Applying for permanent residence - Canadian Experience Class

The application forms below are offered in PDF format. For more information or to download the appropriate viewer, check the Help page.

This application includes:

This application is for temporary workers and graduates with Canadian credentials who are already in Canada and wish to apply for permanent residence.

NEW: As of January 1st 2012, all Canadian Experience Class applications must be submitted directly to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Applications must be prepared using the updated instruction guide and Document Checklist (IMM 5610) or they will be returned as incomplete.

Note: As of July 18, 2011, applicants for Permanent Residence are asked to complete the new Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008). Applicants are encouraged to complete the form electronically and validate the information to generate 2D barcodes before printing. To ensure you have the most recent application form, please use the link to the application form.

How to use this application package

Read the instruction guide to complete your application forms

  • Use the new Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]. It can be completed and saved on a computer. You will need Adobe Reader 8.1 or higher.
  • Filling the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.
  • Trouble downloading? Right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As...’

Complete, validate, print, sign and date your application forms

To ensure you submit all the pages:

IMM 0008:

  1. Click on the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form. 

    Note: Validating the form before printing ensures you have answered all the questions and will avoid delays in processing your application.

  2. A last page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
    • Print on white, bond-quality and non-glossy paper
    • Use of a laser printer is recommended
  4. Place the barcode page on the top of each individual package.

Other forms:

Use the Document Checklist to make sure you include all the other forms and documents you need.

Pay the fees

Complete the Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620)

Important: If you are a resident of a country served by one of the following visa offices: Caracas, Havana, Moscow, Nairobi, and Vienna AND are unable to pay in Canadian Funds, visit the responsible visa office website for fee payment instructions and to obtain the fee payment form.

Mail your fully completed application to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.