How to apply
Follow these steps to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada as a protected person. You can apply online or by mail. We encourage you to apply online as it’s faster, more efficient and saves you mailing costs.
Apply online
Create an account or sign in
You need to use the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal to apply online.
If you’re having technical issues
If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form (opens in a new tab).
- Select your problem.
- Under Tell us about yourself:
- If you don’t have a unique client identifier number, enter 1111111111.
- If you haven’t submitted an application yet, and don’t have an application number, enter 0000000.
- Under Tell us about your technical issue:
- Specify the program you’re trying to apply under.
- Explain any problems that you’re having.
- Upload screenshots from your account that show us both
- the page and fields where you’re having problems, and
- any error messages you’re getting.
If you’re getting help with your application from someone else
You can ask someone to help you with your immigration application.
There are special requirements depending on what kind of help you’re getting:
If you’re using a paid immigration representative
Paid immigration representatives need to be authorized (opens in a new tab).
If you want to use a paid representative, you must:
- download the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form
- complete and sign it
- get your representative to sign it
- upload it with your application
A paid representative can fill out forms and communicate with us for you through their own account. They can also:
- help you prepare the documents you need to upload
- answer questions about the forms
They can’t:
- open a portal account on your behalf
- electronically sign the application for you
- sign in to the portal using your username and password
After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.
You don’t need to hire a representative. Using one will not draw special attention to your application and doesn’t mean we’ll approve it.
If you’re using an unpaid representative
Unpaid representatives don’t need to be authorized or certified. They can be:
- family members
- friends
- anyone else who doesn’t charge you a fee
If you want to use an unpaid representative, you must:
- submit the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form
- complete and sign it
- get your representative to sign it
- upload it with your application
An unpaid representative can:
- help you open a PR portal account
- fill out forms for you, but not sign them
- communicate with us for you
- help you prepare the documents you need to upload
- answer questions about immigration forms
They can’t electronically sign the application for you.
After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.
If you’re getting help from someone who isn’t a representative
You don’t need to tell us that you’re getting help from someone as long as they don’t:
- advise you on which program to apply for
- complete or update your application as you
- act as you when dealing with us
They can help you:
- use our website to find information
- access a computer, scanner or printer
- navigate our portals and accounts in your presence
- view and open electronic forms
- download/upload documents
- get your documents translated
- make travel plans
If you want us to release information from your application to someone else
If you want us to give information from your application to someone else (not a representative)
- Download the Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) form.
- Complete and sign it (digitally or by hand).
- Get the person who needs your information to sign it too.
- Upload it with your application.
Request an alternate format (braille or large print)
To request another format:
- Prepare a new email
- In the subject line of your email, include
- the format you need (braille or large print)
- the application package you want
- In the body of your email, copy and paste the text below. Then, fill in the missing information.
- Requested Format: [Braille / Large Print]
- Application Package: [Name of the application package or program]
- Preferred Language: [English/French]
- Delivery Method: [Email / Regular Mail in Canada]
- Applicant:
- Full Name (as shown on passport):
- Email Address (if requesting electronic delivery):
- Mailing Address (if requesting regular mail – Canada only):
Please do not add extra information, as it is not necessary and will not be taken into consideration.
- In the subject line of your email, include
- Send your email to: IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Note: we will only reply to requests for alternate formats. We won't reply to any other types of requests.
After we review your request, we’ll send the package in the format and delivery method you chose, with instructions on how to send your application back to IRCC.
If you need additional assistance applying with an alternate format, please call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).
-
Get your forms and documents ready
You must use the document checklist (IMM 5286) to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
Include all dependants on your application
List all dependants when you apply, including your:
- spouse or common-law partner
- dependent children (including adopted children)
- dependent children of a dependent child
Who counts as a dependent child
Your child (or the child of your spouse/common-law partner) can be considered a dependent child if:
- they are under 22 years old on the “age lock-in date”
- they don’t have a spouse or common-law partner
On the age lock-in date, we freeze information in an application so that it doesn’t change over time, no matter how long it takes to process it.
For most protected persons, the lock-in date is the day you made your asylum claim.
