Guide 5554 - Applying to remain in Canada as a temporary resident permit holder

Do not use this application guide if:

  • You want to renew your work or study permit and you are not a temporary resident permit holder.

Note: TRPs are only issued in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the processing officer. A TRP may be cancelled at any time.

Table of contents


This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.

For legal information, consult the following documents:


Overview

This guide is for persons who require an initial Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or wish to apply for another TRP to remain in Canada as a permit holder.

A TRP is a document that authorizes a person who is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or Regulations either as a temporary resident or as a permanent resident to enter or remain in Canada.

Before you start, read the entire guide. It details your obligations as a Permit Holder and provides some information on inadmissibility and non-compliance which may help you determine whether you are eligible to apply for another TRP. The guide also provides instructions and application forms that you need to complete, as well as, a checklist of supporting documents that you will need to submit with your application.

Note: A work or study permit, or a Temporary Resident visa is not a Temporary Resident Permit. These documents are clearly marked as visas or work and study permits. You are not a temporary resident permit holder unless you are inadmissible and you have been issued a document specifically identified as a Temporary Resident Permit. TRPs are only issued in exceptional circumstance and at the discretion of the processing officer. A TRP may be cancelled at any time.

Family members

If you are inadmissible to Canada, family members (spouse, common-law partner and dependent children) travelling with you are also inadmissible and may or may not be issued an initial TRP. If the officer forms an opinion that it is justified in the circumstances for all family members to remain in Canada, then each family member will be given their own TRP and they are each permit holders in their own right.

Obligations of a permit holder

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has permitted your entry to Canada despite an inadmissibility and has suspended enforcement action for the duration of your TRP. As a permit holder you are expected to:

  • abide by the laws of Canada;
  • to take any action required to resolve your inadmissibility; and
  • to leave or request another TRP before the expiry of your initial TRP.

Note: The nature or seriousness of your inadmissibility will determine whether you can take action to resolve your situation from inside Canada, or whether your situation can only be resolved by exiting Canada.


Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada. You can go to a designated Service Canada location.

Find out if you need to give biometrics.

When to give your biometrics

You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years. You don’t need to give your biometrics again until the 10-year period expires.

If you gave biometrics in the past as part of an application for a visitor visa, work or study permit and they are still valid, you don’t need to give them again for this application.

Find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire by using the Check Biometric Status Tool.

Where to give your biometrics

You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points.


Processing times for your application

The Case Processing Centre will review your application to determine if it is complete. If your application is not signed, if the required fee is missing, or if the required passport size photos are missing, your application will be returned to you and you will have to re-apply. If other information is missing, your application may be returned or refused.

The Case Processing Centre will send you either:

  • a letter refusing your application; or
  • notification that your application has been referred to a local IRCC centre for further assessment.

The Case Processing Centre completes most of the applications it receives, however, a small number are referred to a local office for further clarification. If your application is referred to a local office, they will contact you to obtain additional information or clarification. It may take up to three months for them to contact you.

Once they receive the additional information or clarification, the local office will complete the final stages of processing and if required, invite you to an interview. Once processing is complete, the local office will notify you by mail of their decision.

After reading this guide, if you believe you are eligible to apply then you should proceed as instructed below:

  • Gather all the necessary documents. They are listed on the Document Checklist.
  • Calculate and pay the fees.
  • Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep it for your records.
  • Fill in the forms carefully and completely.
  • Sign and date your forms.
  • Mail your application to the Case Processing Centre.

It is illegal to remain in Canada beyond the validity of your status in Canada.

It is illegal to work without a required work permit.

It is illegal to study without a required study permit.


Status in Canada

Persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents may be authorized to enter Canada as temporary residents, including TRP holders. This means that as holders of a valid TRP, you and each of your family members have temporary resident status for a limited period of time.


A valid TRP

A TRP is valid for a specified period of time. Printed or written on your TRP will be either a “Date of Issue” and “Expiry Date” or a “Permit in force from” and a “Permit in force until date”. Your TRP is valid according to the “Expiry date” or the “Permit in force until date”.


