Guide CIT 0009 - Application for Canadian citizenship for a person adopted by a Canadian citizen - Part 1

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Before you apply
• The application process
• Step 1. Gather documents
• Step 2. Complete the application
• Step 3. Pay the fees
• Step 4. Mail the application
• What happens next?
• How to Contact CIC

This application is made available free by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and is not to be sold to applicants.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Overview

Application package

This application package consists of:

• an instruction guide and
• the required forms

The instruction guide is a tool that provides:

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

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

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

Symbols used in this guide

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

What you must do to have your application processed.

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

Where to get more information.

Note:

Tips that will assist you with this application.

The application process

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

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

Before you apply

Two part application process

This application is the first part of a two part process.

Part 1 – Confirmation of Canadian citizenship of the adoptive parent(s) is to confirm that at least one adoptive parent is a Canadian citizen. Part 1 must be submitted by all applicants.

Part 2 – Adoptee’s application will assess the adopted person’s eligibility for Canadian citizenship. Once Part 1 has been assessed, CIC will communicate with you by mail to tell you when and where to submit Part 2. Do not send Part 2 now.

Note: If you choose to begin gathering the required documents for Part 2 in advance, see Part 2: Adoptee’s application.

Amendments to the Citizenship Act limit citizenship by descent

* Some naturalized citizens became citizens by descent by operation of law on April 17, 2009. If you think this may apply to you and you need more information, please contact us (see the “How to Contact CIC” section at the end of this guide).

On April 17, 2009, the rules changed for people born outside Canada. Citizenship by birth outside Canada to a Canadian parent (citizenship by descent) is now limited to the first generation born or adopted outside Canada

This means that, in general, children born outside Canada to a parent who was a Canadian citizen at the time of birth will only be Canadian at birth if:

• the parent was born in Canada, or
• the parent became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada (becoming a permanent resident) and being granted citizenship (also known as naturalization)*.

This limitation to citizenship by descent also applies to foreign-born individuals adopted by a Canadian parent. This means that children born outside Canada and adopted by a Canadian parent will only be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship under the adoption provisions of the Citizenship Act if:

• the adoptive parent was born in Canada; or
• the adoptive parent became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada and being granted citizenship*.

There are exceptions to these rules. The limitation does not apply to a child born or adopted outside Canada in the second or subsequent generation, if at the time of the child’s birth or adoption, the child’s Canadian parent was working outside Canada as an employee of the Canadian government or a Canadian province or territory, or serving outside Canada with the Canadian Forces.

The new rules will not take citizenship away from a person who was a citizen immediately before the rules came into effect on April 17, 2009.

Children who are not eligible for citizenship under the Citizenship Act may be eligible to be sponsored as permanent residents. An application for citizenship for a child under 18 years of age may be submitted as soon as the child becomes a permanent resident.

If you think the above limitation may apply to you or your child, please contact us for further information (see the “How to Contact CIC” section at the end of this guide).

Differences between citizenship adoption process and grant of citizenship (naturalization)

People who are eligible for citizenship under the Citizenship Act also have the option to become citizens through the regular citizenship grant process. The table below demonstrates the requirements which must be met for both types of applications.

This table compares the differences between the two processes regarding future generations of Canadian citizens, depending on the two streams of applications.

For more information on the minor grant of citizenship (naturalization) process, please consult the CIC website: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/minors.asp

Important information

Adoption authorities

CIC facilitates the process for the adopted person to obtain Canadian citizenship, however, provinces and territories are responsible for adoptions in Canada.

Start by contacting your provincial or territorial government office to get information about adoption. Go to our website for International Adoption Authorities in Canada. If you reside outside of Canada, contact the government officials of the country where you reside.

Who may apply for Part 1?

The following persons should fill out this part of the application:

• a Canadian citizen who wants to apply for Canadian citizenship on behalf of:
  • an adopted person who is under 18 years of age; or
  • a person who will be adopted in the near future and that person is under 18 years of age; or
• a person who was adopted by a Canadian citizen, who is 18 years of age or older and wants to apply for Canadian citizenship; or
• a legal guardian or a non-Canadian adoptive parent who wants to apply for Canadian citizenship on behalf of an adopted person under 18 years of age, if the adopted person had at least one Canadian parent at the time of adoption.

Note: Adopted persons 18 years of age or older must fill in and sign their own application.

Who should not use this application?

