The table below outlines the identity documents that you will need to send with your application. You may also use the Document Checklist(IMM 5574) which you can find in this package to assist you gathering the necessary documentation.

If any of the required documents are missing, or photocopies are not clear, your application will be returned to you.

Failure to submit the required documents will result delays in the processing of your application.

Note: Additional documents may be required during the processing of your application.

A clear and legible photocopy of one of the following:

• applicant’s birth certificate (showing the applicant’s name, date of birth, place of birth and the names of the parents or adoptive parents)
  or
• legal documentation proving guardianship, if the applicant has a legal guardian.

If your present name is different from the name printed on your Record of Landing (IMM 1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292), you must send in supporting legal documentation as proof of your name change:

• a certified copy of a legal change of name document, court order, adoption order, marriage certificate issued by civil authorities with your new name or a divorce decree with your new name, and
• a certified copy of your provincial driver’s licence, provincial identification card or provincial health card in the requested name.

If you have had a legal name change, you must include a copy of your Record of Landing (IMM 1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) with this application.

Marriage and legal change of name certificates issues by the Government of Quebec before January 1, 1994 are not acceptable. You must obtain a new document issued by the civil authorities in the province of Quebec on or after January 1, 1994.

If applicable:

• proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen you accompanied abroad and proof of his or her citizenship
• proof of your full-time employment to a Canadian business abroad

If you were accompanying a permanent resident of Canada working for a Canadian business abroad:

• proof of your relationship to this person
• proof of his or her full-time employment
• proof of his or her permanent resident status

Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by:

• the English or French translation
• a certified copy of the document and
• a translator’s declaration

Note: The declaration must include the translator’s name, the original language of the translated document and a statement signed by the translator that the translation is accurate.

You will need two (2) photos taken within 12 months of the date of this application:

• One photo will be placed on the sticker of the Supplementary Identification Form (IMM 5455).
• One photo to be placed in a small envelope (no staples or paper clips).

Follow the steps in Appendix B – Photo Specifications to obtain acceptable Permanent Resident Card photos.

You must send certified copies of any legal name change document and of any document that is not in English or French.

To have a copy certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print the following on the photocopy:

• “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”
• the name of the original document
• the date of the certification
• his or her name
• his or her official position or title
• his or her signature

The person who certifies your photocopies cannot be a family member.

People authorized to certify copies include the following:

• Chiropractor
• Commissioner of oaths
• Dentist
• Funeral director
• Justice of the peace or judge
• Lawyer
• Manager of a financial institution
• Medical doctor
• Member of a provincial legislature
• Member of parliament
• Minister of religion
• Municipal clerk
• Notary
• Official of an embassy, consulate or high commission officially accredited to Canada and authorize to certify document issued by the official’s government
• Official of a federal or provincial government department
• Pharmacist
• Police officer
• Postmaster
• Primary, secondary or university teacher
• Professional accountant
• Professional engineer
• Social worker
• Veterinarian