Application for permanent residence (simplified application process) — Business class applicants: entrepreneurs, self-employed persons (IMM 4000 SAP)

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Before You Apply
• Step 1. Gather Documents
• Step 2. Complete the Application
• Step 3. Pay the Fees
• Step 4. Mail the Application
• What Happens Next?
• How to Contact CIC

This is not a legal document. For legal information, refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations or the Citizenship Act and Regulations, as applicable.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Overview

Application package

This application package consists of:

• an instruction guide and
• the required forms

The instruction guide is a tool that provides:

• the information you must know about this application before sending it to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and
• assistance with how to fill out the forms and the required supporting documents

Read the instruction guide thoroughly and then fill out each of the applicable form.

The forms are specifically designed with questions that will assist the processing of your application.

Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses the following symbols to indicate information of particular importance.

What you must do to have your application processed.

Important information that you need to be aware of in order to avoid delays or other problems.

Where to get more information.

Note:

Tips that will assist you with this application.

The application process

The instructions provided in this guide follow the basic steps you will need to know to complete your application.

1. Gather documents
2. Complete the application
3. Pay the fees
4. Mail the application

Before You Apply

Permanent Residence under the Business Immigration Program

The Business Immigration Program

Canada welcomes successful business people who are seeking new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program is designed to encourage and facilitate the admission of these individuals. Both the federal and provincial/territorial governments welcome business immigrants and offer services to help immigrants start a business and settle in Canada.

There is a waiting list to come to Canada as a business immigrant. This means it may be several years before your application is processed. The simplified application process guarantees your place in the lineup. Your application will be processed based on the regulations in effect on the date you submit your application, even if they change after you apply.

When the visa office is ready to assess your application, you will be asked to send the required supporting documentation. The visa office will send you information about the medical examination and the criminal and security checks that you and your dependants have to undergo. You must also include valid language test results if you wish to have your official language proficiency considered in the assessment of your application for permanent residence. For more information, refer to our website.

Who may apply under the Simplified Application Process

You may apply for permanent residence as a business immigrant under the Simplified Application Process if:

• you are either an entrepreneur or a self-employed person as defined in this guide (See the section Types of Business Immigrants for details),
• you do not currently have temporary resident status in Canada as a worker or student, and
• you have not been selected by Quebec.

You may still be eligible to apply as a business immigrant under the regular application process if you do not meet the above criteria (for example, if you have temporary resident status in Canada or are applying as an investor). For more information, refer to our Web site.

Your business experience, your knowledge of French and English and your education are some of the criteria that will help us determine if you qualify as a business immigrant. To learn more about the criteria, and to verify if you meet the requirements, see the Selection Criteria section.

Types of Business Immigrants

Canada has two classes of business immigrants eligible to apply under the Simplified Application Process:

• entrepreneurs, and
• self-employed persons.

You can apply under only one of these classes, and you cannot change the class you are applying under once you have submitted your application.

The features of each class are listed in the table below to help you make that decision.

For more information

Definitions

Business experience in respect of an entrepreneur, means the management of a qualifying business and the control of a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application.

Full-time job equivalent: 1,950 hours of paid employment.

Percentage of equity:

• In respect of a sole proprietorship, 100% of the equity of a sole proprietorship.
• In respect of a corporation, the percentage of the issued and outstanding voting shares of the capital stock of the corporation controlled by the applicant or their spouse or common-law partner.
• In respect of a partnership or joint venture, the percentage of the profit or loss of a partnership or joint venture to which the applicant or their spouse or common-law partner is entitled.

Qualifying business: A business—other than a business operated primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income such as interest, dividends or capital gains—for which, in each of any two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application and ending on the date of the interview decision, there is proof of any two of the following:

1. That the percentage of equity multiplied by the number of full-time job equivalents is equal to or greater than two full-time job equivalents per year,
2. The the percentage of equity multiplied by the total annual sales is equal to or greater than $500,000,
3. The the percentage of equity multiplied by the net income in the year is equal to or greater than $50,000, and
4. That the percentage of equity multiplied by the net assets at the end of the year is equal to or greater than $125,000.