• If the adoptive parent is not a Canadian citizen; or
• the adoption is going to take place or be completed in Canada after the adopted person arrives

Then you may be able to sponsor the adopted person or the person you intend to adopt under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

For more information. See: “Quebec adoptions” in this section if the adoption will be completed in Quebec.

The adopted person

The adopted person is someone who:

• was or will be adopted on or after January 1, 1947; and
• is not a Canadian citizen; and
• has at least one adoptive parent who was a Canadian citizen at the time of the adoption.

The category of adopted persons also includes:

• adopted persons who are minors under 18 years of age;
• persons who were adopted as minors and are now adults;
• persons who were adopted when they were adults.

Quebec adoptions

Under the Civil Code of Quebec, adoptions from non-Hague countries are only considered fully completed once the adoption is recognized by a court in Quebec. This takes place only after the adopted person arrives in Quebec. However, Canadian citizenship can be granted to adopted persons destined to Quebec, as long as a full adoption has been completed in the child's country of residence before they arrive in Canada. The Quebec government must first have confirmed to Citizenship and Immigration Canada that they do not object to the adoption.

Possible loss of other citizenship

The adopted person could lose his or her present nationality or citizenship if he or she becomes a Canadian citizen. If you have any questions about this, you should contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country of the adopted person’s current nationality.

The application process

CIC Assessment: If yes, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you

CIC Assessment: If no, your application will be returned to you End of process.

CIC Assessment: If yes, a letter describing next steps will be sent to you

CIC Assessment: If no, a letter of explanation will be sent to you End of process.

CIC Assessment: If yes, Canadian citizenship will be granted to the adopted person

CIC Assessment: If no, a letter of explanation will be sent to you End of process.

Legend

Step 1. Gather documents

What documents are required?

The table below identifies the documents that you will need to send with Part 1 of the application. You may use the document checklist to ensure that your application includes all of the required documents.

1. Two (2) pieces of personal identification

   • If the adopted person is under 18 years of age then send two (2) pieces of identification for the person who is making the application on behalf of the adopted person (adoptive parent or legal guardian).

   • If the adopted person is 18 years of age or older then send two (2) pieces of identification for the adopted person.

   Both pieces of identification should show your name and date of birth, one of which must have your photo on it.

   Examples include:

   • a driver’s licence
   • a health insurance card
   • a copy of your passport page containing your photo and personal details, etc.

   Format: Clear and legible certified true copies
   For more information. See: “Certified true copies” in Step 1.

2. One (1) proof of the adoptive parent’s Canadian citizenship

   Examples include:

   • Provincial/territorial birth certificate
   • Certificate of Canadian citizenship
   • Certificate of naturalization
   • Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad
   • Certificate of retention issued between January 1, 1947 and February 14, 1977

   Format: Clear and legible certified true copy

3. Payment receipt
   For more information. See: “Step 3. Pay the Fees”.

   • Receipt showing total payment of application by Internet (Receipt printed from Internet), or

   • at a financial institution (Original form IMM5401). (In-Canada only)

4. Other documents (if applicable)

   Examples include:

   • translation of documents that are not in English or French
   • legal change of name document
   • if you are the legal guardian of the adopted person, provide legal documentation proving guardianship.

   Format: Clear and legible certified true copies

Certified true copies

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

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

Who can certify copies?

Persons authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

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

Outside Canada:

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

Family members may not certify copies of your documents.

Translated documents

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

• the English or French translation, and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation.

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

Important information. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Family member is defined as being a: parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Your application will be returned to you if you do not include the translation of your documents and an affidavit from the translator.

Name change

Consult the table below to determine the documents that are to be included with your application.

If you have legally changed your name

Then you must submit a copy of the change of name document issued by a Canadian province or territory, or by the appropriate foreign-state authority.

If you have changed your name as a result of marriage, adoption or divorce

Then you must submit a copy of:

• the document showing both names and
• a copy of one document issued by a Canadian province or territory or by an appropriate foreign-state authority.

Example of documents include:

• health insurance card,
• driver’s licence or
• an official school record issued by the provincial or territorial department responsible for education showing that exact name.

If you have applied for an amendment to your Record of Landing, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence

Then you must submit a copy of the amendment or a letter confirming the change of name.

Quebec government documents

The following documents issued by the government of Quebec before January 1, 1994 are not accepted

• baptismal certificates
• birth certificates, and
• marriage certificates.

For more information. If you are currently in possession of one of these certificates you must obtain a new document by contacting the office of the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec by visiting their website.

