Apply for permanent residence

Step 1. Apply online using the permanent residence portal

Once you’ve been nominated by a province or territory, you can apply online for permanent residence using the Permanent Residence Portal(opens in a new tab).

The instruction guide will help you fill out the forms properly.

• If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

  If you can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

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)

• 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 download and fill out

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

• Document Checklist (IMM 0199) (opens in a new tab)
• Schedule 4: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees (IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 4) (opens in a new tab)
• Schedule 4A: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees – Business Nominees [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 4A] (if applicable) (opens in a new tab)

You don’t need to sign the forms. As the principal applicant, you’ll sign for the entire application, including those of your family members.

PDF forms you’ll print and sign, if they apply to you

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

• Declaration From Non-accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada [IMM 5604] (opens in a new tab), if this applies
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409]  (opens in a new tab), if this applies

If you aren’t truthful in your application for permanent residence we may

• refuse your application
• find you inadmissible
• bar you from applying for permanent resident status for up to 5 years

Upload your photos

You need one photo for each person on your application.

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

• If you want to use 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

  • download a Authority to release personal information to a designated individual form [IMM 5475] (opens in a new tab) – whichever applies
  • complete it
  • sign it digitally or by hand and get your immigration representative to do so also
  • upload it with your application

  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 in to 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, 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’re having technical issues

  If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form (opens in a new tab).

  1. Select your problem.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Step 2. Pay your application fees

Fees: From Error loading fee. Check the fee list.

In most cases, you’ll need to pay the following fees:

Step 3. Submit your online application

Before you submit your application, make sure you:

• answer all questions
• electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
• include your processing fee receipt
• upload all the supporting documents (you must include a copy of the nomination certificate that the province or territory sent you)

If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.

Processing time^? : Error loading the number of days. Try again.

You may need to give biometrics with your application. This processing time includes the time you need to give your biometrics.