Who you can include as a dependent child on an immigration application
Include all dependants, even if:
- they don’t want to come to Canada
- you don’t know where they are
- These dependants have 1 year from the day you get PR to apply for their own PR as your dependant.
When you list dependants on your application:
- you can choose which ones you want to be considered for PR
- If you change your mind, you can remove them up until we issue their PR visa.
- they are not guaranteed to get PR status
If you don’t list them, you may not be able to sponsor them later.
Documents and forms for non-protected persons
You can wait until after you submit your application to send forms and documents for family members who are not protected persons.
Digital forms you will fill out in the portal
Complete these digital forms for yourself and any family members age 18 or older you want considered for PR:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Family members age 18 or older who are protected persons do not need to fill out this form.
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Family members age 18 or older who are protected persons do not need to fill out this form.
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Schedule A: Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
Forms for children under 18
If you’re including dependent children under 18 who are protected persons on your application
You do not need to fill out any forms for dependent children under 18 who are protected persons.
If you’re only including dependent children under 18 on your application (without a spouse or partner)
You do need to fill out these forms for each child under 18 who is not a protected person:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
PDF forms you must upload to the portal
- Document Checklist (IMM 5286)
- Only 1 per application.
- Schedule 14 – Protected Persons and Convention Refugees (IMM 0008 – Schedule 14)
- 1 for each protected person age 18 or older.
Additional application forms
Include these if they apply to your situation.
If you have a Representative (IMM 5476)
If you have a common-law partner (IMM 5409)
This form is optional. To support your application, you can fill out and upload the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) (opens in a new tab) . You need to prove you’ve lived with your partner for at least 1 consecutive year. You can do this by including documents with both of your names:
- copies of joint bank account statements
- copies of leases
- utility bills, etc.
You and your partner must read the declaration and sign the form by hand.
If a minor (child) is immigrating without both parents or guardians (IMM 5604)
Have the non-accompanying parent or guardian fill out and upload the Declaration from Non-accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada (IMM 5604) (opens in a new tab).
The parent or guardian who isn’t accompanying the minor must sign this form by hand in front of a notary public.
Supporting documents you must upload to the portal
Get your documents translated and certified if they’re not in English or French
Each supporting document that isn’t in English or French must have 2 parts:
- an English or French translation that’s:
- stamped by a certified translator
- Their certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number.
- The translator should also photocopy your original document and stamp it if that’s what they based the translation on.
- All stamps and seals that aren’t in English or French must also be translated.
- You can include a scanned copy of a letter explaining that you don’t need an affidavit because you used a certified translator.
- accompanied by an affidavit from the person who completed the translation, swearing that their translation is true and accurate,
- The affidavit must be signed in the presence of an authorized person
- Use this option only if a translation cannot be completed by a certified translator.
- Both the translated document and the original document the translator worked from must be referred to in the affidavit.
- stamped by a certified translator
- a scan of the original document, or a scan of a certified photocopy of the original document, that the translator worked from.
- You only need to provide a scan of a certified photocopy of the original document if the translation was based on the certified photocopy.
Who cannot translate documents?
- Your family members
- Your immigration representative or consultant
Get copies of documents certified
To have a copy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare it to the original document and print the following on the copy:
- “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
- their signature
Who can certify copies and be the witness to an affidavit
In Canada, examples of authorized persons who can certify the copies of your original documents and be the witness to an affidavit include:
- a notary public
- a commissioner of oaths
- a commissioner of taking affidavits
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your provincial or territorial authorities to be sure who can certify your documents.
Outside Canada, each country has different authorities to certify documents. A notary public may be able to certify your documents, but you should check with your local authorities to be sure.
Who cannot certify copies or be the witness to an affidavit
An authorized person can’t certify a copy of a document or be the witness to an affidavit if they’re also:
- the principal applicant or the applicant’s sponsor (if this applies)
- a family member of the principal applicant or the applicant’s sponsor (parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin)
Photo(s)
You need 1 passport-size photo of yourself and each family member who is also applying for permanent residence. The photo(s) can’t be older than 12 months when you apply.
Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo(s).