Step 2. Complete the application

Filling out the application

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

The following is the form that must be filled out and submitted:

• Confirmation of Canadian Citizenship of the Adoptive Parent(s) (CIT 0010) (PDF, 167 KB)

Important information. If you are completing this application for a child under 18 years of age, remember all questions are about the child.

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

Important information

Be complete and accurate

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

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

Section 1

Question 1A

Write the last name (surname/family name), given name of the adopted person as indicated on the adoption order.

Question 1B

Would you like to receive service (correspondence or interview) in English or in French?

Section 2

Question 2A

Check only one (1) box to identify who is applying on behalf of the adopted person:

• the adoptive parent (for minors under 18 years of age); or
• the adopted person (if aged 18 years or older); or
• the legal guardian (includes non Canadian adoptive parent).

Note: A legal guardian or non Canadian adoptive parent may apply on behalf of an adopted person (under 18 years of age) if the adopted person had at least one Canadian parent at the time of the adoption.

Question 2B

Write the last name (surname/family name), given name and the address of the person applying for the adopted person’s Canadian citizenship.

Question 2C

Write the residential address of the applicant, complete with the postal code.

Question 2D

Write the mailing address, complete with the postal code if different from the residential address in “2C”.

Note: If you provide us with a mailing address, all correspondence will be sent to that address.

Question 2E

Write the same address you entered for your mailing address (or the residential address if you have no mailing address) written in the language of the country where you reside (if applicable), Examples: Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese characters or Chinese commercial/telegraphic code.

Question 2F

Write the contact details for where you can be reached, including:

• a home number,
• a business number,
• a cellular telephone number,
• a fax number,
• an e-mail address, if available.

Section 3

Question 3A

Write the details of the adoptive parents:

• the last name (surname/family name);
• the given name(s);
• any other name(s), including maiden name, names from previous marriages, nicknames, etc.;
• the country and date of birth.

Note: If there are two adoptive parents, complete both columns.

Question 3B

Check the box to indicate if the adoptive parent(s) are Canadian citizens or not. If they are, how did they obtain citizenship?

• by birth (born in Canada); or
• by birth outside Canada to a Canadian parent; or
• by naturalization (applied to become a Canadian citizen and was granted Canadian citizenship).

Question 3C

Check the box to indicate if the adoptive parent(s) has or have previously been issued a Canadian citizenship certificate.

If yes, write the certificate number and the complete name as it appears on the certificate, if known.

Question 3D

Check the box to indicate if the adoptive parent(s) left Canada or resided outside of Canada for more than one year before 1977.

If yes, write the dates and destinations outside Canada where the adoptive parent(s) were.

Question 3E

Check the box to indicate if the adoptive parent(s) are or were citizens of another country. If yes, write:

• the name of the country or countries; and
• when the adoptive parent(s) became a citizen of that country or countries; and
• by what means they obtained citizenship (by birth in another country, by parentage, by naturalization, by marriage or other).

Question 3F

Do not answer this question if you were born inside Canada.

If you were born outside Canada, check the box to indicate if your parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.

Question 3G

Check the box to indicate if the adoptive parent(s) were born to parents who were employed in Canada by a foreign government or international agency. If yes, write the name(s) of the employer and the employment start date.

Section 4

Question 4A

Check the box to indicate if the adoption has been completed or not.

If no, write:

• where it will be completed

If yes, write:

• when it was completed
• what country issued the adoption order
• the age of the adopted person at the time of adoption

Note: If the adoption has been completed, enter the date as it appears on the adoption order. Citizenship will not be granted until after the adoption has been finalized and completed.

For more information. See: “Quebec adoptions” in the Before You Apply section.

Question 4B

Check the box if the adopted person is a relative of one of the adoptive parents? If yes, what is the relationship?

Note: A relative is someone who has a relationship either by blood or by marriage (for example: brother, sister, cousin, niece or nephew).

Question 4C

Write where the adopted person currently resides (if known).

Write the:

• city or town,
• the region or the province, and
• the country.

Question 4D

Check the box to indicate if the adopted person will come to Canada to live after Canadian citizenship is granted.

If yes, write the name of the province or territory in which the adopted person will be living after their arrival in Canada.

For more information. See: “Who should not use this application” in the Before You Apply section.

Section 5

Question 5A

Check the box to indicate if the personal details of the adopted person are known.

Note: The rest of section 5 below is to be completed only if the personal details of the adopted person are known.