Qualifying Canadian business: A business operated in Canada by an entrepreneur—other than a business operated primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income such as interest, dividends or capital gains—for which there is, in any year within the period of three years after the day the entrepreneur becomes a permanent resident, proof of any two of the following:

1. That the percentage of equity multiplied by the number of full-time job equivalents is equal to or greater than two full-time job equivalents per year,
2. That the percentage of equity multiplied by the total annual sales is equal to or greater than $250,000,
3. That the percentage of equity multiplied by the net income in the year is equal to or greater than $25,000, and
4. That the percentage of equity multiplied by the net assets at the end of the year is equal to or greater than $125,000

Class type: Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs must have business experience. They must have managed a qualifying business and controlled a percentage of equity of a qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application.

The entrepreneur class applicant must have a net worth of at least $300,000. Additionally, they must have the intention and the ability to:

• Control a percentage of equity of a qualifying Canadian business equal to or greater than 33^1/3%,
• Provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business, and
• Create at least one incremental full-time job equivalent for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents other than the entrepreneur applicant and their family members.

Note: Entrepreneurs are required to sign a declaration stating they intend and will be able to meet the conditions of permanent residence.

Features:

• A minimum net worth requirement of $300,000,
• A requirement that within three years of becoming a permanent resident, the entrepreneur must have controlled and have actively managed a qualifying Canadian business for a period of at least one year, and that the business must have created employment opportunities for others, and
• All family members are admitted under the same conditions as the principal applicant, the conditions are removed once the entrepreneur satisfies the conditions.

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province of Quebec operates its own immigrant entrepreneur program,and Quebec-selected entrepreneurs are subject to Quebec’s own conditions rather than federal conditions. All entrepreneurs in the Quebec program must intend to live in Quebec and must be selected by Quebec. In common with the federal program, entrepreneurs in the Quebec program must have a net worth of $300,000.

Class type: Self-employed persons

Self-employed immigrants must have relevant experience within the five-year period immediately preceding the date of application.

Relevant experience in respect of a self-employed person, means

• For at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application:
  •  Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics, or
  •  Participation, at the world-class level, in cultural activities or athletics; or
  • Farm management experience.

Features:

• No immigration conditions are imposed on this class.
• Self-employed immigrants must have the experience, intention and ability to:
  • establish a business that will, at a minimum, create an employment opportunity for themselves and that will make a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics in Canada; or
  • purchase and manage a farm in Canada.

Staying informed

Selection criteria, requirements and other information for applicants can sometimes change. Please note that:

• Applications will be processed according to the rules and regulations in effect at the time of the application. These may change at any time.
• Our website contains the latest news, selection criteria updates and applications links. Check periodically for updated information.

Selection Criteria

You must first meet the definition of the one class you are applying under (entrepreneur or self-employed person) to be eligible for assessment against the selection criteria.

If you successfully meet the definition of the class you are applying under, you are then assessed against five selection factors:

• age,
• education,
• official languages,
• experience, and
• adaptability.

For each selection factor, a specific number of selection points are allotted.

The following tables will help you estimate how many points you would earn for each factor. If you have a score lower than a total of 35 points, your application may be refused.

Note: The pass mark for all classes of business immigrants is 35.

Important information. It is important that you make a careful assessment before you apply because you must pay certain fees, one of which is non-refundable (the processing fee) even if your application is refused.

What are the selection factors?

Your application to come to Canada as a business immigrant will be assessed against a point system consisting of five selection factors. The five selection factors are:

If your score is the same or higher than the pass mark, then you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a business class applicant. Review the information about immigrating to Canada as a business class applicant and decide if you want to apply.

Below is a detailed description of all factors that are to be assessed.

Factor 1: Business experience (maximum of 35 points)

Business experience must have been obtained within the period beginning five years before the date of application.

Factor 2: Age (maximum of 10 points)

Points are given for your age at the time your application is received.

