Applying for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5256)

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Before you apply
• Step 1. Gather documents
• Step 2. Complete the application
• Step 3. Pay the fees
• Step 4. Submit the application
• What happens next?
• How to contact CIC
• Income Table
• Appendix A – Photo specifications

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 forms.

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

Who may use this application?

This application guide is designed for persons who wish to apply for a temporary resident visa from outside Canada.

Note: The processing time of an application may vary from one visa office to another. Find out more about local application processing times by visiting our website.

Who are Visitors?

Visitors are persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and are legally authorized to enter Canada to:

• visit Canada on holiday (vacation),
• visit family,
• conduct business, etc.
  

Visitors are restricted in length of stay and subject to various conditions.

Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa?

Persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may require a visa to enter Canada. The requirement for a visa also applies to temporary residents who are transiting in Canada. For more information, see our list of Countries and territories whose citizens require visas in order to enter Canada as visitors.

What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, a student, or a worker).

Important information. You must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before your departure. You cannot obtain one upon arrival in Canada.

What are the requirements you must meet for a TRV?

You must show the officer that you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay.

You must also:

• satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay,
• show that you have enough money to maintain yourself and your family members in Canada and to return home,
• not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so,
• be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity,
• not be a risk to the security of Canada,
• provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish your admissibility, and
• be in good health (complete a medical examination if required).

Entry to Canada

Important information. Entry to Canada is a privilege, not a right. You must meet the necessary requirements and you may need a Temporary Resident Visa.

Family members

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

Do family members need to apply separately?

Your family members who also wish to visit Canada must apply by filling out their own temporary residence form (Temporary Resident Visa, study permit or work permit). However, you may send all family member application forms in the same envelope with only one payment receipt for the total amount. See the “Pay the Fee” section.

Your spouse or common-law partner and children must meet all the requirements for temporary residents to Canada.

Medical requirements

You and your family members may be required to undergo 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, and
• would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.

Note: Information on medical instructions will be provided to you by the visa office. You are not required to have a medical examination before you submit your application form(s).

Can I work or study during my stay in Canada?

Visitors are not allowed to work or study in Canada unless they are authorized to do so under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. In many cases, a work or study permit will be required.

A temporary resident may also take a program of study up to six months duration without having to obtain a study permit.

Information on Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

About the Super Visa

On November 4, 2011, CIC announced a temporary pause on all new sponsorship applications for the parents and grandparents category. With the introduction of this pause, CIC implemented a long-term Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for applicants seeking to visit their child or grandchild who is either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

The single or multiple-entry Super Visa allows visitors to stay for a period of up to two years.

Important information. Applicants who do not require a visa must also submit an application to the visa office.

Who may apply for a Super Visa?

To apply for the Super Visa you must either be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.

Note: You cannot include your dependent children in this application. Only your spouse or common-law partner is eligible to accompany you under this provision.

What must I do to obtain a SuperVisa?

In order to obtain a Super Visa, you will need to apply at a visa office and provide:

• evidence of the parent or grandparent relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident you wish to visit (e.g. birth certificate, baptismal certificate or other official documents naming you as parent),
• a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild which includes arrangements for care and support,
• proof from your child or grandchild that he meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
• proof that you have private medical insurance valid for a minimum of one year from a Canadian insurance company and that:
  • covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation,
  • provides a minimum coverage of $100 000, and
  • is valid for each entry to Canada and be available for review by a port of entry officer.

Note: You will be required to undergo a medical examination.

What must my child or grandchild do to meet the LICO minimum?

You child or grandchild’s income must meet or exceed the minimum necessary, as identified annually in the Income Table.

