Applying for Refugee Protection from within Canada (IMM 5746)

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Before You Apply
• Step 1. Gather Documents
• Step 2. Complete the Required Forms
• Step 3. Submit Completed Forms in Person to a Citizenship & Immigration Canada Office
• Step 4. Eligibility Interview
• What Happens Next
• How to Contact CIC

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

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Overview

Application package

This application package consists of:

• an instruction guide and
• the required forms

Note: In addition to the forms in this package, you will also need to complete the Basis of Claim form (PDF, 480 KB).

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

Note: Important information about the Basis of Claim form and the refugee determination process at the Immigration and Refugee Board can be found at: www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/Eng/Pages/index.aspx

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 required forms
3. Submit the completed forms in person to CIC
4. Eligibility interview

Before you apply

Who is eligible to have a claim for refugee protection referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board?

Canada offers refugee protection in Canada to those who fear persecution and who are unwilling or unable to return to their home country.

Officers receiving your refugee claim will decide whether it is eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), an independent administrative tribunal that makes decisions on immigration and refugee matters. The IRB decides who is a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

Your refugee claim may not be eligible for referral to the IRB if:

• You have been recognized as a Convention refugee by another country to which you can return;
• You have already been granted protected person status in Canada;
• You arrived via the Canada-United States border;
• You are not admissible to Canada on security grounds, or because of criminal activity or human rights violations;
• You have been convicted of a serious crime;
• You made a previous refugee claim that was found to be ineligible for referral to the IRB;
• You made a previous refugee claim that was rejected by the IRB; or
• You abandoned or withdrew a previous refugee claim.

In addition, people who are subject to a removal order cannot make a refugee claim.

Definitions

You may find the following definitions useful:

Convention refugee

Convention refugees are people who are outside their home country or the country where they normally live, and who are unwilling to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on:

• race;
• religion;
• political opinion;
• nationality; or
• membership in a particular social group, such as women or people of a particular sexual orientation.

Person in need of protection

A person in need of protection is a person in Canada whose removal to their home country or country where they normally live would subject them personally to:

• a danger of torture;
• a risk to their life; or
• a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

Note

When must I apply?

You can apply for refugee protection at any time, as long as you are not subject to a removal order. To apply, you must complete the required forms and take them to a Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) office.

Do I have to include my family members on my application?

All of your family members must be listed on your application whether they are with you in Canada or not.

Family members

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

Step 1: Gather documents

What documents are required?

The table below identifies the documents that you will need to send with your application. You may use the document checklist to ensure that your application includes all of the required documents.

Pieces of personal identification (ID’s)

All identity documents and relationship documents for the principal applicant and for all family members who are in Canada and are included in the application for refugee protection. These documents can include identity, travel or other documents that you have with you now to support your claim, including documents that are not genuine, documents that you got in an irregular or illegal way or by giving information that is not true, and documents you used that do not really belong to you.

Example of pieces of personal identification include:

• passport
• travel document
• birth certificate
• identity cards
• baptismal record
• school certificate as proof of identity
• marriage certificate (as proof of relationship)
• political or social organization’s membership card

Note: If you do not have any documents that prove your identity, you will be asked to explain the absence of such documents at your eligibility interview. It is to your benefit to provide all supporting documentation.

Format: Originals

Other Supporting Documents

In addition to the identity and relationship documents listed above, you may also include documents that support your claim for refugee protection, if they are available.

Some examples of documents you could provide include:

• your school records, education certificates or professional qualifications
• police or medical reports
• your membership cards for political groups, unions or other groups
• business records
• news articles and human rights reports on country conditions, etc.

For more information, please see the Claimant’s Guide on the IRB website.

Format: Orignal and photocopies

Four (4) photos for each person

Format: Original

Translation of documents

If your documents are not in either English or French, you must have them translated into the official language (English or French) that you have chosen for your proceeding. The translations and a translator’s declaration must be provided, along with copies of the documents. The translator’s declaration must include:

• the translator’s name;
• the language translated; and
• a statement signed by the translator that the translation is accurate.

