Frequently asked questions: Online services

Online Applications

Which applications and requests are currently available online?

If you are in Canada, you can apply online for:

  • an initial study permit or an extension of a study permit;
  • an off-campus work permit;
  • a post-graduation work permit;
  • an initial work permit or an extension of a work permit; and
  • an extension to stay in Canada as a visitor.

When you apply for one of the above, you can also:

  • restore your temporary resident status.

You can include your family members when applying for these permits and extensions.

If you are applying for an off-campus work permit, you must use MyCIC to:

  • request eligibility verification from your current educational institution (school); or
  • transfer your eligibility verification to your new educational institution (school).

If you are outside Canada, you can apply online for:

  • an initial study permit.

Note: To apply outside Canada for the above, you must live in and be a citizen of one of the following countries: Australia, Barbados, Denmark, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Sweden and USA.

How do I pay for my Online Application?

All fees below are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD).

PERMIT FEE
Study Permit $125 CAD
Off-Campus Work Permit $150 CAD
Work Permit $150 CAD
Visitor Record $ 75 CAD
Post-Graduation Work Permit $150 CAD

If your status in Canada has expired within the last 90 days:
You can pay an additional fee of $200 CAD to restore your status.

There are three payment options:

  1. Pay online via your Online Application (available for In-Canada and Outside-Canada applicants)
    If you select to pay online, you will be automatically directed to the e-Payment tool included in your Online Application. You can pay your fees online if you have a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card, or with prepaid credit cards. Contact your financial institution for more information on credit cards.
  2. Pay at a Financial Institution/Bank (available only for In-Canada applicants)
    If you select to pay at a financial institution/bank, you must get an original receipt form (Fees Receipt - IMM 5401) to pay at a financial institution (such as a bank or Western Union). This form is not available on the website; you must order an original receipt.
     
    Your financial institution must complete this receipt before you can submit your Online Application.
  3. Pay online using the e-Payment tool separate from (outside of) your Online Application (available for In-Canada and Outside-Canada applicants)
    If you select to pay using the e-Payment tool, you will not be automatically directed to the e-Payment tool through your Online Application. Return to the Online Services Page and choose to pay your fees before submitting your Online Application.
     
    You can pay your fees online if you have a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card, or with prepaid credit cards associated to a billing address. Credit cards that are also debit cards (such as VISA debit) are not currently accepted. Contact your financial institution for more information on credit cards.

What do I do if I need to provide a new document after I submitted my Online Application?

Once you have submitted your Online Application, you cannot include other documents unless an officer has requested it.

When an officer requests a new or replacement document, you will receive a notification in your My Messages box. Once you click on “View Checklist”, you will be able to upload the requested document by clicking on the “Upload” button. Once you have uploaded your document, you must ensure to follow the steps to transmit the document.

What do I do if I don’t know how to answer a question?

If you are unsure of how to answer a question, use the “help” feature, represented by a “?” in the right corner of the question box. This feature will help you to understand the questions, and will give you definitions of the words that appear in blue in your Online Application.

How can I change or review my answers?

A “Previously Answered Questions” link is available on the right side of the screen if you need to change an answer. When you click on “Previously Answered Questions” you will see the complete list of questions and answers that you have provided. To change your answer select “modify” beside the answer that you would like to change. If you do change an answer, you may need to answer different or additional questions based on your new answer.

Note: You must not use your browser’s navigation buttons, “Back” and “Forward”, displayed as arrows and situated on the top left corner, as they will not work.

How do I exit my Online Application or Online Request?

Select the “Exit” button at the bottom of the page to end your session. When you select “Exit”, your Online Application or Online Request will automatically be saved and you will be returned to MyCIC.

How do I save and retrieve my Online Application or Online Request?

Your Online Application or Online Request will automatically be saved once you select “Exit” at the bottom of the question page.

To retrieve and continue with your Online Application or Online Request, you will have to log in to MyCIC and select the saved online application or online request.

How long do I have to complete and submit my Online Application or Online Request?

For an Online Application, you have 60 days to complete your Online Application from the date you started it. You can see the days remaining to submit your application in your MyCIC Welcome Page. If your application is not submitted within 60 days, it will automatically be deleted.

Will I be able to review my answers before submitting my Online Application or Online Request?

When you have answered the questions you will be presented with a summary of the questions and your answers. Review your answers and make any necessary changes.

What does it mean when I electronically sign my Online Application or Online Request?

By electronically signing your Online Application or Online Request you are declaring that the information you have provided in your application is true and that the supporting documents that you are providing are genuine.

How do I print my Online Application or Online Request?

You will be able to print your completed Online Application or Online Request from the confirmation page that you will see immediately after submitting your application. Your application will be in PDF format which you will be able to save to your computer and print. To download and print PDF files you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Access Key

Why do I need an Access Key to access CIC secure online services?

The security and protection of confidential client information is CIC’s highest priority when offering services over the Internet. In order to achieve this, we have enhanced our procedures for accessing CIC secure online services and have included registering for a Government of Canada Access Key.

How do I register for an Access Key?

To access MyCIC for the first time, you will be asked to register for a Government of Canada Access Key. Once you have completed the registration process, you will be able to access MyCIC by simply logging in and using your Access Key user ID and password.

If you already have an Access Key, you do not need to register again.

What do I do if I have already created a MyCIC account with a Government of Canada epass?

You will be able to use your epass user ID and password to upgrade to Access Key from the Access Key login page. You will be asked to enter your epass information once more to complete the upgrade. Once completed, you will be able to log into MyCIC.

Can I change my Access Key registration information?

Yes, you can. Using Manage Your Access Key, you are able to:

  • change your Password;
  • change your Recovery Questions, Answers and Hints; or
  • revoke your Access Key.

Technical

What should I do if my PDF document opens blank or if I am getting an error message when trying to view a document?

MyCIC is a secure website that enables you to submit an application in a secure environment. If you are using Internet Explorer version 5 to 8, you may experience an issue when opening a PDF. Failure to open Microsoft Office documents or a PDF files within a secure website is a known problem documented by Microsoft.

You can try:

  • opening the document using a different browser;
  • installing the newest version of Internet Explorer; or
  • applying a Microsoft patch.

What browsers are supported by MyCIC?

At this time, you may use the most common Internet browsers. If you are using Internet Explorer, we recommend that you download the most recent version of the browser.

How do I upgrade my browser?

You can link directly to the most common Internet browser sites to download or upgrade your version of browser software.

If you use another type of browser software, you should check with your software supplier to make sure that your browser has 128-bit secure sockets layer encryption capability.

Note: CIC is not responsible for any difficulties or problems in downloading and installing software. Software suppliers are responsible for providing technical support.

Why do I need to clear my browser cache?

When you visit a Web site, information, such as the location of the page or the URL, is retained in your browser's memory. In order to protect the privacy of your information, you should empty your browser's memory by clearing your cache. This will ensure that your information remains private.

Your browser help will provide instructions on clearing your cache.