In the letter of invitation he must calculate his family size. This factor determines the amount of income required of him to provide care and support for you and your spouse, if applicable. He may use the table below to calculate the family size:

1. Your child or grandchild counts:
   • Himself
   • His spouse or common-law partner,
   • His dependent children,
   • any person he may have sponsored previously and for whom the sponsorship agreement and undertaking are still in effect.
2. He counts the number of persons he will be supporting :
   • You, and
   • Your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.
3. He adds the number of persons covered by steps 1 and 2. The total represents his family size.
4. He looks at the LICO in the Income Table in this guide to determine if he meets the minimum required for his family size.
5. To demonstrate that he meets the minimum income required, your child or grandchild may include one of the documents listed in the Document Checklist (IMM 5484).

Step 1. Gather documents

What documents are required?

If you are outside of Canada, use the Document Checklist (IMM 5484) to assist you in gathering the required documents to submit your application.

Some visa offices may require additional supporting documents specific to your country. For further information on these requirements, visit our website under List of countries and corresponding Canadian visa offices.

If you are inside Canada, you must use the Document checklist – Applicants in Canada (IMM 5721) to gather the documents required to submit your application to the Case Processing Pilot – Ottawa (CPPO).

Important information. If you do not provide all the requested information or documents, the processing of your application could be delayed.

Minors travelling alone

Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with a person other than their parents or legal guardians should have a letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, signed by both parents or legal guardians. It should also include the name of the adult who will be responsible for the children in Canada.

Minors travelling with only one parent or legal guardian should have a letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, from the non accompanying parent or guardian.

Translation of documents

If your documents are in a language other than English or French, check with the responsible visa office to determine whether they need to be translated.

Step 2. Complete the application

Filling out the application

The following are the forms that must be filled out and submitted:

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)
• Family Information (IMM 5645)
• Document Checklist (IMM 5484)
• Document Checklist – Applicants in Canada (IMM 5721), if applicable
• Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257 – Schedule 1), if applicable
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409), if applicable
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable

Note: You may be required to complete additional supporting documents upon request of a visa officer.

Important information. It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application is 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”, except for your name (last name and given name[s]). Refer to questions 1 and 2 under “Personal Details” section for further instructions.

If your application is incomplete it will 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 Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by each person applying for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada.

Note

Completing the form

You must answer all the questions on this application form unless indicated otherwise.

Download and fill out the application form on a computer.

You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later.

Note: Completing the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.

In order to help you fill out the application form, read and follow the questions below.

Personal Details

Question 1

Full name

Type your family name (surname) as it appears on your passport, travel or identity document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a family name on your passport, travel or identity document, enter all your given name(s) here and leave the given name field blank.

Type all of your given name(s) (first, second, or more) as it appears on your passport, travel or identity document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a given name on your passport, travel or identity document, leave this field blank. Do not enter “*”, “Not applicable” or “NA”.

Question 2

Nick names/Alias

Check the box to indicate if you ever used any other name. This could include your birth name, maiden name, married name, nick name, etc.

If you checked ‘‘Yes’’, type any other family name that you have ever used.

If you checked ‘‘Yes’’, type any other given name (first, second, or more) that you have ever used.

Question 3

From the list, select your sex (male, female or unknown).

Question 4

Indicate your date of birth. If your complete date of birth is unknown, please use ‘*’ (star sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day, where applicable.

Question 5

Type your city or town of birth.

From the list, select your country of birth.

Question 6

From the list, select your country of citizenship. To be a citizen of a country means that you were either born in that country (in most cases) or have been granted citizenship by that country. If you have dual citizenship, select the country that issued the passport you will be using for this trip.

Question 7

From the list, select the appropriate information to indicate:

• The name of your country of residence. Your country of residence is the country in which you are living, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country.
• Your immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected ‘‘Other’’ as a status,
• The dates (From – To) you have been living in your country of residence.

Question 8

Check the box to indicate whether you have lived in any country other than your country of citizenship or your current country of residence for more than six (6) months in the past five (5) years.

If you checked ‘‘Yes’’, from the list select the appropriate information to indicate the following:

• The name of the country you lived in,
• Your immigration status for the time you were in that country:
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected ‘‘Other’’ as a status,
• The dates (From – To) you were living in that country.