Question 5B

Write the last name (surname/family name) and given name(s) of the adopted person, as they appear on their birth certificate or adoption order.

Question 5C

Enter information about the adopted person as it appears on the birth certificate or the adoption order.

Write the:

• date of birth,
• city or town of birth,
• country of birth, and
• country or countries of current citizenship.

Question 5D

Is the adopted person a female or a male?

Question 5E

Check the box to indicate if you know where the adopted person currently lives.

If yes, write the name of a contact person or organization outside of Canada where the adopted person currently lives.

Question 5F

Check the box to indicate if you have previously submitted a sponsorship application or a permanent residence application for this person.

If yes, write the approximate date (month/year) you submitted an application.

Section 6

Question 6

If an individual (including family members), authorized officer of a firm or organization assisted in the completion of this application, they must complete and sign this section.

Note: Write “not applicable” on the first line if you did not have assistance in completing this application.

Section 7

Question 7A

Read the Privacy Notice.

Question 7B

Note

Sign the declaration:

The adoptive parent(s), legal guardian(s) or applicant over 18 years of age, must sign the application, using the same signature they currently use on other official documents. Enter the date and place (city, town or village) beside the signature. Sign and date the application on the same day.

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

Step 3. Pay the fees

Calculating your fees

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. Fees must be included with this application.

Explanation of fees and refunds

The following table describes the fees that are required and if they are refundable. All payment must be made in Canadian funds.

Processing Fee

$100 for each adopted person

Non-refundable once processing has begun, regardless of the final decision.

Right of Citizenship Fee (if 18 years or older)

$100 for each adult adopted person

Refundable if:

• your application is refused, or
• we receive your request to withdraw your application before the date the person becomes a Canadian citizen.

Note: 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 the applicant.

Important information

Incorrect fee payment

Incorrect fee payments may delay processing your application.

Payment issue – No fee included

CIC will return your application.

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

Payment issue – Insufficient fees included

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

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

Payment issue – Overpayment

CIC will:

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

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

Payment method options

Important information

Preferred method of payment

Payment of fees on-line is the preferred method of payment for both inside and outside Canada.

Inside and outside Canada – Online fee payment

Availability
For clients located inside and outside of Canada.

On-line fee payment

Resources required

You can pay your fees on line if you have:

• a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express)
• access to a computer with an Internet connection
• a valid e-mail address
• access to a printer (you will need to print the receipt)

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to pay using the Internet.

1. Go to the CIC website.
   • Select Pay your fees.
   • Select Pay my fees online.
2. Follow the on-line instructions.

   At the end, click on the button to print the CIC official receipt with barcode.

   Note. Do not exit without printing the receipt (page)!

3. Fill in the Payer Information Section by hand.

4. Attach the bottom portion (copy 2) of this receipt to your completed application.

Proof of payment

The receipt printed off of the Internet in step 2 of the instructions above will serve as your proof of payment.

Obtaining an original receipt form–Inside Canada

You may obtain an original receipt form (IMM 5401) by ordering through our website.

Inside Canada only

Fee payment at financial institutions

If you do not wish to pay using the Internet, payment must be made at a financial institution in Canada. The financial institution will let you know what method of payment it accepts. There is no banking charge to pay at a financial institution.

Note

The only acceptable forms of payment are on-line or through a financial institution in Canada. If you send any other form of payment your application will be returned.

Availability

For clients located inside Canada only.

Resources required

A payment receipt form (IMM 5401) can be ordered through our website.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to pay at a financial institution in Canada.

1. Calculate the total fee amount to be paid using the chart Calculating your fees at the beginning of this section.

2. Fill out one (1) payment receipt form (IMM 5401).

   Important information. An original payment receipt form (pink and white) must be used. A photocopy is not acceptable.

   For more information. See: “Obtaining an original receipt form – Inside Canada” in this section.

3. Insert the total amount paid on line 09 Citizenship or Immigration Services Fees.

   Important information. Do not complete the top two portions of the receipt. These will be completed by the financial institution.

4. Fill in the Payer Information section on the back of the payment receipt form.

   Do you already have an open file and know the client identification number (client ID) that we have assigned to you?

   • If yes, enter the number in the box provided for that purpose.
   • If no, leave that box empty.

5. Bring the receipt form and your payment to the teller (cashier) at the financial institution. Do not present your application, only your receipt form.

   The teller (cashier) will:

   • stamp and enter the amount paid in the upper two portions of the receipt form, and
   • give you the top two portions of the form.

