Apply for permanent residence: Submit your Express Entry application
You need to give your biometrics
In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply. Find out where biometrics fit into the application process.
Biometrics and the application process
We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fit into the process.
1. Apply for permanent residence
If you want to apply for permanent residence in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.
Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application.
2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for every application for permanent residence you submit. Even if you gave your biometrics in the past and they’re still valid.
- You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays.
- Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
- You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.
Find out who needs to give, how to give, and where to give your biometrics.
Temporary changes to biometrics
Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline on your biometric instruction letter, there may be measures in place to help you.
3. We process your application
After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.
If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.
4. We make a decision on your application
When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.
If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.
5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)
Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes documents like your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), permanent resident visa (if you’re from a country that needs a visa), or eTA (electronically linked to your passport) if you’re from a visa-exempt country or your single entry journey document if you don’t have a travel document.
Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.
Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents.
6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada
When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.
If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.
If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.
7. You’re allowed to enter Canada
If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.
Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.
Before you submit your application, make sure you:
- fill out all mandatory fields on the form
- pay your processing fee and biometrics fee
- include clear scans of all documents listed in your checklist
The system won’t let you submit the application unless you include all the required documents and fill out all the mandatory form fields.
How to update your information after you submit your application
After you submit your application, you can use this Web form if you need to report important changes about your application, such as
- changes in address, telephone number, email or other contact information
- births or deaths in your family
- marriages or divorces
- adoptions
- changes to your job or job offer
- a new educational credential
- updated language test results
If your work permit is about to expire
If you’re already in Canada and your existing work permit is about to expire, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit. If you're eligible, this permit can let you keep working while you wait for a final decision on your permanent residence application.
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