If you do not provide your documents in either English or French, they cannot be used at the IRB proceeding unless the Member (the person who hears the case and makes the decision) agrees.

For more information, please see the Claimant’s Guide on the IRB website.

Step 2: Complete the Required Forms

Filling out the application

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

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) (PDF, 543 KB), Principal Applicant only
• Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008 DEP) (PDF, 472 KB), if you have more than five (5) dependants
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669) (PDF, 182 KB), to be completed by the Principal Applicant, their Spouse/Common-Law Partner, and any dependants who are 18 years of age or older, and in Canada
• Schedule 12 – Refugee Claimants Inside Canada (IMM 0008–Schedule 12 ) (PDF, 1.19 MB), to be completed by the Principal Applicant, their Spouse/Common-Law Partner, and any dependants who are 18 years of age or older, and in Canada
• Basis of Claim Form (PDF, 480 KB), to be completed by each family member who is claiming refugee protection in Canada (including minors)
• Document Checklist (IMM 5745)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (PDF, 38 KB), if applicable.

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

Be complete and accurate
Important information.

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If the required forms are incomplete, you will not be able to proceed to an interview with a CIC officer and your refugee claim will not be received.

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

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• You, the principal applicant.

Note

Completing the form

You must answer all 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.

Application Details

Question 1

From the list, select the Program under which you are applying:

• Family
• Economic
• Refugee
• Other

Question 2

From the list, select the Category under which you are applying:

• If you chose “Family” in question 1, select one of the following:
  • Spouse
  • Common-law partner
  • Conjugal partner
  • Dependent child/adopted child
  • Child to be adopted in Canada
  • Orphaned sibling/nephew/niece/grandchild
  • Other relative
• If you chose “ Economic” in question 1, select one the following:
  • Skilled worker
  • Skilled Trades
  • Investor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Self-employed
  • Provincial nominee
  • Canadian experience class
  • Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)
  • Quebec selected skilled worker
  • Quebec selected entrepreneur
  • Quebec selected self employed
  • Quebec selected investor
  • Startup Business
• If you chose “Refugee” in question 1, select one of the following:
  • Outside Canada – Refugee
  • In Canada – Refugee Claim
  • In Canada – Protected Person
• If you chose “Other” in question 1, select one of the following:
  • In Canada – Humanitarian & Compassionate Considerations
  • Permit Holder Class

Question 3

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

For refugee claimants in Canada only: Indicate the total number of family members included in your application for refugee protection who are with you in Canada.

Question 4

Immigration Office requested for the processing of your application

Indicate the name of the Immigration Office which serves:

• your country of nationality, or
• the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country for at least one year.

Note: Do not select the CIO as the immigration office requested to process your application. Although you may be required to will submit your application to the CIO, you must indicate the name of an appropriate visa office using the criteria above.

Note: If you are applying for refugee protection from within Canada, this question does not apply to you. Go to Question 5.

Question 5

Language preference

From the list, select your preferred language for:

1. correspondence

2. interview and

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

3. interpreter requested (if applicable)

Question 6

Where do you intend to live in Canada?

From the list select the:

1. Province/Territory
2. City/Town

Question 7

Have you received your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)?

1. Check the corresponding box
2. If you checked “Yes”, please indicate the CSQ number
3. If you checked “No”, indicate the date when you applied for your CSQ

Note: If you are applying for refugee protection, check “no” for Question 7a and leave 7c blank.

Principal Applicant's Personal Details

Question 1

The following questions must be answered by the Principal Applicant.

Indicate your full last name (surname/family name) as it appears on your passport, travel or identity document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate your family name(s).

Indicate all of your given name(s) (first, second or more) as they appear on your passport, travel or identity document. Do not use initials.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Child” or leave the given name field blank.

Question 2

Nickname/Alias

Check the box to indicate if you have ever used any other name. This could be your birth name, maiden name, married name, nickname, etc. If “Yes”, provide your nickname/alias by indicating it in the family name and given name(s) fields.

