Self-employed persons: How to apply—Regular application process

You must use the regular application process if:

  • you have been selected by Quebec and/or intend to settle there or
  • you have been lawfully admitted to Canada OR the United States for a period of at least one year and
  • you are submitting your application to the Canadian visa office in Buffalo.

If none of the three situations described above applies to you, you must use simplified application process.

1. Obtain and print the application package

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

2. Complete your application.

  • Fill out the forms on your computer, and when you are done:.
    • validate the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] online and print the barcode page, then sign where indicated. Include the barcode page with your application.
    • print the other forms (you cannot save them on your computer) then, sign where indicated.
  • Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Incomplete application packages will not be processed and will be returned to you.
  • You must complete all the forms:
    • Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]
    • Schedule 1: Background/Declaration
    • Additional Family Information
    • Schedule 6: Economic Classes: Business Immigrants
    • Use of a Representative (Form IMM 5476). You must complete this form if you want to use a representative or an agent to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using immigration representatives.
    • Language test results that are valid at the time of application.

3. Determine where to send your application.

You must submit your application to the visa office that serves your country of nationality or the country where you have been lawfully admitted for at least one year.

Check the application procedures on the visa office’s web site, since application procedures and the necessary supporting documents may vary slightly from one visa office to another.

4. Calculate your fees.

You will have to pay:

  • the processing fee for you and your dependants. This fee must be paid when you apply, and is only refundable if you withdraw your application before it is processed. Once your application is put into process, the fee is not refundable, even if your application is not approved.
  • the Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. You will only need to pay this fee if your application is approved. 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 exam
  • a police certificate, if you need one and
  • language testing, as required.

Information on how to pay your fees is included in the visa office instructions.

5. Check your application.

Make sure your application is completed correctly, and that you include all the necessary supporting documents. Use the checklist included in the Guide (Appendix A) to make sure you have not forgotten anything. It is also important to check visa office instructions to ensure that specific documents required by the visa office are included.

The visa office cannot process your application if supporting documents or processing fees are missing, or if your forms are not completed and signed. If you validate the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] online and print and include the barcode page, it will help make sure your application is complete and help you avoid delays.

6. Submit your application.

Mail your application and your fees to the visa office from Step 3.

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