by hand also, if applicable). You’ll then upload them to your online application:

Upload your photos

You need one photo for each person on your application.

Show the photo specifications to your photographer to make sure your photos meet our requirements.

Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.

Step 2: Pay your application fees

Our permanent residence fees are increasing

The fees for all permanent residence applications are increasing on April 30, 2024. Find out more about how the fees are changing.

In most cases, your fees include

You have to pay your fees online.

When you finish, you must save each receipt and upload it with your online application.

Biometrics

You and your family members may need to give your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) at a biometric collection service point.

In most cases, you must pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.

After you pay the biometrics fee with a complete application, we’ll send you a letter to tell how and where to give your biometrics. You must show this letter when you give your biometrics. Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us.

You must give your biometrics in person. You should book an appointment.

Find out if you need to give biometrics.

Third-party fees

You have to pay third parties if you need

The instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you and how to pay them.

Your employer can’t make you pay back recruitment fees they may have paid to hire you. Get to know your rights while working in Canada.

Step 3: Submit your online application

Before you submit your application, make sure you:

If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it, as long as the cap hasn’t already been reached. If you don’t request a refund, or use your fees for another immigration program, you may be able to use the same receipt when you resubmit your application. Before you use the same receipt, make sure the fees are both complete and have not changed since you last applied.

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