How to apply

You need to give your biometrics

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.

How to apply

You need to apply online

As of October 14, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online.

If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account (opens in a new tab) .

The Instruction Guide (IMM 5759) will help you fill out the forms properly.

You must include all the forms, supporting documents, signatures (if required), language test results and the proof of payment of the processing fees. If any are missing, your application will be incomplete. We’ll send it back to you without processing it.

All of your answers must be complete and true. If we find that you gave us false information or left out important details:

You must fill out these digital forms online

You’ll fill out these digital forms online (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older)

You must also fill out these PDF forms

Complete and sign these PDF forms, if they apply to you

Using an immigration representative

If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must

An immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer) can give you advice and help you with your application for a fee. But they can’t

A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also

After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law.

If you want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative you must

Photo specifications

You need one photo for each person on your application.

Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.

Technical issues

If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form

If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include:

You have to pay your fees online (force opens in new tab).

Biometrics fee

In most cases, you must pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise, you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.

After you pay the biometrics fee with a complete application, we’ll send you a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. You must show this letter when you give your biometrics.

You must give your biometrics in person. Make sure to book an appointment if this service is offered. Find a collection point close to you.

Temporary changes to biometrics

Book your biometrics appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.

If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline given on your biometrics instruction letter, there may be temporary measures in place to help you.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:

The instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your online application

If there are multiple people applying for permanent residence (PR) as partners in a qualifying business, we won’t process any applications until all have been received.

Each business partner must submit their own application.

If a team member will no longer be submitting a permanent residence application you must use the web form to tell us as soon as possible.

Before you submit your application, make sure you:

If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.

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