Temporary resident permit holders

As holders of a valid TRP, you and each of your family members are both a permit holder and a temporary resident. Despite your status as a temporary resident, you remain inadmissible or in non-compliance and as such may not be eligible for a further period of temporary residence or for permanent residence.

Your inadmissibility may limit your success in being granted a TRP or lengthen the processing period of your application. Applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation, to attend an interview, or may even be prevented from becoming permanent residents.

The duration of your TRP may limit access to certain services. For example, permit holders may only apply for a work or study permit if their TRP has a validity of more than six months.


An inadmissibility or non-compliance

Inadmissibility: means there is a medical condition, recent or past criminal conviction(s), financial concern(s), you misrepresented information in your application or there are serious criminal concerns that cause you to be inadmissible under the Act and prevent you from entering or remaining in Canada without a TRP.

Non-compliance: means you directly or indirectly failed to satisfy the requirements of the Act or Regulations. Some examples are as follows:

  • you were not examined when you entered Canada;
  • you did not obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV);
  • your visa expired before you entered Canada;
  • you did not have a passport or it expired before you entered Canada;
  • you overstayed your period of authorized stay; or
  • you worked or studied without authorization (a permit).

Obtaining another Temporary Resident Permit

TRP holders who wish to remain in Canada, must apply for permission to do so. You and each of your family members must complete your own application, then submit them together by mail with the appropriate documentation and the required fee for each person.


Determining eligibility

As TRP holders you and your family members are legally authorized to enter Canada temporarily. However, you are restricted in your authorized length of stay and you are subject to various other conditions.

The eligibility for another TRP may be affected by any of, but not limited to, the following reasons:

  • You did not comply with the conditions imposed on your TRP;
  • You remained in Canada beyond the validity of your status in Canada;
  • You left Canada and re-entered without prior authorization;
  • You were found to be inadmissible to Canada on grounds other than those for which the initial TRP was issued;
  • You worked or studied without the required work or study permit;
  • You submitted an expired passport or a passport which is about to expire;
  • You did not resolve the situation that renders you inadmissible despite having been counseled by IRCC to do so.

Conditions on Temporary Resident Permit holders

An officer may impose, vary or cancel conditions when issuing a TRP. The maximum validity of a single TRP is three years and it is accompanied by specific conditions. Generally as a permit holder you:

  • Must comply with the conditions imposed on your TRP;
  • Must not work or study without a work or study permit;
  • Cannot re-enter Canada without prior authorization;
  • Must leave Canada at the end of their authorized period of stay.

What we consider when assessing your application

As a permit holder, each time you request another TRP, you are assessed to determine whether:

  • you met the obligations and the conditions of your stay;
  • you remain inadmissible or in non-compliance;
  • another TRP is justified in the circumstances; and/or
  • enforcement action is warranted.

We can require that you:

  • resolve your inadmissibility or non-compliance;
  • may request evidence of any action taken to resolve an inadmissibility or non-compliance.

We may refuse your request for another TRP:

  • if you can resolve your inadmissibility or non-compliance by leaving Canada; or
  • if you have not taken the required action to resolve your situation.

A TRP is not intended to provide continuous status for long periods of time especially if the inadmissibility or non-compliance can be resolved and regular temporary resident status achieved.


When a medical examination is required?

If a medical examination is required, an officer will send you written instructions on how to proceed. A medical examination and assessment will require some time and may add over three months to the processing of your application.


When to apply for another TRP

If your TRP is still valid you can apply for another TRP. You should apply before the “Expiry date” or the “Permit in force until date” on your current TRP. We cannot guarantee that your application for another TRP will be processed before your current TRP expires. See the section Processing Times for Your Application at the beginning of this guide. Your temporary status continues if you have applied and we have received your application before your current TRP expires.

If you do not apply for a new TRP, it is your responsibility to leave Canada before the “Expiry date” or “Permit in force until date” of the permit.


If your TRP is expired

You cannot restore your temporary resident status as a TRP holder. If your TRP has expired or if you did not respect one of the conditions of your TRP or you have worked or studied without authorization, you have committed an offence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. You may be subject to an admissibility hearing that could lead to your removal from Canada.


