Applying as a member of the family class (for sponsorship applications submitted before July 18, 2011)

For help with Completing an application form visit the CIC Help Centre.

This application includes:

Information for IMM 0008 and IMM 5669:

General information for all applicants:

Visa office specific instructions.

Select the visa office where you must apply, for information on country-specific documents required and office procedures for applying.

This application is for persons who wish to be re-united with close family members in Canada. A Canadian citizen or permanent resident must sponsor family class immigrants. In order to use this application, you must, with respect to the sponsor, be:

  • parents,
  • grandparents,
  • children adopted outside of Canada or intended to be adopted in Canada,
  • brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, grandsons or granddaughters who are orphaned, under 18 years of age and not a spouse or common-law partner,
  • any other family member if there is no spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew who is a Canadian citizen, registered Indian or permanent resident or whom you may sponsor.

    Note: Canada’s citizenship law was amended to allow Canadian citizens who adopt a child from a foreign country the option of applying for Canadian citizenship for their adopted child without first having to apply for permanent residence. An application for Canadian Citizenship for a person adopted by a Canadian citizen (on or after January 1, 1947) is available. Adopted persons who are adults may apply for themselves

Note: As of July 18, 2011, applicants for Permanent Residence are asked to complete the new Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008). Applicants are encouraged to complete the form electronically and validate the information to generate 2D barcodes before printing. To ensure you have the most recent application form, please use the link to the application form.

How to use this application package

Read the instruction guide to complete your application forms
  • Use the new Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]. It can be completed and saved on a computer. You will need Adobe Reader 8.1 or higher.
  • Filling the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.
  • Trouble downloading? Right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As...’
Complete, validate, print, sign and date your application forms

To ensure you submit all the pages:

IMM 0008:

  1. Click on the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.

    Note: Validating the form before printing ensures you have answered all the questions and will avoid delays in processing your application.

  2. A last page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
    • Print on white, bond-quality and non-glossy paper
    • Use of a laser printer is recommended
  4. Place the barcode page on the top of each individual package.

Other forms:

Use the Document Checklist to make sure you include all the other forms and documents you need.

Mail your fully completed application to the appropriate Canadian visa office.
Find out more about the barcode form.

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