Question 3

Indicate your Universal Client Identification number (UCI) or Client Identification number (Client ID), if known (8-digit number). Otherwise, leave it blank. If this is your first application with CIC you will not have a UCI or a Client ID.

Question 4

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

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “Unknown”.

Question 5

Indicate your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 6

From the list, select your eye color.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “Other”.

Question 7

Indicate your complete date of birth.

Note: 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 8

Indicate your place of birth, including the city or town,

From the list, select your country of birth.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”. for the city or town and select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 9

Citizenship

1. From the list, select your country of citizenship.
2. If you are a citizen of more than one country, select your other country of citizenship.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 10

Current country of residence

From the list, select the appropriate information to indicate:

• The name of your current country of residence. Your country of residence is the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select Canada whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.

• Your immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Protected Person
  • Foreign National
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected "Other" as a status.
• The dates (From – To) you have been living in your current country of residence.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the country where you intend to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Question 11

Enter the date of your last entry to Canada.

Indicate the place you last entered Canada (Example: Toronto Airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth, etc.).

Question 12

Previous countries of residence

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
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Protected Person
  • 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 13

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

   Annulled Marriage:

   This is a marriage that is legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage 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. Indicate the family name(s) and given name(s) of your current spouse or common-law partner.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select “Single”.

Question 14

Check the box to indicate whether you have previously been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked "Yes", provide the following details for your previous spouse/common-law partner:

• 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.

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 indicate your e-mail address.

If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business on your behalf, you must provide their address in this section and on 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", indicate 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)

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

If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number under "Ext."

Question 4

Check the appropriate box to indicate if your alternate 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)

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

If you have an extension number, indicate 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, indicate your facsimile (fax) number, including country code, area/regional codes, etc.

Question 6

If applicable, indicate 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 CIC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific e-mail.

Passport

Question 1

Check the appropriate box to indicate if you have a valid passport or travel document.

Question 2

If you checked "Yes", provide your passport or travel document number. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

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

Question 4

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

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of your passport or travel document.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Check the appropriate box to indicate if you have a valid identity document.

Question 2

If you checked "Yes", provide your identity document number. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

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

Question 4

Enter the issue date of your identity document.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of your identity document.

Education/Occupation Detail

Question 1

From the list, select your highest level of education.

Type of education

Secondary education

High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.

Trade/ Apprenticeship

Diploma 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).

Post-secondary - No Degree

Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.

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.

Post Graduate – No Degree

Post Graduate studies at a graduate school of a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).

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.

Doctorate - 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.

Question 2

Indicate the total number of years of formal education that you have completed.

Question 3

Indicate your current occupation.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”.

Question 4

Indicate your intended occupation in Canada.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”.

Language Detail

Question 1

1. 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".

2. If your native language is not English or French, select from the list which one you would most likely use:

   • English
   • French
   • Neither

One of Canada’s objectives with respect to immigration is to support and assist the development of minority language communities in Canada.

Note: This question is not used for selection purposes.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select the native language of the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 2

From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English and/or French:

• English
• French
• Both
• Neither

Dependant(s)

You, the principal applicant must answer each question on behalf of each of your dependant(s).

Note: Remember that all questions in this section are about your dependant.

You can add up to five (5) dependants in this form.

To add a new dependant to the application, click the “Add Dependant” button.

To remove a dependant from the application, click the “Remove Dependant” button.

If you have more than five (5) family members, you must complete the Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP) form for each additional family member in order to include everyone in your application.

Note

Important

You must list all family members in your application for permanent residence, whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not. You must also provide details on family members whose location is unknown (including those missing or presumed dead). If you don’t, you will not be able to sponsor family members at a later date if they are not listed on your application.

Dependant's Personal Details

Question 1-9

Questions 1 to 9 are identical to the questions you answered for yourself. Refer to the previous instructions to help you answer the questions for your dependant(s).