The validity of your passport

Your passport expiry date can affect the length of time you may remain in Canada. Before you apply for another permit you should ensure that there is sufficient time remaining on your passport to cover:

  • The period of time required to process your application; and
  • The period of time you are seeking to remain in Canada if you are successful in obtaining another temporary resident permit.

Other services available to TRP holders

As a TRP holder you and your family members can also apply for other services, such as a work or study permit. You can apply for a work or study permit separately from your application for another TRP or you can apply for both services together.

Student or worker services:

You and your family members can apply:

  • For a work or study permit if you do not already have one. However you cannot apply for this service if you do not hold a TRP that is valid for six months or more.
  • To extend an existing study or work permit if you already have one.

Applying for more than one service at the same time

If you are applying for more than one service at the same time, such as another TRP and a new study or work permit, you need to complete the Application to change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a student [IMM 5709] (PDF, 488.83KB) or the Application to change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a worker [IMM 5710] (PDF, 484.21KB).

If you are applying for a student or work permit at the same time as you are applying for another Temporary Resident Permit, you may simply complete the IMM 5709 or IMM 5710. Before you submit any of your applications, you must read and follow the instructions provided for the study or work permit. Details and instructions on how to apply for a study or work permit from within Canada may be obtained by visiting the following web pages: Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay as a Student and Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay as a Worker.


Information you must provide when applying for another TRP

You and your family members who are applying for another TRP must each provide two (2) passport sized photographs as well the following documents:

Proof of identity for persons other than US citizens

Copy of a passport or other travel document. An acceptable travel document is one that allowed your travel to Canada and recognizes your right to re-enter the country that issued the document.

Proof of identity for US citizens

Copy of passport or birth certificate.

Photocopy of your current immigration document

Your current TRP and work or study permit (If you have either of these documents) and any other document issued to you by IRCC.

Supporting documentation of any action you have taken to resolve your inadmissibility, or your non-compliance

Some examples of supporting documentation:

  • a valid passport,
  • substantial improvement in financial situation
  • a record suspension (formerly a pardon) or an approved rehabilitation
  • a new TRV

Evidence of how you will support yourself or be supported in Canada and how you will pay for transportation to leave Canada

  • guarantor’s letter;
  • bank statement indicating name of account holder and account number; and
  • details of how you intend to leave Canada including the date, time and type of transportation

A letter along with supporting documents providing the following information outlining:

  • why your situation is exceptional and how your circumstances justify the issuance of a permit
  • any change to your personal circumstances that have occurred since the initial TRP was issued
  • the details you gave when you were issued your TRP
  • whether you have applied unsuccessfully for an immigrant visa to live with a family member (sponsor) in Canada and whether you still live with your sponsor
  • whether you have been convicted of a new offence since you first received your TRP
  • and providing proof of any action that you have taken to resolve your inadmissibility or non-compliance
  • the details surrounding your inadmissibility

If applicable you must also provide:

  • copy of the criminal conviction certificate
  • copy of statute under which the criminal convictions were convicted
  • official proof of sentence
  • FBI criminal record check
  • any other requirements imposed by the officer

Leaving and re-entering Canada

If you require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada

You must ensure that your TRV remains valid if you leave then re-enter Canada. An application for another temporary resident permit does not affect the requirement to obtain a TRV. Refer to the instruction guide for Applying for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada (IMM 5256) for further information.


Leaving Canada before your request for another TRP has been finalized

Nothing prevents you from leaving Canada at any time. However, if you leave before you receive another temporary resident permit, We expect your inadmissibility to be resolved before your return. Your application for another TRP submitted in Canada, will be refused. Foreign nationals must establish that they meet all of the requirements of The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations before being authorized to enter or re-enter Canada.  The final decision is always made by the officer at the port of entry.


Leaving and re-entering Canada

If you are a permit holder and you are leaving Canada, you should not apply for another TRP from outside Canada. You should instead resolve the situation that rendered you inadmissible, before you seek to return to Canada.