Factor 3: Education (maximum of 25 points)

Points are awarded for earned educational credentials as well as the number of years of full‑time studies or full‑time equivalent studies. To be awarded points, you must meet both stated criteria.

Educational credential: Any diploma, degree, trade or apprenticeship credential issued for the completion of a program of study or training at a recognized educational or training institution.

Full‑time studies: At least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year. This includes any period of workplace training that forms part of the course.

Full‑time equivalent studies: If you completed a program of study on a part‑time or accelerated basis, count the length of time it would have taken to complete the program on a full‑time basis.

Use the chart below to determine your points. If you have not completed the number of years of study that correspond to your highest educational credential, award yourself points based on the number of years of study.

Example 1: If you have a Master’s degree but have completed only 16 years of full‑time study, award yourself 22 points.

Example 2: If you have a four‑year Bachelor's degree and have completed 14 or more years of study, award yourself 20 points.

Factor 4: Ability in English and/or French

The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important to you as a business immigrant. Proficiency in English, French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.

You will be awarded up to 24 points for your basic, moderate or high proficiency in English and French. You will be given points based on your ability to:

• listen,
• speak,
• read, and
• write.

Proof of Language Proficiency

If you wish to be awarded points for your proficiency in English and/or French, you must submit language test results from a designated testing agency when requested by the visa office.

To be eligible for points for language ability, you must include the results of one of the following language tests from a testing agency designated by CIC:

English

• IELTS: International English Language Testing System (General Training test only)
• CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General test only)

French

• TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

If you do not submit the results of your official language proficiency test when the visa office requests your supporting documentation, you will not be awarded points for your ability in English and/or French.

Official Language Testing

Take a language proficiency test from a designated testing agency

You must prove the level of language proficiency you claim on your application in order to be awarded points for your language ability.

To do this, you must take a language proficiency test from an agency designated by CIC and submit your official test results to the visa office when requested.

1. Make arrangements to take a language proficiency test with a designated testing agency and pay the test costs. A list of designated testing agencies can be found at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/language-testing.asp

2. Submit the assessment results when requested by the visa office.

   Note. Do not request that your (IELTS-General Training, CELPIP-General or TEF) language test result be sent directly to the visa office. Submit your original language proficiency test results when requested by the visa office.

3. Consult the “using your test results section to determine how many points you will be awarded for your language proficiency.

Note: Test results from a designated testing agency will be used as conclusive evidence of your language proficiency. Other evidence in writing will not be accepted as evidence of language proficiency. If you wish to be awarded points for your proficiency in both official languages, include the results of your official English language proficiency test (IELTS – General Training or CELPIP – General) and your official French language proficiency test (TEF) when the visa office requests your supporting documentation.

Using your test results

Use your language test results from a designated testing agency to determine how many points you will be awarded for language proficiency.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Use the following table to determine how many points you will be awarded for your test scores with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
Use the following table to determine how many points you will be awarded for your test scores with the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP):

Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
Use the following table to determine how many points you will be awarded for your test scores with the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF):

Add your points: Total of speaking + listening + reading + writing = Score (both languages)

Factor 5: Adaptability (maximum of 6 points)

Entrepreneurs
A maximum of 6 points for adaptability can be earned by demonstrating one of the following elements:

For the purpose of awarding points:

• a trip to Canada becomes a business exploration trip to Canada only when a province/territory has deemed it to be so, and
• each province/territory establishes individually, what constitutes participation in a joint federal-provincial business immigration initiative.

Note: If you wish to be assessed for adaptability points, it is necessary that your province/territory of destination provide you with documentation indicating that it is satisfied that you have met one or both of the above elements.

Note. You must submit this documentation to the visa office.

Self-employed persons
A maximum of 6 points for adaptability can be earned by any combination of the following elements:

Your score for all factors combined

Use the table below to calculate your total score. The pass mark is 35.
The maximum possible score for each class is 100. The pass mark is variable and is determined, on an ongoing basis, by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

The officer reviewing your application will first determine whether or not you meet the definition of the class you are applying under (entrepreneur or self-employed person).