Question 10

1. From the list, select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:
   • Adopted Child
   • Child
   • Common-law partner
   • Grandchild
   • Other
   • Spouse
   • Step-Child
   • Step-Grandchild
2. Complete if you chose “Other”

Question 11

1. Check the box to indicate whether or not, your dependant will accompany you to Canada.
2. If you answered “No”, provide the reason why your dependant is non-accompanying.

Question 12

From the list, select the type of dependent child:

Type A

The child is under the age of 22 and is single (not married and not in a common-law relationship).

Type B

The child has been continuously enrolled in and in attendance as a full‑time student at a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority and has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent either:

• since before the age of 22, or
• since marrying or entering into a common-law relationship (if it happened before the age of 22).

Type C

The child is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22, and is unable to provide for himself or herself because of a medical condition.

Question 13

Current country of residence

From the list, select the appropriate information to indicate:

• The name of your current country of residence. Your country of residence is the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select Canada whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.

• Your immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Protected Person
  • Foreign National
• Other: This section must be completed if you selected "Other" as a status.
• The dates (From – To) you have been living in your current country of residence.

Question 14

Enter the date of your last entry to Canada.

Indicate the place you last entered Canada (Example: Toronto Airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth, etc.).

Question 15

Previous countries of residence

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
  • Refugee Claimant
  • Protected Person
  • 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 16

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

   • Annulled Marriage
   • Common-Law
   • Divorced
   • Legally Separated
   • Married
   • Single
   • Widowed

2. Enter the date (year, month and day) you were married or you entered into your current common-law relationship.

3. Indicate the family name(s) and given name(s) of your current spouse or common-law partner.

Question 17

Check the box to indicate whether you have previously been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked "Yes", provide the following details for your previous spouse/common-law partner:

• 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

Check the appropriate box to indicate if you have a valid passport or travel document.

Question 2

If you checked "Yes", provide your passport or travel document number. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

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

Question 4

Enter the issue date of your passport or travel document.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of your passport or travel document.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Check the appropriate box to indicate if you have a valid identity document.

Question 2

If you checked "Yes", provide your identity document number. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 3

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

Question 4

Enter the issue date of your identity document.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of your identity document.

Education/Occupation Detail

Question 1

From the list, select your highest level of education.

For definitions, refer to the type of education table.

Question 2

Indicate the total number of years of formal education that you have completed.

Question 3

Indicate your current occupation.

Question 4

Indicate your intended occupation in Canada.

Language Detail

Question 1

1. 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".

2. If your native language is not English or French, select from the list which one you would most likely use:

   • English
   • French
   • Neither

One of Canada’s objectives with respect to immigration is to support and assist the development of minority language communities in Canada.

Note: This question is not used for selection purposes.

Question 2

From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English and/or French:

• English
• French
• Both
• Neither

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

Refer to the following table 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. This will generate a barcode* page.

   *See image below:

   

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

2. Print all pages of your application form.

3. Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and:

   
   Note
   1. Write your name in the space provided.
   2. Check the appropriate box to indicate if you agree that the information contained in this application related to your intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers in order to assist them in hiring workers.
   3. Sign and date in the spaces provided.

   By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct. If you do not sign and date, the application will be returned to you.

4. Place the barcode pages on the top of your application (forms and supporting documents) when you will submit it.

Additional Dependants/Declaration Form (IMM 0008DEP)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• You, the principal applicant on behalf of each of your dependant.

Dependant(s)

You, the principal applicant must answer each question on behalf of each of your dependant(s). The questions are the same that you answered for yourself and other dependants on the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).

Follow the previous instructions to help you answering the questions for your dependant.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and then:

1. Write your name in the space provided.
2. Check the appropriate box to indicate if you agree that the information contained in this application related to your intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers in order to assist them in hiring workers.
3. Sign and date in the spaces provided.

By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct. If you do not sign and date, the application will be returned to you.

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

Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

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).

  For refugee claimants in Canada: Only family members included in your application for refugee protection who are with you in Canada must complete this form.

Question 1

Indicate your full last name (surname/family name) as it appears on your passport, travel or identity document.

