How to apply
Status: paused until January 2027
We stopped accepting applications for this program on April 30, 2024.
Learn more about this pause.
How to apply online
Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account(opens in a new tab) .
The instruction guide, (IMM 4500), will help you fill out the forms properly.
You must fill out these digital forms online
You’ll fill out these digital forms online (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)
You must also fill out these PDF forms
- you don’t need to sign them
- upload them to your online application
- as the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application, including those of your family members
- Document Checklist [IMM 5784] (opens in a new tab) .
- Schedule 5: Economic Classes—Declaration of Intent to Reside in Quebec [IMM 0008 Schedule 5] (opens in a new tab) , if applicable
- Schedule 6A Business Immigrants – Self-employed persons [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 6A] (opens in a new tab)
Complete and sign these PDF forms, if they apply to you
- print and complete it
- sign it by hand
- get the third party to sign it by hand
- upload it with your application:
- Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling 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 for up to 5 years from applying for permanent resident status
Using an immigration representative
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 (digitally or by hand)
- 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
- sign it digitally or by hand and get your representative to do so as well
- upload it with your application
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’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.
Get your fingerprints and photo taken
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
Find out if you need to give your biometrics.
- You must pay the biometric 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.
Pay your application fees
In most cases, your fees will include:
- processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application
- the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
- biometrics
- third-party fees
You have to pay your fees using our online fee tool (opens in a new tab) .
Biometrics fee
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 confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. You must show this letter when you give your biometrics.
You must give your biometrics in person. Make sure to book an appointment if this service is offered. Find a collection point close to you.
Third-party fees
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
Our instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you.
Photo specifications
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.
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
If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.
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