Proof of protected person or Convention refugee status
You must upload one of the following:
- the letter you received with your positive decision from the IRB
- the Verification of Status (VOS) document you received with your positive PRRA decision from IRCC
- your temporary resident permit if you are a protected temporary resident
Identity and civil status documents
You must upload identity documents for yourself and any family members you’ve included on your application. All documents must have been issued from your home country, before you came to Canada. Examples of personal identification include:
- passport
- travel document
- birth certificate
- identity cards
- birth certificate or baptismal record
- marriage certificate
- school certificate
Additional supporting documents
Include these if they apply to your situation.
Proof of relationship
If you’re including family members who don’t have protected person status, you can submit documents to show your relationship to them now or submit them later while we process your dependent’s applications. Examples of accepted documents include:
- marriage certificate
- birth certificate or baptismal record
- adoption records
- a court order/document showing that the parent in Canada has sole custody of the minor
- other legal documents that show family relationships
-
Pay your fees
Your fees may vary depending on your status.
If you’re a protected person
Fees: from Error loading fee.
You must pay your fees online and include the receipt with your application. We won’t start processing your application until you fully pay all fees.
You don’t need to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee for yourself or anyone included in your application.
Pay your fees Processing fees You need to pay processing fees for yourself and anyone in Canada or overseas included in your application.
If you overpay, we’ll start processing your application and refund you as soon as possible.
Biometrics fee This fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.
You only need to pay the biometrics fee for family members in Canada or overseas included in your application who are not protected persons.
Other fees Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
If you’re a protected temporary resident
You don’t need to pay us any fees for your application.
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
-
Submit your complete application
Before you submit your application, make sure you:
- answered all questions truthfully and completely
- signed and uploaded all your forms
- uploaded the receipt for your fees
- uploaded all your supporting documents
If your application is incomplete, we will send a letter requesting documents in order to complete the assessment of your application. If you do not provide the required documents within 30 days, your application will be rejected.
If you wish to make another application for permanent residence, you will be required to submit a new application and pay new processing fees.
Apply by mail
You can apply by mail if you can’t or don’t want to apply online.
If you’re getting help with your application from someone else
You can ask someone to help you with your immigration application.
There are special requirements depending on what kind of help you’re getting:
If you’re using a paid immigration representative
Paid immigration representatives need to be authorized (opens in a new tab).
If you want to use a paid representative, you must:
- download the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form
- complete and sign it
- get your representative to sign it
- upload it with your application
A paid representative can fill out forms and communicate with us for you through their own account. They can also:
- help you prepare the documents you need to upload
- answer questions about the forms
They can’t:
- open a portal account on your behalf
- electronically sign the application for you
- sign in to the portal using your username and password
After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.
You don’t need to hire a representative. Using one will not draw special attention to your application and doesn’t mean we’ll approve it.
If you’re using an unpaid representative
Unpaid representatives don’t need to be authorized or certified. They can be:
- family members
- friends
- anyone else who doesn’t charge you a fee
If you want to use an unpaid representative, you must:
- submit the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form
- complete and sign it
- get your representative to sign it
- upload it with your application
An unpaid representative can:
- help you open a PR portal account
- fill out forms for you, but not sign them
- communicate with us for you
- help you prepare the documents you need to upload
- answer questions about immigration forms
They can’t electronically sign the application for you.
After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.
If you’re getting help from someone who isn’t a representative
You don’t need to tell us that you’re getting help from someone as long as they don’t:
- advise you on which program to apply for
- complete or update your application as you
- act as you when dealing with us
They can help you:
- use our website to find information
- access a computer, scanner or printer
- navigate our portals and accounts in your presence
- view and open electronic forms
- download/upload documents
- get your documents translated
- make travel plans
If you want us to release information from your application to someone else
If you want us to give information from your application to someone else (not a representative)
- Download the Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) form.
- Complete and sign it (digitally or by hand).
- Get the person who needs your information to sign it too.
- Upload it with your application.
Request an alternate format (braille or large print)
To request another format:
- Prepare a new email
- In the subject line of your email, include
- the format you need (braille or large print)
- the application package you want
- In the body of your email, copy and paste the text below. Then, fill in the missing information.