Question 9

Check the box to indicate if you are applying from your current country of residence.

If you checked ‘‘No’’, select the appropriate information from the list to indicate:

• The name of the country where you are applying from,
• Your immigration status in that country by choosing one of the following:
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected ‘‘Other’’ as a status,
• The dates (From – To) that you have been living in that country.

Note: If you are not a citizen of the country where you are making your application, you must provide proof of your legal status when you submit your application.

Question 10

1. From the list, choose your current marital status:

   Annulled Marriage

   This is a marriage that is legally declared invalid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marital union did not have a binding force.

   Common-
   Law

   This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for a minimum of one year.

   Divorced

   This means that you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

   Legally Separated

   This means that you are married, but no longer living with your spouse.

   Married

   This means that you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.

   Single

   This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

   Widowed

   This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

2. Enter the date (year, month and day) you were married or you entered into your current common-law relationship.
3. Type the family name(s) and given name(s) of your current spouse or common-law partner.

Note: If you are in a common-law union, you must also complete the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) form and include it with your application.

Question 11

Check the box to indicate whether you have previously been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked ‘‘Yes’’, provide the:

• Family name(s),
• Given name(s),
• Type of relationship:
  • Common-law, or
  • Married.
• Dates (From – To) for which you were in the relationship with your previous spouse/common-law partner.

Passport

Question 1

Type your passport, travel or identity document number. Make sure there is no space between each number and/or letter.

Question 2

From the list, select the name of the country that issued your passport, travel or identity document.

Question 3

Enter the date your passport, travel or identity document was issued.

Question 4

Enter the date your passport, travel or identity document will expire.

Contact Information

Question 1

Indicate your current mailing address (where information should be mailed) by typing the following information:

• Post Office Box (P.O. Box) number, if applicable. If you do not indicate post office box, the Street number must be provided.
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
• Street number (No.), if applicable. This must be provided if you did not type in a P.O. Box
• Street name, if applicable
• City or Town
• From the list, select the Country of your current mailing address.
• Province or State
• Postal code/zip code
• District, if applicable.

Note: All correspondence will go to this address unless you provide your e-mail address.

If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business on your behalf, you must provide their email and mailing address(es) in this section and complete the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form.

For more information read the ‘‘Use of a Representative’’ section in this guide.

Question 2

Check the box to indicate whether your residential address (where you live) is the same as your mailing address. If ‘‘No’’, type the following information:

• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
• Street Number (No.)
• Street Name
• City or Town
• Country
• Province or State
• Postal Code/zip code
• District, if applicable.

Question 3

Check the appropriate box to indicate if the telephone number is from Canada/the United States (US) or Other (any other country).

From the list, select the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

Type your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under ‘‘Ext.’’

Question 4

Check the appropriate box to indicate if your additional telephone number is from Canada/the United States or Other (any other country).

From the list, select the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

Type your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under ‘‘Ext.’’

Question 5

Check the appropriate box to indicate if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada and United States or Other (any other country).

If applicable, type your facsimile (fax) number, including country code, area/regional codes, etc.

Question 6

If applicable, type your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net

Note: By indicating your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing transmission of correspondence including file and personal information to be sent electronically to you at the address provided.

Details of Visit to Canada

Education

Check the box to indicate if you have any post secondary education (including university, college or apprenticeship training).

The following table provides examples of post secondary education:

Trade/Apprenticeship

Training completed in a specific trade, 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

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

Master’s degree

Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before a Master’s degree can be earned.

PhD

Highest university degree usually based on at least three years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.

If you checked ‘‘Yes’’, provide full details of your highest level of post secondary education:

• Enter the dates (year and month) you attended the institution
• Field(s) of study (mechanics, social sciences, medicine, etc.)
• School or Facility name
• City or Town
• From the list, select the country, and
• Province or State.

