How to apply

Closed

We’re not accepting new applications.

This temporary public policy closed on October 22, 2024.

We’ll continue processing the applications we received on or before this date.

Options while your application is being processed

If you’re eligible, you can still apply for

  1. Prepare to apply online

    Make sure you’re eligible to apply before you submit an application.

    If you can’t apply online and require accommodations

    If you, or your representative, can’t apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in an alternative format.

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

    • paper
    • braille
    • large print

    Find out how to request accommodations.

    Digital forms

    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)

    PDF forms

    You must fill out and upload these forms to your account.

    Complete and sign these PDF forms, if they apply to you

    These forms need to be filled out, printed and then signed by hand by the principal applicant and the third party. Upload the forms to your account.

    Tips for downloading and filling out PDF forms

    • Make sure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher and JavaScript is turned on. If you have trouble downloading, right-click the link and choose “Save Target As…”
    • Fill out the form on your computer instead of by hand. It’s easier and reduces mistakes that can cause delays.

    Using an immigration representative

    If you’re a licenced authorized paid representative, find out how you can create an account and submit applications on behalf of your clients.

    A representative can:

    • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
    • answer questions about the forms

    You can use either an:

    • authorized paid immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer)
      • An authorized paid immigration representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account.
    • unpaid immigration representative including your family member in Canada

    Find out more about representatives.

    If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must:

    • fill out a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]  (opens in a new tab) form
    • sign it (digitally or by hand) and get your immigration representative to do so also
    • upload it with your application

    A representative can’t:

    • open a portal account on your behalf
    • digitally sign the application for you
    • sign into the portal using your username and password

    After you complete your application and 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.

    Release of information to someone other than an immigration representative

    If you want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative, you must:

  2. Apply online

    Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account (opens in a new tab) .

    The Instruction Guide (IMM 0189), will help you fill out the forms properly.

    If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

    Technical issues

    If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form.

    Photo specifications

    You need one photo for each person on your application.

    Show the photo specifications to your photographer to make sure your photos meet our requirements.

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

    Pay your application fees

    Your fees include:

    You have to pay your fees online(opens in a new tab) .

    When you finish, you must save your receipt and upload it to your account.

    Biometrics

    You and your family members may need to give your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) at a biometric collection service point.

    Find out if you need to give biometrics.

    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 to tell you how and where to give your biometrics.

    • You must show this letter when you give your biometrics.
    • Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give your biometrics.
      • You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.
    • You must give your biometrics in person. You need to book an appointment.
  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

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