Provincial nominees - How to apply

Making an application to immigrate to Canada is straightforward. Follow the steps described below.

1. Obtain a certificate of provincial nomination.

If you want to come to Canada as a provincial nominee, you must first be nominated by a province or territory. Each province or territory has its own nomination procedures.

Once you have been successfully nominated by a province, you will receive confirmation of nomination from the province. Depending on which province nominated you, this could be a nomination approval letter or other confirmation. You must submit a copy of this with your application.

2. 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.

3. 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
    • Schedule 4: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees
    • Additional Family Information
    • Use of a Representative. You must complete this form if you want to use a representative to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using immigration representatives.

4. Calculate your fees.

You will have to pay:

  • 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.
  • The Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. You will 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.
The content below is offered in PDF format. For more information or to download the appropriate viewer, check the Help page.

Fill out the Fee Payment Form - Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620) (PDF, 29 KB) 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.

5. Check your application.

Make sure that:

  • your application and all forms are completed and signed
  • your processing fee is included, and
  • all required supporting documents are included.

Use the checklist that is included in the guide (Appendix A) to make sure you have not forgotten anything.

Please ensure that a copy of the confirmation of nomination sent to you by the province is included with your application.

CIC will not start processing 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 fee to the Centralized Intake Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia (Canada). For more detailed information, including courier and mailing addresses, consult the provincial nominee application package.

Do not submit your application to the visa office responsible for your country of nationality or residence.