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Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

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How to apply

On this page

  1. Create an account or sign in
  2. Get your forms and documents ready
  3. Pay your fees
  4. Submit your completed application

1. Create an account or sign in

You must apply online using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.

Apply using the PR Portal(opens in a new tab) 

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.
If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

If you (or your representative) can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternate format.

After we review your request, we’ll send you the application package in one of these formats:

  • paper
  • braille
  • large print
How to request another format
  1. Open a new email.
  2. In the subject line of your email, include
    • the format you need (paper, braille, or large print)
    • the application package you want
  3. In the body of your email, include
    • your full name as shown on your passport
    • the full name of your anchor person in Canada
    • a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
    • if you want the application in English or French
    • how we should send it to you (by email or regular mail)
      • Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This will save you the time it would take to mail it.
      • Include your mailing address if you want it mailed to you.
  4. Send your email to IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.

We will only reply to requests for alternate formats. We won’t reply to any other emails.

After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.

How to submit your application
  • Fill out and sign any paper forms.
  • Return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions.

For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).

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

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

An unpaid representative can

  • open an account for you
  • fill out forms for you
  • 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
  • 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)

  1. Download the Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) form.
  2. Complete and sign it (digitally or by hand).
  3. Get the person who needs your information to sign it too.
  4. Upload it with your application.

2. Get your forms and documents ready

Use the document checklist (IMM 5722) to make sure you prepare a complete application.

Digital forms you’ll fill out in the portal

You’ll fill out these forms in the PR portal (for yourself, and any family members aged 18 years or older):

PDF forms you’ll upload in the portal

Additional application forms

If you have a common-law partner

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 with your partner for at least 1 year consecutively. You can do this by including documents with both of your names like:

  • 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/guardians

Fill out and upload the Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling 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

Get your documents translated if they’re not in English or French

Each supporting document that isn’t in English or French must have 4 parts:

  1. a copy of the original document
  2. a certified copy of the original
    1. This means it’s been signed or stamped by the translator.
  3. a translation of the original
  4. an affidavit stating that the translation is true and accurate
    1. You don’t need an affidavit if your translator is certified.
Who can translate documents?
    • A translator certified by a professional association: Option 1 of 2
      • Their certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number.
    • A person who is fluent in both languages (English or French and the language of the document): Option 2 of 2
      • These translators need to sign an affidavit in front of an authorized person swearing their translation is true and accurate.
Who can’t translate documents?
  • Your family members
  • Your immigration representative or consultant
Travel documents and passports Required

You must upload copies for:

  • You
  • Your spouse or common-law partner
  • Your dependant children

Include pages which show:

  • the passport number
  • date of issue and expiry
  • the photo, name, date and place of birth
  • any changes to the name, date of birth, expiration

You must hold a valid regular passport. It can’t be a diplomatic, official, service or public affairs passport.

If you live outside the country that issued your passport

Include a scanned copy of your visa for the country you’re living in.

Identity and civil status documents (including birth certificates) Required

You must provide the following documents for you and your spouse or common-law partner:

  • birth certificates
  • legal documents showing name or date of birth changes (if applicable)
  • marriage certificate(s), final divorce or annulment certificate(s)
    • If you have been married more than once, include certificates from each marriage and divorce or annulment you, your spouse or common-law partner have had.
  • death certificate for former spouse(s) or common-law partner(s) (if applicable)
  • national IDs, family/household registry/book (if applicable)
Police certificate(s) Required

You need to submit a police certificate for each country you’ve lived in for 6 months or more in a row since the age of 18. You can wait until we request them, but this may delay your application processing.

Police certificates are usually valid for 1 year from the date they’re issued.

Photo(s) Required

You need 1 photo for yourself and 1 for each member of your family, even if they aren’t coming to Canada.

The photo can’t be older than 6 months when you apply.

Check our photo requirements.

Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) Required

Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) will send you this document if they accept your application.

Include a scanned copy with your permanent residence application.

3. Pay your fees

You have to pay your fees online(opens in a new tab)  and include your receipt with your application.

Processing fees You need to pay processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
Right of permanent residence fee You need to pay the right of permanent residence fee before your application is approved.
Biometrics fee Pay your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee when you submit your application to avoid delays.
Other fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for a:

4. Submit your completed application

Before you submit your application, make sure you:

  •   answer all questions
  •   sign (if needed) and upload all your forms
  •   upload all your supporting documents

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

Page details

2025-10-06