Employment (Work/Occupation)

Provide the following information about your employment for the past 10 years. If you are retired, provide the 10 years before your retirement.

Question 1

Current Activity/Occupation

Provide details about your current Activity/Occupation:

• Enter the dates (year and month) you have been working at your current occupation,
• The activity/occupation or a brief description of your position. If you do not work, describe what you are currently doing (retired, not working, going to school, etc.),
• Indicate the name of the company or employer or facility where you work,
• City or Town,
• Country,
• Province/State, if applicable

Question 2

Previous Activity/Occupation

Provide details of your previous Activity/Occupation for the past 10 years. If you are retired, provide the 10 years prior to your retirement.

Note: If you need more space, print out an additional page of the form, complete this section and submit it with your application.

Background Information

Note

Refer to the following list in order to complete your form properly.

1. Once the application is completed, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form and print your application form. This will generate a barcode* page (page 5 of 5). When submitting your application, to ensure your encoded data is captured, you must include the last page (page 5 of 5) which contains your unique barcodes.

   *See image below:

   

   Note: This barcode page will not appear if you fill out your application by hand.

2. If you are 18 years of age or older, sign and date in the boxes provided at the bottom of the page.

   If you are less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or a legal guardian.

Note: By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, accurate, and factual. If you do not sign and date the application form, it will be returned to you.

Family Information (IMM 5645)

Who needs to complete this form?

This form must be completed by each person, 18 years of age or older, applying for a Temporary Resident Visa, a study or work permit outside Canada.

Section A

Write the personal details about:

• yourself,
• your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable,
• your mother,
• your father.

Include: full name, relationship, date of birth, marital status (married, single, widowed, common-law, divorced, separated, annulled marriage), present address and occupation (job), and whether they will come with you to Canada by checking ‘‘Yes’’ or ‘‘No’’.

If a person is deceased, indicate this under ‘‘Present address’’, and write the city and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate whether that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write ‘‘Not applicable’’ or ‘‘N/A’’.

Note: If you do not have a spouse or a common-law partner, read ‘‘Note 1’’, then sign and date the declaration at the end of Section A.

Section B

Write the personal details about your children. It is very important that you list all of your children even if they are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada. This includes:

• married children,
• adopted children,
• children of your spouse (step-children) or common-law partner,
• any of your children who have been adopted by others,
• any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner or other guardian.

Write full name, relationship, date of birth, marital status (married, single, widowed, common-law, divorced, separated, annulled marriage), present address and occupation (job), and whether they will come with you to Canada by checking ‘‘Yes’’ or ‘‘No’’.

If a person is deceased, indicate this under ‘‘Present address’’, and write the city and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate whether that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write ‘‘Not applicable’’ or ‘‘N/A’’.

Note: If you do not have children, read ‘‘Note 2’’, then sign and date the declaration at the end of Section B.

Section C

Write the personal details about your:

• brother(s),
• sister(s),
• half-brother(s) and half-sister(s),
• step-brother(s) and step-sister(s).

Write full name, relationship, date of birth, marital status (married, single, widowed, common-law, divorced, separated, annulled marriage), present address and occupation (job), and whether they will come with you to Canada by checking ‘‘Yes’’ or ‘‘No’’.

If a person is deceased, indicate this under “Present address”, and write the city and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate whether that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write ‘‘Not applicable’’ or ‘‘N/A’’.

Section D

Signature

Sign and date in the boxes provided at the bottom of the page.

Note: By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, accurate and factual. If you do not sign or date the form, your application will be returned to you.

Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM5257 – Schedule 1)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant;
• your spouse or common-law partner (whether accompanying you to Canada or not), and
• your dependent children aged 18 or over (whether accompanying you to Canada or not).

Check the box to indicate whether you are the principal applicant or the spouse, common-law partner or dependent child aged 18 years or older of the principal applicant.