- Requested Format: [Braille / Large Print]
- Application Package: [Name of the application package or program]
- Preferred Language: [English/French]
- Delivery Method: [Email / Regular Mail in Canada]
- Applicant:
- Full Name (as shown on passport):
- Email Address (if requesting electronic delivery):
- Mailing Address (if requesting regular mail – Canada only):
Please do not add extra information, as it is not necessary and will not be taken into consideration.
- In the subject line of your email, include
- Send your email to: IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Note: we will only reply to requests for alternate formats. We won't reply to any other types of requests.
After we review your request, we’ll send the package in the format and delivery method you chose, with instructions on how to send your application back to IRCC.
If you need additional assistance applying with an alternate format, please call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).
-
Get your forms and documents ready
You must use the document checklist (IMM 5286) to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
Include all dependants on your application
List all dependants when you apply, including your:
- spouse or common-law partner
- dependent children (including adopted children)
- dependent children of a dependent child
Who counts as a dependent child
Your child (or the child of your spouse/common-law partner) can be considered a dependent child if:
- they are under 22 years old on the “age lock-in date”
- they don’t have a spouse or common-law partner
On the age lock-in date, we freeze information in an application so that it doesn’t change over time, no matter how long it takes to process it.
For most protected persons, the lock-in date is the day you made your asylum claim.
Who you can include as a dependent child on an immigration application
Include all dependants, even if:
- they don’t want to come to Canada
- you don’t know where they are
- These dependants have 1 year from the day you get PR to apply for their own PR as your dependant.
When you list dependants on your application:
- you can choose which ones you want to be considered for PR
- If you change your mind, you can remove them up until we issue their PR visa.
- they are not guaranteed to get PR status
If you don’t list them, you may not be able to sponsor them later.
Documents and forms for non-protected persons
You can wait until after you submit your application to send forms and documents for family members who are not protected persons.
Forms you must download and fill out
Download and fill out these PDF forms for yourself and any family members age 18 or older you want considered for PR:
- Document Checklist (IMM 5286)
- Only you must fill out this form. As part of the application package, only one document checklist is required.
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Only you must fill out this form. As part of the application package, only one document checklist is required.
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Family members age 18 or older who are protected persons do not need to fill out this form.
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- If you have more than 5 dependants, you must complete the following form for each additional family member: Additional Dependants / Declaration Form (IMM 0008 DEP)
- Family members age 18 or older who are protected persons do not need to fill out this form.
- Schedule 14: Protected Persons and Convention Refugees (IMM 0008 SCH14)
- Only family members age 18 or older who are protected persons need to fill out this form.
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Only family members age 18 or older who are protected persons need to fill out this form.
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Schedule A: Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
If you’re including dependent children under 18 who are protected persons on your application
You do not need to fill out any forms for dependent children under 18 who are protected persons.
If you’re including only dependent children under 18 on your application (without a spouse or partner)
You do need to fill out these forms for each child under 18 who is not a protected person:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)
Additional application forms
Include these if they apply to your situation.
If you have a Representative (IMM 5476)
Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)(opens in a new tab) , for each family member as applicable.
If you have a common-law partner (IMM 5409)
This form is optional. To support your application, you can fill out and upload the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) (opens in a new tab) . You need to prove you’ve been living or have lived with your partner for at least 1 consecutive year. You can do this by including documents with both of your names:
- copies of joint bank account statements
- copies of leases
- utility bills, etc.
You and your partner must read the declaration and sign the form by hand in front of a notary public.
If a minor (child) is immigrating without both parents or guardians (IMM 5406)
Have the non-accompanying parent or guardian fill out and include the Declaration from Non-accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada (IMM 5604) (opens in a new tab).
The parent or guardian who isn’t accompanying the minor must sign this form by hand in front of a public notary.
Supporting documents you must submit
Get your documents translated and certified if they’re not in English or French
Each supporting document that isn’t in English or French must have 2 parts:
- an English or French translation that’s:
- stamped by a certified translator
- Their certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number.
- The translator should also photocopy your original document and stamp it if that’s what they based the translation on.