Indicate all of your given name(s) (first, second or more) as they appear on your passport, travel or identity document. Do not use initials.

Question 2

Indicate your name in your native language or script (if applicable).

For example: Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Japanese characters or Chinese commercial/telegraphic code.

Question 3

Indicate your date of birth.

Question 4

Provide your father’s personal details including his:

• last name (surname/family name),
• given name(s),
• date of Birth,
• town or city of birth,
• country of birth,
• date of death (if applicable).

Question 5

Provide your mother’s personal details including her:

• last name (surname/family name),
• given name(s),
• date of birth,
• town or city of birth,
• country of birth,
• date of death, if applicable.

Question 6

Answer each question of the section by checking the appropriate box.

If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you must write an explanation of what happen in the space provided. If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

Question 7

Education

Indicate the number of years of formal education you have which you have completed at each of the levels indicated.

Provide the details about each educational institution you attended, including the:

• period of time that you attended the institution,
• name of the institution,
• city and country,
• type of certificate or diploma issued, and
• field of study.

If no diploma was issued, write “N/A”. If you need more space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

Question 8

Provide the details of your personal history since the age of 18, or the past 10 years, whichever is most recent.

Start with the most recent information. Under “Activity”, write your occupation or job title if you were working. If you were not working, provide information on what you were doing (for example: unemployed, studying, travelling, retired, in detention, etc.). If you were outside your country of nationality, indicate your status in that country.

Note: Please ensure that you do not leave any gaps.

Important information. Failure to account for all time periods will result in a delay in the processing of your application.

Question 9

Indicate the names of all membership or association with organizations you are or were a member of, including:

• political organizations,
• social organizations,
• youth or student organizations,
• trade unions, and
• professional organizations.

If you were not a member of an association or organization, do not write “not applicable”. Rather, write: “I have never been a member of an organization or association”.

Note: Do not use abbreviations. Write the city and country where you were a member.

Question 10

Indicate any government positions you have held in the past such as:

• Civil servant;
• Judge;
• Police officer;
• Employee in a security organization;
• Etc.

Include:

• the name of the country and the level of jurisdiction (examples: national, regional or municipal),
• the name of the department or the branch you worked for, and
• activities and/or positions that you held.

Note: Do not use abbreviations.

Question 11

Give complete details about your military and/or paramilitary service (if applicable). Provide the details of military and/or paramilitary service for each of the countries whose armed forces you served in. If you were not in any military and/or paramilitary service, write N/A. Do not leave gaps in time.

Question 12

Indicate the residential addresses where you have lived since your 18th birthday or the past 10 years, whichever is most recent, complete with the postal code. Do not use P.O. box numbers.

Authority to disclose personal information
Declaration of applicant

Note

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully. Sign and date in the boxes provided. By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct. If you do not sign and date, the application will be returned to you.

Note: The bottom section of Schedule A should not be completed at this time.

Schedule 12 - Additional Information – Refugee Claimants Inside Canada (IMM 0008 - Schedule 12)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant;
• your spouse or common-law partner with you in Canada; and
• your dependent children aged 18 or over with you in Canada.

Question 1

Indicate your full last name (surname/family name) as it appears on your passport, travel or identity document.

Indicate all of your given name(s) (first, second or more) as they appear on your passport, travel or identity document. Do not use initials.

Question 2

Indicate your complete date of birth.

Question 3

Indicate your Universal Client Identification number (UCI), Client Identification number (Client ID) or FOSS ID number, if known (8-digit number). Otherwise, leave it blank. If this is your first application with CIC, you will not have a UCI or a Client ID.

Question 4

If someone is providing you with lodging/shelter during your stay in Canada, indicate their name.

Note: This could be a friend, a family member, an organization in Canada, etc.

Indicate how the person or organization indicated above is related to you. For example, it could be a friend or relative (be specific) or there may be no relationship.

Indicate the phone number of the person or organization indicated above.