• If you meet the definition then the officer will then assess your score against the selection criteria.

• If there is a difference between the points you give yourself and the points the officer awards you then the officer’s assessment will prevail.

Funds required to settle in Canada

The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to business immigrants.
All business class applicants must establish that they have enough money to support themselves and their family members for at least one year after they arrive in Canada. This is normally satisfied by the net worth requirement.

Note: You should research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you intend to live and have access to enough ready capital for your initial establishment.

You should be aware that Canadian legislation requires persons entering Canada to declare cash funds of $10,000 CDN or more. You will have to disclose these funds to a Canadian official upon arrival. Cash funds means:

• money (coins or bank notes),
• securities in bearer form (stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills, etc.) and
• negotiable instruments in bearer form (bank drafts, travellers’ cheques, money orders, etc.).

Step 1. Gather Documents

What documents are required?

You, as the principal applicant, must complete and sign the following forms:

• Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 0008BU) (PDF, 256 KB)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (PDF, 36 KB), if applicable

This section does not contain instructions for all boxes on the forms.
Most questions are clear, instructions are provided only when necessary.

• Photocopy the blank forms so that you and your family members each have two copies: a working copy and a final copy. Keep the working copy for your records.
• Print clearly with a black or blue pen.
• Answer in English or French, unless you are instructed otherwise.

Use additional sheets of paper if there is not enough space on the form. Indicate your name, the form’s title and the number or letter of the question you are answering.

The following advice is provided to help you prepare documents which will be required later in the application process by the visa office.

Medical requirements

You and your family members, whether accompanying you or not, must undergo and pass a medical examination in order to come to Canada. To pass the medical examination you or your family members must not have a condition that:

• is a danger to public health or safety
• would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.

Examples of “excessive demand” include ongoing hospitalization or institutional care for a physical or mental illness.

Instructions
Information on medical instructions will be provided to you. When you receive your assessment notice you will also receive medical forms for yourself (and any accompanying dependants if applicable), instructions and how to access a list of doctors in your area who are authorized to conduct immigration medical examinations (see below). You are not required to have a medical examination before you submit your application forms.

Exam validity
The medical examination results are valid for 12 months from the date of the first medical examination. If you are not admitted as a permanent resident during this time, you must undergo another complete medical examination.

Authorized doctors
Your own doctor cannot do the medical examination. You must see a physicianon Canada’s list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Note that the physician is only responsible for conducting a medical examination; he or she cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.

Police certificates

If you and your family members who are 18 years of age and older and are not permanent residents or Canadian citizens have to provide:

• a valid police certificate, or
• police clearance, or
• record of no information.

These documents are to be provided for each country other than Canada, in which you have lived for six consecutive months or longer since reaching the age of 18.

Note: If you or your family members were under 18 years of age (16 years of age in certain jurisdictions) for the entire time you lived in a particular country, you do not need to provide a police certificate for that country.

The certificate must have been issued no more than three months prior to submitting your application. If the original certificate is not in English or French, then you will need to submit both the certificate and the original copy of the translation prepared by an accredited translator.

It is your responsibility to contact the police or relevant authorities. When doing so, you may have to:

• pay a fee for the service, and
• provide information or documentation such as:
  • photographs,
  • fingerprints,
  • your addresses and periods of residence in the country or territory.

We will also do our own background checks to determine if there are grounds under which you and your dependants may be inadmissible to Canada.

Please consult our website for specific and up-to-date information on how to obtain police certificates from any country.

Translation of documents

Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by:

• the English or French translation; and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation; and
• a certified copy of the original document.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a commissioner authorized to administer oaths in the country in which the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified members in good standing of one of the provincial or territorial organizations of translators and interpreters of Canada do not need to supply an affidavit.

Important information. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print the following on the photocopy:

• “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”,
• the name of the original document,
• the date of the certification,
• his or her name,
• his or her official position or title, and
• his or her signature.