- All stamps and seals that aren’t in English or French must also be translated.
- You can include a scanned copy of a letter explaining that you don’t need an affidavit because you used a certified translator.
- accompanied by an affidavit from the person who completed the translation, swearing that their translation is true and accurate,
- The affidavit must be signed in the presence of an authorized person
- Use this option only if a translation cannot be completed by a certified translator.
- Both the translated document and the original document the translator worked from must be referred to in the affidavit.
- stamped by a certified translator
- a scan of the original document, or a scan of a certified photocopy of the original document, that the translator worked from.
- You only need to provide a scan of a certified photocopy of the original document if the translation was based on the certified photocopy.
Who cannot translate documents?
- Your family members
- Your immigration representative or consultant
Get copies of documents certified
To have a copy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare it to the original document and print the following on the copy:
- “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
- their signature
Who can certify copies and be the witness to an affidavit
In Canada, examples of authorized persons who can certify the copies of your original documents and be the witness to an affidavit include:
- a notary public
- a commissioner of oaths
- a commissioner of taking affidavits
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your provincial or territorial authorities to be sure who can certify your documents.
Outside Canada, each country has different authorities to certify documents. A notary public may be able to certify your documents, but you should check with your local authorities to be sure.
Who cannot certify copies or be the witness to an affidavit
An authorized person can’t certify a copy of a document or be the witness to an affidavit if they’re also:
- the principal applicant or the applicant’s sponsor (if this applies)
- a family member of the principal applicant or the applicant’s sponsor (parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin)
Unless we ask, do not send original documents. They will not be returned to you.
Photo(s)
You need 1 passport-size photo of yourself and each family member who is also applying for permanent residence. The photo(s) can’t be older than 12 months when you apply. Check our photo requirements.
Proof of protected person or Convention refugee status
You must submit one of the following:
- the letter you received with your positive decision from the IRB
- the Verification of Status (VOS) document you received with your positive PRRA decision from IRCC
- your temporary resident permit if you are a protected temporary resident
Identity and civil status documents
You must provide copies of identity documents for yourself and any family members you’ve included in your application. All documents must have been issued from your home country, before you came to Canada. Examples of personal identification include:
- passport
- travel document
- birth certificate
- identity cards
- birth certificate or baptismal record
- marriage certificate
- school certificate
Additional supporting documents
Additional supporting documents may be needed if the situation applies to you.
Proof of relationship
If you’re including family members who don’t have protected person status, you can submit documents to show your relationship to them now or submit them later while we process your dependent’s applications. Examples of accepted documents include:
- marriage certificate
- birth certificate or baptismal record
- adoption records
- a court order/document showing that the parent in Canada has sole custody of the minor
- other legal documents that show family relationships
-
Pay your fees
Your fees may vary depending on your status.
If you’re a protected person
Fees: from Error loading fee.
You must pay your fees online and include the receipt with your application. We won’t start processing your application until you fully pay all fees.
You don’t need to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee for yourself or anyone included in your application.
Pay your fees Processing fees You need to pay processing fees for yourself and anyone in Canada or overseas included in your application.
If you overpay, we’ll start processing your application and refund you as soon as possible.
Biometrics fee This fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.
You only need to pay the biometrics fee for family members in Canada or overseas included in your application who are not protected persons.
Other fees Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
If you’re a protected temporary resident
You don’t need to pay us any fees for your application.
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
-
Submit your complete application
Before you submit your application, make sure you:
- answered all questions truthfully and completely
- signed and included all your forms
- included the receipt for your fees
- included all your supporting documents
If your application is incomplete, we will send a letter requesting documents in order to complete the assessment of your application. If you do not provide the required documents within 30 days, your application will be rejected.
If you wish to make another application for permanent residence, you will be required to submit a new application and pay new processing fees.
Mail your completed application to us at
Protected persons in Canada PR application
PO Box 12153, Station A
Sydney NS B1P 0L1If you are using a courier service, your application should be delivered to the following address:
Protected persons in Canada PR application
3050 Wilson Ave
New Waterford NS B1H 5V8
Track your application
If you submit a paper application, we recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.
Find out how to check if your application has been received.