Question 5

List all documents, genuine or false, that you have in your possession or used to travel to Canada or could obtain that were not included in the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008). These documents can include identity, travel or other documents that you have with you now to support your claim.

Note: These can be documents that are not genuine, documents that you got in an irregular or illegal way or by giving information that is not true, and documents you used that do not really belong to you.

Examples of identity documents include:

• passport
• seaman's book
• driver’s license
• birth certificate
• electoral card

Include information such as the:

• type of document and number
• name indicated in the document
• country or organization of issue
• date of issue
• expiry date of document
• answer “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether this document is currently in your possession
• answer “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether this document was used when you travelled to Canada, and
• answer “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether this document is a genuine document.

Question 6

List all documents, genuine or false, that your dependants under 18 years of age have in their possession or used to travel to Canada or could obtain that were not included in the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008). These documents can include identity, travel or other documents that they have with them now to support your claim.

Note: These can be documents that are not genuine, documents that they got in an irregular or illegal way or by giving information that is not true, and documents they used that do not really belong to them.

Examples of identity documents include:

• passport
• seaman's book
• driver’s license
• birth certificate
• electoral card

Include information such as the:

• type of document and number
• name indicated in the document
• country or organization of issue
• date of issue
• expiry date of document
• answer “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether this document is currently in their possession
• answer “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether this document was used when they travelled to Canada, and
• answer “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether this document is a genuine document.

Question 7

If any persons helped you get to Canada, provide information about them, such as:

• their name,
• their citizenship,
• their address and telephone number,
• the type of assistance they provided (for example: purchased plane ticket, provided false travel documents, traveled with you to Canada, crossed the Canadian border with you, etc)
• the amount you paid to them, if applicable, and
• any distinguishing features such as scars, tattoos, etc.

Such a person could be a travel agent, immigration consultant, etc.

Question 8

Indicate how much money you have in your possession and the currency (Canadian or American dollars, Euros, British Pounds, etc).

Question 9

Arrests and criminal offences

Add a sheet of paper if you need more space to list additional arrests and/or criminal offences, or to explain the circumstances of any acquittal, discharge or pardon.

a) Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have ever been sought, arrested, or detained by the police or military or any other authorities in any country, including Canada.

 If “Yes”, in the spaces provided, indicate:

• by whom,
• in which country,
• the period detained (From-To),  and
• provide the reason.

b) Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have ever committed or been charged with or convicted of any crime, in any country, including Canada.

c) If you answered “Yes” in 9b), in the spaces provided, list all crimes, including those for which you were never charged, or if you were charged, include those crimes for which you were acquitted, discharged or pardoned.

In the spaces provided, indicate:

• details regarding the nature of the crime of offence
• the location of the crime
• the date of the charge,
• the result and date of the result (such as the conviction or acquittal, etc)
• if convicted, indicate the sentence, and
• indicate the period of prison term served (From-To), if applicable.  

Question 10

Your travel to Canada

a) Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have previously been to Canada. If yes, provide information such as:

• dates (From-To)
• what city and province you were in
• what your status was during that time (for example: visitor, student, temporary worker, no status, etc.).

b) Indicate the route you used to come to Canada starting with the departure from your country of citizenship, country of last permanent residence or former habitual residence and ending with your arrival in Canada.

Indicate details such as:

• the date of your departure (for each leg of your journey to Canada)
• the city and country of your departure,
• the method(s) of transportations you used,
• provide any details about the journey
• your date of arrival at the next point in your journey (including transit points), and
• each city and country through which you traveled on your way to Canada (if applicable) ending with where you arrived in Canada. (Include transit points on your journey to Canada.)

Note: Your route/itinerary may have taken many months or years to complete, you may have traveled through multiple countries, and you may have used different modes of transportation (e.g. plane, bus, boat, train).

Question 11

This question is to be completed by unaccompanied minors only

Provide details about your sibling(s) in Canada and outside Canada, including their:

• surname (Family name)
• given name(s)
• date of birth (YYYY/MM/DD), and
• address.

Note: Add an additional sheet of paper if you have more than four siblings.