   Important information. Do not make payment using the automated teller machines or on a financial institution website.

6. The following list indicates what you should be doing with the different parts of the IMM 5401 receipt.

   • Copy 1 (top): Keep for your records.
   • Copy 2 (middle): Attach to your completed application.
   • Copy 3 (bottom): The financial institution will keep the bottom part.

Proof of payment

Completed payment receipt form (Original form IMM 5401)

Obtaining an original receipt form–Inside Canada

You may obtain an original receipt form (IMM 5401) by ordering through our website.

For more information. See: “How to Contact CIC” at the end of this guide.

Note: If you have ordered a complete application package, the original receipt form will be included.

Outside Canada only

The following mode of payment may be used ONLY if you do not have access to the Internet. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may pay by International bank draft or money order in Canadian funds.

Note. The only acceptable forms of payment outside Canada are online or by International bank draft or money order in Canadian funds. If you send any other form of payment (including cash and personal cheques) from outside Canada your application will be returned.

Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to pay with an International bank draft or money order.

1. Calculate the total fee amount to be paid using the Calculating your fees at the beginning of this section.

2. Obtain an international bank draft or money order payable to the Receiver General for Canada. Fees must be in Canadian funds for the required amount only.

3. Ensure that the bank draft or money order:

   • can be cashed through a Canadian financial institution; and
   • clearly indicates on its face the name and complete address (must not be a post office box number) and the transit and account numbers of the financial institution in Canada where it may be cashed.

   Incomplete or improper identification of the financial institution may result in processing delays and even in the return of your application.

4. Include the bank draft or money order in Canadian funds with your completed application.

Proof of payment
Bank draft or money order in Canadian funds.

Step 4. Mail the application

Where to mail the application

Mail your completed application in a stamped envelope addressed as shown below:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

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

Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Case Processing Centre – Sydney – ADOPTION
P.O. Box 10030
SYDNEY, NS  B1P 7C1
CANADA

Note

Sign the form

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

If you are:

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

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

Submit the application form

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

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

Send the document checklist

Make sure you use the document checklist and include it with your application.

If you are sending more than one application

If you are sending more than one application (for example, applications for family members), you may send one receipt to cover all applications. Mail the receipt (if applicable) and all applications together in one envelope so that they will be processed together.

Note: If you are sending more than one application (for example, family members), and one of the applications is incomplete, all the applications will be returned to you.

What happens next?

Part 1 of the application process

The table below represents the phases of Part 1 of the application process.

Phase: Initial Review

Citizenship and Immigration Canada reviews your application to make sure

• the necessary documents are all included in order to process your application, and
• the appropriate fee payment has been made.

Phase: Decision

Citizenship and Immigration Canada verifies that at least one of the adoptive parent(s) is a Canadian citizen and that the adoption took place on or after January 1, 1947.

When your application has been received by the case processing centre you will receive:

• a letter of acknowledgment confirming the reception of your application

If the application is approved, you will receive:

• a decision letter confirming that a least one adoptive parent is a Canadian citizen,
• instructions on when and where to submit Part 2 of the application — Application for Canadian citizenship for a person adopted by a Canadian citizen — Adoptee’s application (CIT 0012), and
• instructions on where to submit the Canadian Citizenship Certificate Preparation Form.

Part 2 of the application

Part 2 will be processed only after the assessment of Part 1 – Confirmation of Canadian citizenship of the adoptive parent(s). Do not send Part 2 now.

In order to accommodate situations where an adoption can take longer to process, an adoptive parent has two (2) years to submit Part 2 of the application from the date of the decision letter provided by CIC after assessing Part 1 of the application.

Note: If you choose to begin gathering the required documents for Part 2 in advance, you can download the guide and form for Part 2 by visiting the Find an Application Form or Guide section on the right hand-side of the page on our website at www.cic.gc.ca.

Important information

Updating your contact information

During the Citizenship process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number.

If you reside in Canada

• www.cic.gc.ca, select Change address or
• contact the CIC Call Centre.

If you reside outside Canada

Then you can contact the Canadian visa office responsible for the country where you reside.

Checking application status on line

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

1. Go to the CIC website.
2. Select Check application status.
3. Follow the instructions provided.

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

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

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

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

For more information. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data by visiting the Help Centre on 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).

Outside Canada

Contact a visa office at a Canadian:

• Embassy,
• High Commission or
• Consulate

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