Help Centre
Applying - General
Determining your eligibility
Completing an application form
- How do I fill out an application?
- What is my client ID?
- What is a UCI?
- What do you mean by surname?
- In the to section of the history fields on the form, what do I write if I have not finished studying, working or if I am still living at the same address?
- I do not have enough space on the form to explain everything. What should I do?
- What if some of the questions on the application form do not apply to me?
- What language should my supporting documentation be in?
- If I am not using a representative, do I need to send a blank Use of a Representative form?
- What should I do if I want my spouse, family member or friend to check on my application for me?
- How can I get my immigration application processed faster?
- How can I get my citizenship application processed faster?
- What happens after I send in my application?
- If my application is refused, do I have to wait before I apply again?
- How can I get my application processed urgently?
- Can my friend or family member handle my application for me?
Paying application fees
Submitting an application
Applying online
Applying online - General
- Which applications and requests are currently available online?
- What are the fees for online applications?
- How do I pay for my online application?
- Can I send a new document after I submit my online application?
- What if I don’t know how to answer a question in my online application?
- How can I change or review my answers?
- How do I exit my online application or online request?
- How do I save and retrieve my online application or online request?
- How long do I have to complete and submit my online application or online request?
- Can I review my answers before submitting my online application or online request?
- What does it mean when I electronically sign my online application or online request?
- How do I print my online application or online request?
Accessing online services
- What is Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?
- What are electronic credentials?
- What do you mean by authentication?
- Why is the Government of Canada offering users the option to use banking credentials?
- What are the advantages of using my online banking credentials?
- Are the Banking Credentials as secure as the Government Credential?
- Is any of my banking information shared if I use Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?
- I had to switch my electronic log-in credentials not that long ago. Why are you changing it again?
- Can I still use my Access Key?
- Which CIC online services can I access using Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge) or GCKey?
- Which banks are participating in Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?
- I don’t bank with any of the financial institutions listed. What alternative do I have when I want to access government services online?
- I bank with one of the banks on your list, but I’m not registered for online banking. How do I access MyCIC using Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?
- I would rather not use Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge) to access MyCIC. What are my options?
- Will the bank charge me for using my banking credential to access government services?
- Will I still be able to use GCKey even if I decided to use my online banking credentials once?
- Who can I contact if I have questions about GCKey or Sign-In Partner (SecureKey Concierge)?
Medical exam
Police certificate
- When do I need to provide a police certificate?
- What must I do if I cannot get a police certificate for my application?
- When do I need to provide fingerprints to CIC?
- Do I need to provide a police certificate for my time in Canada?
- Are there any countries where I should get police certificates before applying for immigration?
- My police certificate is not in English or French. Do I need to send a translation?
- What is an affidavit for a translation?
Changing your address
- How do I notify Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) of an address change?
- What is the difference between the Change of Address and the Address Notification online services?
- Who can use the Change of Address and the Address Notification online services?
- Who cannot use the Change of Address online service?
- Can I e-mail my new address to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)?
- How long does it take for a new or updated address to appear online?
- Why does it take 5 business days for address changes to appear online?
- I am in Canada temporarily, as a worker, visitor or student. Why can’t I change my address online?
- When should I notify Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that I am moving?
- How can I check that my address has been updated successfully?
- I have changed my address online but the changes are still not visible. What should I do?
- How can I change the address of other people who were included in my application?
- Do I have to enter a change of address for each dependant?
- Do I have to enter an address notification for each dependant?
- Which applicants can access the Change of Address or the Address Notification online service?
- I live outside Canada. Can I use the Change of Address or the Address Notification online services to update my mailing or home address?
- I changed my address in CAS. Do I need to change it in Change of Address or Address Notification, too?
- If I remove my application status from the Internet on CAS, can I still use Change of Address or Address Notification?
- I cannot access Change of Address or Address Notification. What should I do?
Getting a fee refund
Note that fee returns for Federal Skilled Worker applications that were terminated as a result of the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act are handled differently. For more FAQs on this subject
- My application was refused. Can I get a refund?
- If I withdraw my application, will I get a refund?
- I already submitted an application, but would like to change the immigration category. Can I apply my previously paid fees to the new application?
- I have paid fees online or at a financial institution in Canada, but have decided not to submit an application. Can I get a refund?
- I didn’t pay enough fees. Can I get a refund?
- I overpaid my fees. Can I get a refund?
- What if the amount on the receipt I paid online is correct, but I selected the wrong service or type of application at the time of payment?
- How do I request a refund if I paid my fees online or with a fee receipt form (IMM 5401) at a financial institution in Canada?
Extending visas and permits
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