Question 12

Indicate if you have received assistance in completing your application. If you answer “Yes”, the individual who helped you complete your form must complete and sign the Third party declaration.

Authority to disclose personal information
Declaration of applicant

Note. Read all of the statements in all sections carefully. Sign and date in the boxes provided. By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, truthful, and correct.

Note: The bottom section of Schedule 12 should not be completed at this time.

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.

Note

Step 3: Submit the Completed Forms in Person to CIC

Sign the forms

The application can 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 guardians.

Print the application forms

Print all required forms:

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), including the bar code page if you complete it electronically
• Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008 DEP), if applicable
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669), for each family member aged 18 or older in Canada
• Schedule 12 – Refugee Claimants Inside Canada (IMM 0008–Schedule 12 ), for each family member aged 18 or older in Canada
• Basis of Claim Form (PDF, 480 KB), for each family member (including minors) in Canada
• Document Checklist (IMM 5745)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable.

Where to Submit Your Completed Forms

Once you have completed all required forms and have gathered all relevant documents, take them in person to a Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) office.

Applications sent by mail or electronic mail will not be accepted.

You must appear in person. Applications will not be accepted from any representative on your behalf.

If your forms are completed to the satisfaction of CIC staff, arrangements will be made for you to see a CIC officer.

If required, CIC will arrange to have an interpreter present.

Step 4: Eligibility Interview

The Eligibility Interview

The purpose of the eligibility interview is to assess whether or not your refugee claim is eligible for referral to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board. The Refugee Protection Division may not consider a claim until it is referred by the officer.

At the interview, the officer is making a decision on eligibility. The officer will not be judging the merits of your claim for protection. However, if you fall into one of the ineligible criteria (listed above in the “Before You Apply” section of this Guide) your claim may be ineligible to be referred to the RPD.

The officer will go through your forms to ensure that everything is completed satisfactorily and may ask you a few questions for clarification purposes. You will also be fingerprinted so that security and criminality checks can be completed.

The officer will have three working days in which to decide whether your claim is eligible for referral.

What happens next

If the officer determines that your claim is eligible to be referred to the IRB, you will be given a package that includes:

• an appointment to appear at the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) where you will make your case for refugee protection;
• a Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD) confirming that your claim has been referred to the IRB;
• Interim Federal Health coverage, which will cover you for health care for as long as you are a refugee claimant, unless your claim is suspended, or you become a rejected refugee claimant;

Note: CIC will provide you with an information sheet that details your coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program.

• a Medical Report to take to a doctor for completion as part of your claim;
• other immigration related documents and a list of conditions.

CIC will refer your claim to the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board.

You will be required to attend your hearing with the IRB at the date and time indicated by CIC.

Important information

Updating your contact information

During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number by:

• going to www.cic.gc.ca, click on Change My Address in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of the page; or
• contact the CIC Call Centre by calling 1-888-242-2100.

Note: Once your claim has been referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), you must also advise the IRB of any change in contact information. Instructions on how to do this are included in the IRB’s “Claimant’s Guide”.

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.

Online services

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

How to contact CIC

Within Canada

CIC Call Centre:

1-888-242-2100 (toll-free)

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time

If you are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing, or you have a speech impediment and use a text telephone, you can access the TTY service from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. your local time by calling: 1-888-576-8502 (in Canada only).

Website: www.cic.gc.ca

Appendix A
Photo Specifications

Notes to the applicant

TAKE THIS WITH YOU TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER

• Immigration photos are not the same as passport photos.
• Make sure that you provide the correct number of photos specified in the Checklist.

Notes to the photographer

The photos must:

• show a full front view of the person’s head and shoulders showing full face centered in the middle of the photograph;
• have a plain white background;
• be identical (black and white or colour) produced from the same untouched negative, or exposed simultaneously by a split-image or multi-lens camera.

The photos must:

• measure between 25 mm and 30 mm (1” and 1 1/5”) from chin to crown;
• have a 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8” x 1 3/4”) finished size.