In order to return to Canada, you must be in possession of:

  • A valid passport or travel document;
  • A document that authorizes your re-entry, such as a valid study or work permit, if you are returning to study or work in Canada;
  • A valid temporary resident visa, if you are a citizen of a country that requires an entry visa, unless you are returning to Canada following a visit only to the United States or St-Pierre and Miquelon.

Possession of these documents does not guarantee re-entry. All persons must establish that they meet all of the requirements of The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations before being authorized to enter or re-enter Canada.

Note: Citizens of the U.S. do not require passports or travel documents to enter or return to Canada. Permanent residents of the U.S. do not require passports or travel documents if they are entering or returning to Canada from the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon. However, both must provide documentary proof of citizenship or permanent residence such as a national identity card or an alien registration card and both may be refused entry if they continue to be inadmissible.


Completing the forms

The documentation you provide will be used to establish that your authorization to remain in Canada would not be contrary to the Act. You must provide truthful, accurate information. The information provided may be verified. Processing will stop immediately if you give false or misleading information. It is an offence under section 127 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to knowingly make a false statement on this form.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.


Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5708)


Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by each person who wants to apply for an extension of their stay, temporary resident permit or change conditions of their stay in Canada, including applying for an initial temporary resident permit. The application must be signed and dated.


Completing the form

Required step

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 steps below.

Question 1

Type your Unique Client Identifier number (UCI).

Question 2

From the list, select the language (English or French) in which you would like to receive your service.

Question 3

Check the appropriate box or boxes to indicate if you are applying for:

  • an extension of a temporary resident status
  • an initial or extension of a temporary resident permit
  • a restoration of your status as a visitor.

Personal details

Question 1

Full name

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

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

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

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

Question 2

Nick names or 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 gender (F-Female, M-Male, U-Unknown or X-Another gender)

Note: If you choose a gender identifier that is different than what you currently have or have had on your Canadian temporary resident document (visa, electronic travel authorization, work permit, study permit or visitor record), you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (IRM 0002) form and send it with your application. If you’ve never had a Canadian temporary resident document but you intend to apply for one and you identify with a gender that is different than what appears on your foreign travel document or passport, you also need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier form and send it with your application. No supporting documents are required.

Question 4

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

Question 5

Note, if your city, town, or country of birth is indicated in your passport or your travel document, please record it as it appears in the document.

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 your immigration status in Canada:

  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Foreign National

Other: This section must be completed if you selected "Other" as a status.

Provide the dates (From-To) to indicate how long you have had this status.

For out-of-status applicants:

  • Under “Status” select “Foreign National”;
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
    • Foreign National
  • 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
  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.
  4. Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

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. If you are married, you must provide a photocopy of your Marriage license or certificate with your application.

Question 10

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.

Language

Question 1
  1. a) From the list, select your first (native) language. This is the language that you learned at home during your childhood and which you still understand.

    Note: If your native language does not appear in this list, select “other”.

    b) If your native language is not English or French, select from the list which one you use mostly:
    • Both
    • English
    • French
    • Neither
  2. From the list, select English, French or both as your language of communication:
    • English
    • French
    • Both
    • Neither
  3. Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have taken a test from a designated testing agency to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Note: You are not required to provide evidence of language proficiency to submit your application. However, language testing may be requested at a later date to further assess your application.


Passport

Question 1

Type your valid passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 2

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

Question 3

Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Question 4

Enter the date your passport or travel document will expire.

Question 5

For this trip – Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are using a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows your personal identification number.

Question 6

For this trip – Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are using a National Israeli passport.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you have a national identity document.

Question 2

Enter your national identity document number exactly as shown on the document.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued your national identity document.

Question 4

Enter the date your national identity document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the date your national identity document will expire.

US PR Card

Question 1

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are a lawful Permanent Resident of the United States with a valid alien registration card (green card).

Question 2

Enter your valid alien registration card (green card) document number exactly as shown on the document.

Question 3

Enter when your alien registration card (green card) 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 number, 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 number
  • Street name, if applicable. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive, etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
  • City or Town
  • Province
  • Postal code

Note: All correspondence will go to this address unless you indicate 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 in this section and on the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476 (PDF, 264 KB)) form.