Who can certify copies?

Persons authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

• a commissioner of oaths
• a notary public
• a justice of the peace

Outside Canada:

• a judge
• a magistrate
• a notary public
• an officer of a court of justice
• a commissioner authorized to administer oaths in the country in which the person is living

Family members may not certify copies of your documents.

Step 2. Complete the Application

Filling out the application

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application forms.

The following forms must be filled out and submitted by all applicants:

• Application for Permanent Residence in Canada (IMM 0008BU)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable.

Note. It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.

Important information

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete it may be returned to you and this will delay the processing of your application.

If you need more space for any section, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application.

Application for Permanent Residence in Canada(IMM 0008BU)

Who needs to fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• You, the principal applicant.

Note: Page three of the form asks for details of family members. There is space for three family members on the form. If you have more than three family members, photocopy this page before you start filling in the application so that you have enough space to include everyone.

Family members

Family members include a spouse, a common-law partner, dependent children, and the dependent child of a dependent child:

General Application Information

Category under which you are applying
Check the “an Entrepreneur or a Self-Employed person” box

Number of family members
Write the total number of family members included in your application. This includes yourself and any family members regardless of whether they intend to accompany you to Canada or not.

Preferred Language
Correspondence: Check the box to indicate in which official language, English or French, you prefer to receive correspondence.
Interview: Indicate which language you would prefer to use if you are invited for an interview.

Personal Details

Question 1

The following questions must be answered by the Principal Applicant.

Write your full last name (surname/family name) as it appears on your passport or on the official documents that you will use to obtain your passport.

Write all of your given names (first, second or more) as they appear on your passport or official documents. Do not use initials.

Question 2

Check the box to indicate if you are a male or a female.

Question 3

Write your complete date of birth.

Question 4

Write your place of birth, including the town or city, and country.

Question 5

Write your country of citizenship. If you are a citizen of more than one country, give details on a separate sheet of paper.

Question 6

Write your country of residence.

Question 7

Write what is your first (native) language. This is the language that you learned at home during your childhood and which you still understand.

Question 8

Write your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 9

Write the colour of your eyes.

Question 10

Check the appropriate box to indicate your marital status. If you are married or in a common–law relationship, indicate the date on which you were married or the date on which you began your common-law relationship.

Question 11

Check the box if you were married or in a common-law relationship in the past.
If you check “No”, go to the next question.
If you check “Yes”, write:

• the name of your former spouse or common-law partner,
• his or her date of birth,
• the type of relationship (check one box), and
• the period of that relationship.

Question 12

Write your residential address, complete with the city and country.

Write your address in English and, if applicable, also in the native script of your country of residence. Attach another page if necessary.

Question 13

If your mailing address is different than your residential address, write it here, complete with the postal code. If your residential address is the same as your mailing address, write “N/A”.

This is the address to which correspondence regarding your application will be mailed.

Question 14

Write your email address, if applicable.

Note: By indicating your e-mail address, you authorize Citizenship and Immigration Canada to transmit your file and personal information to that specific e-mail address.

Question 15

Write your telephone numbers, including your:

• home number; and
• any other phone number where you can regularly be contacted.

Question 16

Write your passport details, including your:

• passport number,
• country which issued the passport, and
• expiry date of the passport.

Note: For the principal applicant only: if you have a valid passport or travel document, include a photocopy of the bio-data page (the page which contains your name, date and place of birth, passport number, and photo) in your submission to Visa Office. Do not send your passport.

Question 17

Write your identity card number, if applicable.

Identity (identification) cards are issued by national, provincial, municipal or other governments, or by a recognized international agency such as the Red Cross, as a means of identification. If you have such a card, print the number in the space provided. Photocopy both sides of the card and attach the photocopy to your application. If you do not have an identity card, write “N/A”.

Question 18

Write the name of the city or town and the province or territory where you intend to live in Canada.

Question 19

Indicate your current occupation.

Question 20

Write if you or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have a relative in Canada who is a:

• Canadian Citizen, or
• Permanent Resident.