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 (1) 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 (1) 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

To accept responsibility for conducting business on your behalf, your representative must:

• sign the declaration
• date the declaration, and
• include the Party ID, only if it is known.

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). The form is also available 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

Fees

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid (all fees are in Canadian dollars). The fees must be included with your application.

Note: You may be required to pay fees in local currency.

Calculating your fees

*Subject to change at any time

Make sure that you are eligible before you pay, and gather all the documents requested before you submit the application.

The processing fee will not be refunded, regardless of the final decision. For example, being found ineligible for a temporary resident visa is part of the processing; the fees will not be refunded. If you apply again, you will have to pay another processing fee.

Visa-exempt visitors applying for a Super Visa:
If you are a citizen of a country where you do not require a visa to visit Canada, you do not have to pay any processing fees. However you will have to satisfy all other requirements to obtain a Super Visa.

For more information, see our list of Countries and territories whose citizens require visas in order to enter Canada as visitors.

Payment method options

Outside Canada:

Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees and acceptable methods of payment. For a list of visa offices, see:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/index.asp

Inside Canada

You have the option of paying your fees through the Internet or at a financial institution.

Payment of fees on the Internet

To use this option, you need:

• a credit card;
• access to a computer with a printer;
• a valid email address; and
• follow these steps below.

Steps

1. Go to the CIC website.
2. Select Pay your fees.
3. Select Pay my fees online.

Once you have paid the fees you must:

• print the official receipt;
• fill out by hand the “Payer Information” section;
• attach the bottom portion (copy 2) of this receipt to your completed application.

Payment of fees at a financial institution

Fees can be paid at a financial institution in Canada and a receipt obtained which is sent to the Case Processing Centre. No other form of payment is acceptable. The receipt to be used is attached. Payment can be made at most financial institutions in Canada. Check with financial institutions in your area.

Follow these steps to make your payment:

1. Fill out one receipt form (IMM 5401) for yourself and other members of your family if you are applying at the same time. An original receipt must be used; a photocopy is not acceptable. You may obtain an original receipt form (IMM 5401) by ordering through our website.
2. Insert the ‘Total’ on the bottom portion of the receipt. Do not complete the top two portions of the receipt; these will be completed by the financial institution.
3. Complete the ‘Payer Information’ sections on the reverse of the receipt.
4. Bring the receipt and your payment to the financial institution. Do not make payment using the automated teller machines.
5. The financial institution will let you know what form of payment it considers acceptable.
6. The financial institution will accept your payment, then stamp and insert the amount paid in the upper two portions of the receipt. You will receive the top two portions of the receipt. Make sure you are given these and that they have been stamped and completed before you leave the financial institution.

If there is no local financial institution which will accept payment, you may pay the fees by mail. Contact the Call Centre agent for instructions.

Note: Do not present your application to the financial institution, only your receipt.

After you have paid the fees retain the top portion of the receipt for your records. Attach the middle portion to your completed application and mail it to the CPPO.

Important information

Incorrect fee payment

Incorrect fee payments may delay processing your application.

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 inform you of how much to pay and how to pay.

Note: Processing of your application will only continue after you provide the missing 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.

Step 4. Submit the application

Where do I apply?

You must submit your application to the Canadian visa office or Visa Application Center (VAC) responsible for your area. Consult the relevant visa office or its website regarding accepted methods of submitting applications (for example, general mail, in person, by courier etc.)

Submit the document checklist

Make sure you complete the Document Checklist (IMM 5484) and include it with your application forms and supporting documents.

Note

Sign the form

The application must be signed and dated before it is submitted.

If you are:

• 18 years of age or older, sign and date in the boxes provided,
• less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or legal guardian.

Note: If your application is not signed and dated, it will be returned to you.

Submit the application form

When submitting your application, to ensure your encoded data is captured, you must include the last page which contains your unique barcodes. See the image below:

Note: This page is only available when you complete your application electronically (on a computer).