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. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive, etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.),
  • City or Town,
  • Province,
  • Postal Code.
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 or mobile);
  • Business (work).

Type your telephone number including the country code, area or 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 or mobile);
  • Business (work).

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

Question 6

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

Note: Please ensure this email address is checked regularly. Any emails sent to you by CIC will end in “@cic.gc.ca”, or “@canada.ca”, or “@international.gc.ca”. Please add these to your “safe senders” list in your email program and check the junk mail folder in case important emails get filtered. If CIC is advised that the email address you provided is not functional or no longer exists, we will communicate with you by mail. 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.


Coming into Canada

Question 1

Provide the date and the place where you first entered in Canada

Question 2
  1. Indicate the purpose of your original visit:
    • Business
    • Tourism
    • Study
    • Work
    • Other (medical visit, transit, etc.)
  2. If you choose "Other" in question 1a), provide details.
Question 3

Provide the date and the place of your recent entry to Canada

Question 4

Provide the document number of your most recent Visitor Record, study or work permit.


Details of visit to Canada

Question 1
  1. From the list, indicate the reason why you want to extend your stay:
    • Business
    • Tourism
    • Short-Term Studies
    • Returning Student
    • Returning Worker
    • Super Visa: For Parents or Grandparents (applies only to those who entered Canada with a Super Visa)
    • Family Visit
    • Other (medical visits, transit, etc.)
  2. If you choose “Other”, provide details
Question 2

Indicate how long you plan to stay using the From — To fields.

Question 3

Indicate the amount of funds (money) that you have available for your stay.

Question 4

Type the following information about the persons or institutions, including schools you intend to visit during the extension of your stay:

  • Name (includes the name of a person or a name of an institution)
  • Relationship you have with them (friend, family, co-worker, etc.)
  • Their address in Canada (street number, street name, city or town and postal code).

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 or Apprenticeship

Training completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.

Non-university certificate or diploma

Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., 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 or Occupation)

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

Question 1

Current Activity or Occupation

Provide details about your current Activity or Occupation:

  • Enter the dates (year and month) you have been working at your occupation,
  • The activity or 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 or State, if applicable.
Question 2

Previous Activity or Occupation

Provide details of your previous Activity or Occupation for the past 10 years. If you are retired, provide the 10 years before 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

All questions in this section must be answered or the application will be considered incomplete and will be returned.

Question 1

Check the box to indicate if:

  1. you or any of your family members have ever had tuberculosis of the lungs or been in close contact with a person with tuberculosis within the past two years.
  2. you have any physical or mental disorder that would require social and/or health services other than medication during your stay in Canada.
  3. If you checked “Yes” to any of the above questions, provide details and the name of the family member, if applicable.
Question 2

Check the box to indicate if you have ever:

  1. remained beyond the validity of your status, attended school without authorization or worked without authorization in Canada?
  2. been refused any kind of visa, admission or been ordered to leave Canada or any other country?
  3. If you checked “Yes” to one of the above questions, provide details.
Question 3
  1. Check the box to indicate if you have ever:
    • committed,
    • been arrested for, or
    • been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country.
  2. If you checked “Yes,” provide details.
Question 4
  1. Check the box to indicate if you have ever served in any military, militia, civil defence unit, or serve in a security organization or police force (including non obligatory national service, reserve or voluntary units).
  2. If you checked “Yes”, provide your dates of service and the countries where you served.
Question 5

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have ever been a member or associated with any political party, or other group or organization which has engaged in or advocated violence as means to achieving a political or religious objective, or which has been associated with criminal activity at any time.

Question 6

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have ever witnessed or participated in the ill treatment of prisoners or civilians, looting or desecration of religious buildings.


To complete your form:


Note:
  1. Once the application is completed, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form. This will generate a barcode page (page 5 of 5) – see image below. If this application form is completed on a computer and printed, you must place the barcode page on the top of your application (or, if applying as a group, each individual application package).

    Sample Barcodes

    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, you must 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.


Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Who may use this form?

Fill out this form only if you:

  • are appointing a representative;
  • need to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or
  • are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

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

Who is a representative?

A representative is someone who:

  • you have appointed by completing the IMM 5476 form;
  • gives advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process; and
  • has your consent to conduct business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.

For more information, see: Use of a Representative.

Notify IRCC about any changes

You must use this Web form to tell us if any information changes regarding the person you authorized to represent you on your application.


Paying the fees

Required fees

You must pay a Processing Fee for each service that you require and all fees must be submitted with your application. If you apply for more than one service on a single application, you must add up the fees for each service and submit the total of the fees with your application. For information including eligibility, fees and required documents for working or studying in Canada, refer to the guides Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada - Worker (IMM 5553) or Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada - Student (IMM 5552).

You may submit an application for any of or a combination of the following services:

  • To remain in Canada on another temporary resident permit;
  • To extend your stay in Canada as a worker or student;
  • To restore your status as a worker or student;
  • To request a new work or study permit.

Use this chart to calculate the fees required for the service you are requesting. If you or your family members are applying for other services, you can pay the fees all together.

Note: It is not necessary to make a separate application for an extension of temporary resident status when you apply for a work permit or study permit. The officer will issue all the necessary documentation with the one application.

Application (per person) $CAN
Temporary resident permit $229.77
Biometrics fees $CAN
Biometrics (per person) 85
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)

Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place

170

Note: Make sure that you are eligible to apply before you pay the fees and gather all of the required documents before you submit the application. The processing fees will not be refunded, regardless of the final decision.


How to pay the fees for your application

To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

  • a valid e-mail address;
  • access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
  • a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.

Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

  • Go to Online Payment.
  • Follow the online instructions.
    • At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
  • Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.
    • Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

stop sign hand Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!


Incorrect fee payment

Incorrect fee payments may delay processing of your application.

Payment issue – No fee included

We will return your application.

Note: We will start processing your application after you return your application with the fees.

Payment issue – Not enough fees included

We will return your application and tell you of how much to pay.

Note: We will start processing your application once you return your application with the correct fees.

Payment issue – Overpayment

We will:

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

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

Payment issue –Required biometric fee not included

We will:

  • tell you the fee amount and how to pay it.

Note: We will continue processing of your application after you send the missing fees.


Refunds

To obtain a refund, you need to send a written request to withdraw your application to the Case Processing Centre.

The processing fee is only refundable if we receive your request before processing has begun. Once we have started to process your application, there will be no refunds regardless of the final decision. We will issue the refund to the person indicated on the “Payer Information” section of the receipt. If there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to you.

Note: The process to request a refund depends on how you paid.


Mailing your application

Mailing instructions

  • Put the completed forms, supporting documents and fee payment receipt in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9″ x 12″) envelope. Do not include a prepaid envelope with your application.

    Note: If you are applying as a family, send all the documents to the Case Processing Centre address in Edmonton in one envelope.

  • Address the envelope as follows:

    Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
    Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
    9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
    Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

  • Write your name and address at the top left-hand corner of the envelope.
  • Have the post office weigh your envelope to ensure you put sufficient postage on it.
  • Mail the envelope.

What happens next?

You will receive a letter regarding your case and you will be informed if you need to take any further action.

If you applied for another temporary resident permit and you have been approved, another temporary resident permit with a new validity date will be sent to you. If your application is refused, you can only stay in Canada until the expiry date of your current temporary resident permit, or when you are notified of the refusal if your temporary resident permit has already expired.

If you also applied for an initial work or study permit or an extension of your temporary resident status as a worker or student, and the work or study permit or the extension of status is approved, an immigration document will be sent to you. If your application is refused, you can only stay in Canada until the expiry date of your current temporary resident permit.

If your application is rejected as “incomplete”, it is considered to have never been submitted and you will have to re-apply. If your application has been referred to a local office you will be notified of this and will subsequently be contacted by this office.

If you move before your application has been processed, if you change your telephone or fax numbers after you have mailed your application, you must advise us by submitting a case specific enquiry webform.

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