Note: Answer No or Yes, if Yes identify the appropriate relationship.

Question 21

Education

• Write the number of years of formal education that you have completed;
• Check the box to indicate your highest level of completed education. 

If you have not completed secondary school, check the “No secondary” box.

Secondary education

after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training: also called high school.

Trade/Apprenticeship

training in an occupation, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.

Non-university certificate/diploma

training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (for example, dental technician or engineering technician).

Bachelor's degree

an academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who complete the undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.

Master's degree

an academic degree awarded by the graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor's degree before a Master's degree can be earned.

PhD

the highest university degree, usually based on at least three years graduate study and a dissertation. Normally, you must have completed a Master's degree before a PhD can be earned.

Question 22

Language
Indicate your first and second official languages.

Indicate your proficiency in both languages:

• Speak,
• Read,
• Write,
• Listen.

Note: Indicate proficiency from High to None.

Question 23

For Self-Employed persons only:

Indicate if you, your accompanying spouse or common-law partner have ever worked full-time in Canada for at least one year.

If you check “No”, go to the next question.
If you check “Yes”, indicate: you, your spouse or common-law partner.

Question 24

For Self-Employed persons only:

Indicate if you, your accompanying spouse or common-law partner have ever studied full time for at least two years at a post-secondary institution in Canada.

If you check “No”, go to the next question.
If you check “Yes”, indicate: you, your spouse or common-law partner.

Question 25

For Entrepreneurs only:

Indicate if you have made a business exploration to Canada in the five years preceding the date of your application:

If you check “No”, go to the next question.
If you check “Yes”, write: details about your exploration.

Question 26

For Entrepreneurs only:

Indicate if you have participated in a business immigration initiatives administered jointly by the federal and provincial governments of Canada.

If you check “No”, go to the next question.
If you check “Yes”, write details about the immigration initiative.

Question 27

Indicate your net worth, in Canadian dollars.

Question 28

Indicate your spouse or common-law partner’s net worth, in Canadian dollars (if applicable).

Question 29

Details of family members

Provide personal details about your family members, whether they intend to accompany you to Canada or not (for more information on family members, including age requirements, refer to Family members).

You must also provide details on family members whose location is unknown (including those missing or presumed dead).

Note

Important

You must list all family members, whether they wish to be considered in your application for permanent residence at this time or not. You will not be able to sponsor family members at a later date if they are not listed on your application.

Given names

Write all of your family member’s given names (first, second or more) as they appear on his or her passport or official documents. Do not use initials.

Date of birth

If you do not know the exact date of birth, indicate the current age of your family members.

Country of citizenship

If your family member is a citizen of more than one country, give details on a separate page.

Relationship to you

Indicate whether the family member is your spouse, common-law partner, daughter, son, etc.

Will accompany you to Canada

Indicate if your family member intends to come to Canada with you.

Education

Indicate the level of education your family member has successfully completed. Use the categories listed in Question 21.

Height

Indicate height in centimetres or feet and inches.

Colour of eyes

Write colour of eyes.

Note: If you have more than three family members, photocopy this page before you start completing it or print it from our website. Make sure you have enough copies to fill in details about your family members.

Question 30

Note

You declare that the information provided is complete, truthful and correct:

• Sign and date the declaration.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Who may use this form?

Complete this form only if you:

• used the services of a representative to help you prepare or submit your application; or
• are appointing a representative; or
• are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they are required to complete their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.

What is a representative?

A representative is someone who has provided advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the immigration application process, or in an immigration proceeding. If someone represented or advised you to help you submit your application, then that person is your representative. A representative is also someone who has your permission to conduct business on your behalf with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

When you appoint a representative:

• you also authorize CIC and CBSA to share information from your case file with this person;
• your application will not be given special attention nor can you expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome;
• the representative is authorized to represent you only on immigration matters related to the application you submit with this form;
• you can appoint only one representative for each application you submit;
• you are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.