What happens next?

The application process

Submission

Completion check

Once you have submitted your application, CIC will check to determine that:

• all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted,
• the application processing fee has been paid, and
• all requested supporting documentation has been provided.

If your application package is incomplete:

• CIC will return it to you,
• no file will be created, and
• no record will be kept until a complete application has been submitted.

Processing

Review for decision

Your application will undergo a detailed review by an officer. The officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it and will decide if an interview is necessary. If so, you will be informed of the interview date, time and place.

If your application is refused, your passport and documents will be returned to you with an explanation of why your application was refused.

Note: If we suspect that fraudulent documents were submitted, they will not be returned.

If your application is approved, your passport and documents will be returned to you with the requested visa.

Visa-exempt visitors applying for a Super Visa

If your application is approved, your passport and documents will be returned to you with a letter of introduction.

Arrival in Canada

A valid Temporary Resident Visa is not a guarantee of entry into Canada. An officer at the port of entry will decide if you still meet the requirements for admission when you arrive.

If there has been a change in circumstances between the dates of your application for a visa and your arrival in Canada, or if subsequent information is given which was not originally available to the visa office, you may be refused entry.

When you arrive in Canada, the officer at the port of entry will determine whether you may enter Canada and how long you may stay. You must leave Canada on or before the date set by the officer or have your status extended by an officer in Canada. The stamp placed in your passport by a Canadian official is valid for six (6) months unless otherwise amended by an officer.

Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

The stamp placed in your passport by a Canadian official may be valid up to two (2) years unless otherwise amended by an officer.

Factors that can facilitate processing

There are certain things you can do to help ensure that your application is processed as fast as possible:

• make sure that all the documentation and information requested are provided with your application
• advise the visa office, of any change to your contact information. This includes:
  • mailing address
  • telephone number
  • facsimile number (fax)
  • e-mail address

Factors that may delay processing

The following factors may delay the processing of your application:

• missing signature on application forms
• missing documentation
• unclear photocopies of documents
• documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation
• verification of information and documents provided
• a medical condition that may require additional tests or consultations
• a criminal or security problem
• consultation is required with other offices in Canada and abroad

For more information

Current processing times

Canadian visa offices receive large volumes of applications in the temporary residence categories, therefore processing times may vary from visa office to another. Processing times can be found on our website.

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 Help Centre 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.

Online services

For more information on the programs offered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, visit our website.

How to contact CIC

Outside Canada:

Contact a visa office at a Canadian:

• Embassy
• High Commission, or
• Consulate

Consult the local phone pages or the CIC website for addresses, phone numbers and local websites.

Inside Canada

For inquiries regarding a TRV application made inside Canada, contact CIC by:

• Fax: (613) 946-6059
• Email: CPP-CTP-OTTAWA-TRV-VRT@cic.gc.ca

Income Table

Effective from January 1 to December 31 2013

Your child or grandchild may use the following income scale to assess their ability to meet the income requirements.

Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)

Appendix A – Photo specifications

TAKE THIS INFORMATION SHEET WITH YOU TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Requirements

Provide two photos of yourself with your application.

Your photos must comply with the specifications below. If the photos do not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photos before your application can be processed.

Specifications

• The photos must be identical and taken within the last six months. They may be either black and white or colour.
• The photos must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white or light-coloured background.
• If the photos are digital, they must not be altered in any way.
• Your face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling, and with your mouth closed.
• You may wear non-tinted or tinted prescription glasses as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
• A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is acceptable if it does not disguise your normal appearance.
• If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your full facial features are not obscured.

The frame size must be 35 mm X 45 mm (1 3/8″ X 1 3/4″).

The photos must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photo, and include the top of the shoulders.

The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″).

Crown means the top of the head, or (if obscured by hair or a head covering), where the top of the head or skull would be if it could be seen.

To avoid delays, make sure your photos meet these specifications.