Canadian Experience Class: How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class:

  1. Obtain an application package
  2. Read the guide
  3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents
  4. Calculate and pay your fees
  5. Mail the application form and documents

1. Obtain an application package

The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application package.

2. Read the guide

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class before you apply.

Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep the working copy for your records.

3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents

The application package contains instructions. Read those instructions and provide the required documents. The document checklist in the application package will tell you what documents to include.

Be sure to use the guide to complete the application.

Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Answers can be typed or handwritten (print clearly in black ink). Applications containing incomplete forms or missing documents will not be processed, but will be returned to you to be completed properly.

You must also take a language test and include your results. Find out more about language testing.

4. Calculate and pay your fees

Use the Fee Calculator to calculate your application fees. Select “Immigration Applications for Persons Outside Canada” and fill the section under “Other classes of applicants - Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominees”.

You will have to pay the following fees:

  • The processing fee for you and your dependants must be paid when you apply. It is not refundable, even if your application is not approved.
  • Wait until your application is processed to pay the Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. It must be paid before Citizenship and Immigration Canada issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is refundable if you cancel your application, if your application is not approved, or if you do not use your visa.

You will also have to pay fees to third parties for:

  • your medical examination
  • a police certificate, if you need one as part of your criminal and security check, and
  • your language test.

Fill out the Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620) and include it with your application to the CIO. On-line payments are not accepted by the CIO. See the application guide for more detailed information on fees.

Payment method options

Complete the Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620) and include it with your application to the CIO. On-line payments are not accepted by the CIO.

In Canadian funds only, you may pay:

  • by certified cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to the “Receiver General for Canada.” or
  • with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)

5. Mail the application form and documents

Mail your application to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The address is included in your application package.

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