Important information. You must notify us if your representative’s contact information changes or if you cancel the appointment of a representative.

Types of representatives

Family, friends, and non-profit groups often help applicants who feel the need for support and advice on immigration matters. You can appoint a representative who does not charge fees or receive any other compensation for providing immigration advice or services to represent you before CIC or the CBSA.

There are two types of representatives.

Uncompensated representatives include:

• friends and family members who do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration for their advice and services;
• organizations that do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration for providing immigration advice or assistance (such as a non-governmental or religious organization);
• consultants, lawyers and Quebec notaries, and students-at-law under their supervision, who do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration to represent you.

Compensated representatives:

Compensated representatives charge a fee or receive some other form of consideration in exchange for the advice and representation that they provide. If you want us to conduct business with a compensated representative then they must be authorized by CIC.

It is important to know that anyone who represents or advises you for payment — or offers to do so — in connection with immigration proceedings or applications is breaking the law unless they are an authorized representative or they have a specific agreement or arrangement with the Government of Canada that allows them to represent or advise you. This applies to advice or consultation which happens before or after an immigration application is made or a proceeding begins.

Authorized representatives are:

• immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC);
• lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society and students-at-law under their supervision;
• notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and students-at-law under their supervision.

If you appoint a compensated representative who is not a member of one of these designated bodies, your application will be returned. For more information on using a representative, visit our website.

General Application Information

Check one box to indicate if you are appointing or cancelling the appointment of a representative.

Section A – Applicant Information

Question 1

Write your last name (surname or family name) and given name(s).

Question 2

Write your date of birth.

Question 3

If you have already submitted your application, write:

• the name of office where the application was submitted;
• location of office;
• type of application you are sending.

Question 4

Write your Citizenship and Immigration Canada Identification (ID) or Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number (if known).

Section B – Appointment of Representative

Question 5

Write your representative’s full name.

If your representative is a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), a law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec, print his or her name as it appears on the organization’s membership list.

Question 6

Check one box to indicate if your representative is unpaid or paid.

If your representative is paid, write the membership ID number of:

• the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC); or
• a Canadian provincial or territorial law society; or
• the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

Question 7

Write your representative’s contact information.

Note: By indicating your representative’s e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing CIC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific e-mail address.

Question 8

Your representative must sign and date the declaration in order to accept responsibility for conducting business on your behalf.

Section C – Cancel the Appointment of a Representative

Question 9

Fill in this section if you wish to cancel the appointment of a representative. Write the representative’s full name.

Section D – Your Declaration

Question 10

By signing, you authorize CIC to complete your request for yourself and your dependent children under 18 years of age.

If your spouse or common-law partner is included in this request, he or she must sign in the box provided.

Release of information to other individuals

To authorize CIC to release information from your case file to someone other than a representative, you will need to complete the form Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) which is available:

• on our website; or
• from Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad.

The person you designate will be able to obtain information on your case file, such as the status of your application. However, they will not be able to conduct business on your behalf with CIC.

Step 3. Pay the Fees

Calculating your fees

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. There are two (2) types of fees:

1. The processing fee which must be included with your application.

and

2. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee, which will be requested by the processing office at a later stage if your application is approved.

Note. We strongly recommend paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee along with your processing fees. By doing so, it will reduce the processing time of your application.

Incorrect fee payment

Payment issue - No fee included

CIC will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with requested fees.

Payment issue - Insufficient fees included

CIC will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with requested fees.

Payment issue - Overpayment

CIC will:

• start processing your application, and
• send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You do not have to request a refund, it will be done automatically.

Note

Payment method options

For information on how to pay your fees, such as the acceptable payment method, consult the Web site of the Canadian visa offices to which you will be applying.

Additional fees

You must also pay for the following for yourself and your family members (if applicable):

• medical examinations,
• police certificates, and
• language assessments.

Step 4. Mail the Application

Mailing instructions

Follow the instructions below to determine where to submit your application.

• Put the completed forms, supporting documents and fee payment in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9”x12”) envelope.
• Send your completed application to the Canadian visa office responsible for:
  • the country in which you are residing, provided you have been lawfully admitted to that country for at least one year, or
  • your country of nationality.

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)

Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Visa Office Address
(Refer to the address from your country’s visa office website to determine where to mail your application).

Note

Sign the form

The application must be signed and dated before it is mailed. If your application is not signed and dated, it will be returned to you.

What Happens Next?

The application process

Submission

Completion check: Once you have submitted your application, we will check to determine that all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted, the application processing fee has been paid, and that all requested supporting documentation has been provided.

If your application package does not meet these requirements, we will return it to you. No file will be created or record kept until a complete application has been submitted.

Acknowledgment of receipt: If your application is complete, we will begin to process it. You will be sent a letter that:

• notifies you of this fact and provides you with your visa office file number,
• sets out some basic instructions for contact with the visa office,
• gives you a brief outline of future processing steps.

Processing

Review for decision
Your application will undergo a detailed review by a Visa Officer. The Officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection standards.

Factors that facilitate processing

There are certain things you can do to help ensure that your application is processed as promptly as possible by the office:

• make sure that all the documentation and information requested is provided at the time your application is made (submitted to the visa office).
• make sure that you notify the visa office promptly of any and all changes to your mailing address, family situation, or any other information that is important to your application, such as additional education or work experience.
• refrain from making unnecessary inquiries to the visa office regarding the status of your case.

Factors that may delay processing

The following factors may delay the processing of your application:

• unclear photocopies of documents,
• documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation,
• information and documents provided required independent verification,
• a medical condition that may require additional tests or consultations,
• a criminal or security problem,
• family situations such as impending divorce, or custody or maintenance issues, or completion of a legal adoption,
• consultation is required with other offices in Canada and abroad.

Permanent resident status

If your application is successful, you and your family members will receive permanent resident visas.  You will become permanent residents of Canada when you move to Canada within the validity of your visa (s). Some conditions will apply:

• You will remain a permanent resident until you become a Canadian citizen, as long as you spend at least two years of each five-year period in Canada.
• You may leave and re-enter Canada as often as you wish.

Rights

As permanent residents, you and your family members will have the right to:

• live, study and work in Canada for as long as you remain permanent residents,
• access most social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens (see “Limitations”),
• apply for Canadian citizenship, and if granted, apply for a Canadian passport once you have been a legal permanent resident for three of the four previous years.

Limitations

There are a few limitations on permanent residents:

• You cannot vote in certain elections.
• You may be ineligible for certain jobs requiring high-level security clearances.
• If you or any of your family members commit a serious crime, you or your family members may be stripped of permanent resident status and deported from Canada.

Obligations

As permanent residents, you will also have the same legal obligations as Canadians, such as paying taxes and respecting all federal, provincial, and municipal laws.

The Permanent Resident Card

All new permanent residents will be issued a card as part of the process. Cards will be mailed to your home address soon after you become a permanent resident. For more information on the Permanent Resident Card, visit our website.

Checking application status on-line

You can check the status of your application on-line by doing the following:

1. Log on to our website.
2. Go to Check My Application Status in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of the page.
3. Then click on Client Application Status and follow the instructions provided.

Note: Your application status will only appear on-line once the initial review by CIC is completed.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

• only available to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you, and
• not disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

For more information. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data by visiting the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) on our website.

Quality Assurance Program

Our quality assurance program randomly selects applications for a special review. If selected you will be asked to attend an interview with a Citizenship and Immigration official so that we can:

• verify the documentation you submitted is accurate,
• verify that your application has been completed properly.

Note: You will be notified in writing should your application be selected.

How to Contact CIC

The table below shows the two ways you can contact CIC.

Website: www.cic.gc.ca

Outside Canada

Contact a visa office at a Canadian:

• Embassy,
• High Commission, or
• Consulate.

Consult the local phone directory or the Citizenship and Immigration website for addresses, phone numbers and website links at:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp