Application for permanent residence: Federal skilled worker class (IMM 7000)

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Before You Apply
• Step 1. Gather Documents
• Step 2. Complete the Application
• Step 3. Pay the Fees
• Step 4. Mail the Application
• What Happens Next
• How to Contact CIC
• Appendix A – Photo Specifications
• Appendix B – Letter of Attestation for the PhD stream

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

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Overview

Application package

This application package consists of:

• an instruction guide and
• the required forms

The instruction guide is a tool that provides:

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

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

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

Symbols used in this guide

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

What you must do to have your application processed.

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

Where to get more information.

Note:

Tips that will assist you with this application.

The application process

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

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

Before you apply

Permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Class

The Federal Skilled Worker Class

Immigration has always helped to make Canada’s economy strong and prosperous. To continue this tradition, Canada encourages skilled worker applications for Permanent Residence from people with skills, education and work experience that will contribute to the Canadian economy.

Who may use this application package

Applications for Permanent Residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Class can be submitted by foreign nationals who are skilled workers and professionals who do not fit in one of the other classes described below.

Other classes

• If You have been selected by Quebec:
  • Consult: Guide for Quebec Skilled Workers
  • For more information. See: “Do you intend to reside in Quebec?” for more information
• If you have been nominated by a province:
  • Consult: Guide for Provincial Nominees
• If you have skilled work experience in Canada and are interested in immigrating to Canada under the Canadian Experience Class:
  • Consult: Guide for Canadian Experience Class
• If you are interested in immigrating to Canada as an investor, entrepreneur or self-employed person:
  • Consult: Guide for Business Class Applicants (Investors, Entrepreneurs, Self-Employed Classes)
• If a relative such as a parent, spouse or common-law partner would like to sponsor your application for permanent residence:
  • Consult: Guide for Family Class Applicants (parents, grandparents, adopted persons or orphans)
  • Consult: Guide for Family Class Applicants (spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and dependant children)

Do you intend to reside in Quebec?

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration, Quebec establishes its own immigration requirements and selects foreign nationals who will adapt well to living in Quebec. If you intend to come to Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, you must first contact the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles (MICC) (in French only)

You may also consult our website for more information

Staying informed

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

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

Am I eligible?

Complete Federal Skilled Worker applications received by the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) on or after July 1, 2011, will be placed into processing if they meet the criteria in one of the two categories described below.

Important information

Application category

Choose the Category in the table below which corresponds to your situation. This chart describes the two categories available to you.

Category 1

you have at least one year of continuous full time or equivalent paid work experience in the last ten years in at least one of the occupational categories identified in the Ministerial Instructions.

Note: The list of occupations can be found on our website.

NEW: A maximum of 10,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications, without an offer of arranged employment, will be considered for processing each year.
Within this limit, a maximum of 500 Federal Skilled Worker applications per National Occupation Classification (NOC) will be considered for processing each year. Please visit our website before submitting your application to ensure that the FSW cap and your NOC sub-cap have not yet been reached.

Note. Applications will be considered in order of the date they are received.

National Occupation Classification (NOC)

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is the official classification system of occupations in the Canadian labour market. It describes duties, skills, aptitudes, and work settings for occupations in the Canadian labour market.

Determining your NOC category

Follow these steps to determine if you might be eligible to apply as a Federal Skilled Worker in Category 1:

1. Go to the NOC website

2. Click on “To Search the NOC…”

3. Follow the instructions to find the NOC or NOC’s category that match your work experience in all the jobs you have had for at least one year in the past 10 years. Your experience can be either full-time or the equivalent and must be paid work experience.

   The initial description and list of main duties for the NOC must match what you did in your job.

4. Once you have determined the NOC category or categories that match(es) your work experience, consult the list of occupations that are eligible for processing as per the Ministerial Instructions.

Note: If none of your occupations are on this list, you do not meet the criteria to be placed into processing under Category 1. If you are applying in Category 2, you need to provide your NOC category but do not need to be in one of the occupations listed in the Ministerial Instructions.

Category 2

you have an offer of arranged employment in Canada. The employment offer should be:

• in writing,
• indeterminate in duration, and
• meet the arranged employment factor described in this guide.

Category 3

You are an international student currently enrolled in a doctoral (PhD) program, delivered by a recognized post-secondary educational institution located in Canada, and:

• have completed at least two years towards the completion of your PhD,
• are in good academic standing, and
• are not a recipient of a Government of Canada award requiring you to return to your home country to apply your knowledge and skills,

OR

you have completed a PhD program from a recognized post-secondary educational institution located in Canada no more than 12 months before your application is received by the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) and:

• you have not received a Government of Canada award that requires you to return to your home country to apply your knowledge and skills; or
• if you were a recipient of such an award, you have satisfied the terms/conditions of the award.

I am not eligible

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria in either of the two categories, do not submit an application as a Federal Skilled Worker at this time. Check the other classes to see if you satisfy their eligibility criteria. Also check our website regularly for changes in the criteria.

I am eligible, what is the next step?

Once you have determined that you are eligible for processing, you must also meet the minimal requirements for Federal Skilled Workers, meet the minimum funds requirement and obtain sufficient points under the selection factors.

What are the minimal requirements?

All applicants must meet the following minimal requirements to apply as a skilled worker:

• You must have at least one year of continuous full-time, paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment
• You must have had this experience within the last 10 years
• Your work experience must be Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC)

What are the selection factors?

Your application to come to Canada as a skilled worker will also be assessed against a point system consisting of six selection factors. The six selection factors are:

You can assess your qualifications using the skilled worker self-assessment test from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The test is available on our website. The current pass mark is 67 points for all factors combined. If your score is the same or higher than the pass mark, then you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker. Review the information about immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker and decide if you want to apply.

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

Factor 1: Education
(maximum of 25 points)

Points are awarded for earned educational credentials as well as the number of years of full‑time studies or full‑time equivalent studies. To be awarded points, you must meet both stated criteria. Failure to provide documentation that indicates the completion of the program of study AND the total number of years of the education, may affect the number of points you receive for Education.

Full‑time studies: This includes both secondary and post secondary education of at least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year. This includes any period of workplace training that forms part of the course.

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

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

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

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

Factor 2: Ability in English and/or French
(maximum of 24 points)

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

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

• listen
• speak
• read
• write.

Proof of language proficiency

You must submit original language test results from a designated testing agency to the CIO with your application. Other evidence in writing will not be accepted as evidence of language proficiency.

For your application to be eligible for processing, you must include the results of one of the following language tests from a testing agency designated by CIC:

English

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

French

• TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

If you do not submit the results of your official language proficiency test with your application to the CIO, your application will not be processed and will be returned to you as incomplete.

Applicants are permitted to submit a copy of their language test results with a new application only if the original test results were submitted with a previous Federal Skilled Worker application and were not returned to the applicant. All copies of language test results must be accompanied by a photocopy of the refusal letter from CIC and an explanation that CIC retained and currently holds the original.

Official language testing

Take a language proficiency test from a designated testing agency

You must prove the level of language proficiency you claim on your application.

To do this, you must take a language proficiency test from an agency designated by CIC before starting the immigration process and submitting your application to the CIO.

Your test results must not be more than two years old at the time that you submit your application.

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

2. Submit the assessment results with your application.

   Note.Do not request that your (IELTS – General Training, CELPIP  - General or TEF) language test result be sent directly to the CIO. Submit your original language proficiency test results with your complete application to the CIO.

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

Note: Test results from a designated testing agency will be used as conclusive evidence of your language proficiency. Other evidence in writing will not be accepted as evidence of language proficiency.

If you wish to be awarded points for your proficiency in both official languages, include the results of your official English language proficiency (IELTS – General Training or CELPIP – General) and your official French language proficiency test (TEF) with your application.

Using your test results

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

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

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

Factor 3: Work experience
(maximum of 21 points)

You will earn points for the number of years you have spent in full-time (37.5 hours per week), paid work.

Minimum work experience requirements

You must meet the following minimum work experience requirements to be eligible to apply as a skilled worker:

• You must have at least one year of full-time, paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time employment.
• Your work experience must be in an occupation of Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B of the Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC). See below for instructions on determining the NOC category for your work experience.
• You must have had this experience within the last 10 years.

Determining your NOC category

To determine how many points you can earn for your work experience, go to the Occupational Descriptions page on the NOC website. Follow the instructions to find the NOC category that matches your work experience.

If the initial description and list of main duties match what you did at your last job(s), you can use this experience to earn points under the selection factors when you apply as a skilled worker.

If the description does not match your work experience, then you might not have the experience you need to apply as a skilled worker. Look through the NOC list to see if another occupation matches your experience. Check all the jobs you had in the past 10 years to see if you have at least one year of work experience in a job that will qualify you as a skilled worker.

Note: Remember that you must have work experience in an occupation in Skill type 0 or Skill level A or B and that your experience must have occurred during the 10 years before the date of application.

Factor 4: Age
(maximum of 10 points)

Points are given for your age on the date that your complete application is received.

Factor 5: Arranged employment
(maximum of 10 points)

Determine your points based on the chart below:

Factor 6: Adaptability
(maximum of 10 points)

If you have a spouse or common‑law partner, points for each element can be awarded only once, either for you or for your spouse or common‑law partner (except for the points under Adaptability criteria “A” below).

Use the chart below to determine your points. Even if you qualify under several criteria, you will be awarded a maximum of 10 points.

Your score for all factors combined

Use this worksheet to calculate your estimated points. The minimum is currently set at 67 points for all factors combined.

• equal to or greater than the pass mark
  • Then you may qualify for permanent residence in Canada as a skilled worker. Read the rest of this guide to decide if you wish to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Class.
• less than the pass mark
  • Then you are not likely to qualify for permanent residence in Canada as a skilled worker. We recommend that you do not apply at this time.
  • However, you may apply if you believe there are other factors that would help you to become economically established in Canada that were not reflected in your points assessment. Send a detailed letter with your application explaining these factors. Include any documents that support your claim.
  • Note: If you are refused at this stage, the processing fees will not be refunded.

Do you have sufficient funds?

The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new skilled worker immigrants.

You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada. The money must be available to support the costs of living for yourself and your family. The amount is an estimate of what you would require to support yourself and your family without employment or other income. You cannot borrow this money from another person.

The amount of money you need to support your family is determined by the size of your family. These amounts are updated every year. Check our website to make sure you have the most recent information.

We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you intend to live. To make your establishment in Canada easier, bring as much money as possible with you to Canada.

Note: Persons with arranged employment in Canada do not have to meet the minimum funds required.

Working in Canada

Finding employment in Canada requires planning. You should obtain as much information as possible before you apply to immigrate. There is no guarantee that you will be able to work in your preferred occupation.

Although credential assessment and licensing are not requirements of the skilled worker application, you need to be aware of these issues when considering immigrating to Canada.

Please consult our website for some helpful sites on regulated and non‑regulated occupations.

Regulated occupations

Twenty percent of people working in Canada work in occupations that are regulated to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Examples include nurses, engineers, electricians and teachers.

Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies are responsible for establishing entry requirements for individual occupations recognizing prior credentials, training and experience and issuing licences required to practice. The recognition process varies among provinces and territories and among occupations. Recognition of qualifications and issuance of licenses can generally only be completed once in Canada. The process can take time. You may be asked to:

• provide documentary evidence of your qualifications
• undergo a language examination (which may differ from those required for immigration)
• complete a technical exam (with accompanying fee)
• do supervised work

Non-regulated occupations

For non‑regulated occupations, there are no set requirements and there is no legal requirement to obtain a licence. The employer will set the standards and may very well request registration with a professional association.

Credential assessment

A credential assessment is advice on how qualifications from another country compare to Canadian qualifications. An assessment does not guarantee that:

• a regulatory body will issue you a licence to practice, or
• your credentials will be accepted by a Canadian employer

However, a credential assessment will help you understand the Canadian educational system and assist you with your job search.

You can obtain advice about your credentials from the Foreign Credentials Referral Office.

Labour market information

Job opportunities and labour market conditions are different in each region of Canada. It is important to research conditions in the area in which you want to live.

Please consult the Working in Canada tool on our website for information on the Canadian labour market, job banks, and provincial and territorial labour market information.

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?

You must gather and submit to the CIO all the documents listed on the Document Checklist (IMM 5612). Documents from the checklist are only to be submitted once to the CIO. Do not submit documents that are not found on the checklist and do not send duplicates of your application or documentation.

Documentation submitted with your application will not be returned. You should obtain multiple originals of any documentation submitted with your application (such as reference letters, police certificates) so you are prepared if you need to submit a new application.

You must keep a copy of the completed forms and all documents before sending them to the CIO.

Note. If your visa office is Beijing or Hong Kong, you must also apply for verification of the highest post-secondary degree(s)/diploma(s) that were obtained in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). If you and your spouse or common-law partner did not obtain post-secondary degree(s)/diploma(s) in the PRC, you do not need to submit CADGEDC creentials report(s) with your application. Please refer to the Document Checklist (IMM 5612) for more information.

If you are not prepared to submit full documentation to the CIO do not apply now. A determination of eligibility for processing will be made based on what you have submitted. If you do not submit a complete application with the supporting documents, your application will be returned to you. A negative determination of eligibility for processing is final and will result in the closure of your file.

The checklist of required documents (IMM 5612) is subject to change. Applicants are advised to refer to this checklist on the CIC website periodically while preparing their submission to ensure that they have included all documents listed on the most up-to-date checklist.

Important information

Police certificates

All applicants must submit police certificates/clearances as part of the application process.

You and all of your family members who are 18 years of age and older and who are not already permanent residents or Canadian citizens will have to provide:

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

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

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

Before submitting your application to the CIO, you should:

• research the estimated length of time required to obtain police certificates from all of the applicable jurisdictions, and
• begin to gather your police certificates.

Note. We strongly recommend that you submit your police certificates with your application to the CIO. If you are unable to obtain all the necessary police certificates, you may still send your application to the CIO without them. However, please note that if your application is placed into processing you must be ready to submit them to the visa office when requested.

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

Note: If you are including your police certificates with your application to the CIO, please ensure that your certificates were not issued more than three months earlier. Police certificates are generally valid for 12 months from the date they are issued. However, if a final decision is not made on your application before the expiry of your police certificate, the visa office may request that you provide a new one.

If a certificate is not in English or French, submit both the certificate and the original copy of a translation prepared by an accredited translator.

Unless otherwise specified on our website, it is your responsibility to contact the police or relevant authorities unless otherwise specified on our website. When doing so, you may have to:

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

CIC will also do background checks to determine if there are grounds upon which you and your family members may be inadmissible to Canada.

Translation of documents

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

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

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

Important information. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Certified true copies

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

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

Who can certify copies?

Persons authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

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

Outside Canada:

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

Family members may not certify copies of your documents.

Step 2: Complete the application

Note

Filling out the application

Make one photocopy of the original forms.

Original forms:
Sign the original forms and send them to the CIO.

Photocopy:
Keep this set for your personal records.

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

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

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) (PDF, 536 KB)
• Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP) (PDF, 472 KB)
• Schedule A: Background / Declaration (IMM 5669) (PDF, 286 KB)
• Schedule 3: Economic Classes – Federal Skilled Worker (IMM 0008 – Schedule 3) (PDF, 191 KB)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406) (PDF, 79 KB)
• Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562) (PDF, 21 KB)
• Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada (IMM 5604) (PDF, 21 KB)
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) (PDF, 19 KB)
• Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620) (PDF, 27 KB)
• Document Checklist – Centralized Intake Office (IMM 5612) (PDF, 233 KB)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable. (PDF, 55 KB)

Important information. 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.

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
  • Parents/grandparents
  • Orphaned sibling/nephew/niece/grandchild
  • Other relative
• If you chose “Economic” in question 1, select one the following:
  • Skilled worker
  • 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
• If you chose “Refugee” in question 1, select one of the following:
  • Outside Canada – Convention Refugee
  • Outside Canada – Country of Asylum
  • In Canada Claim – Refugee
  • In Canada – Protected Person
  • In Canada – Convention Refugee
• If you chose “Other” in question 1, select
  • 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.

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 submit your application to the CIO, you must indicate the name of an appropriate visa office using the criteria above.

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

If you chose “Refugee” in question 1, do not complete questions 7a), b) and c).

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.

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

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).

Question 5

Indicate your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 6

From the list, select your eye color.

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.

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.

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.
• Your immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
• 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 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
• 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.

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/zipcode
• 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

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.

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.

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

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 dependant 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.
• Your immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
• 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
• 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).

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, and
• type of certificate or diploma issued.

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 comes first.

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.).

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;
• 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 details about your military service (if applicable). Provide the details of military service for each of the countries whose armed forces you served in. If you were not in any military service, write N/A.

Question 12

Indicate the residential addresses where you have lived since your 18^th birthday, 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 3: Economic Classes – Federal Skilled Worker Class (IMM 0008-Schedule 3)

Who needs to fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• You, as the principal applicant.

Question 1

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

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

Question 2

Write your date of birth.

Question 3

Check the box to indicate if you have an offer of employment in Canada that is approved by Human Resources and Skill Development Canada. If Yes, include the employer’s name and address and the occupation in which you have been offered employment in Canada.

Question 4

Check the box to indicate if you are currently working in Canada under a work permit. If Yes, provide a copy of your work permit.

Question 5

Check the appropriate box to indicate in which of Canada’s official languages, English or French, you are able to most comfortably express yourself.

One of Canada’s objectives with respect to immigration is to support and assist the development of minority language communities in Canada. Your answer will help us to determine in which official language you are most likely to request government services (for example in healthcare or education).

Question 6

Language

a) Check the appropriate box to indicate in which of Canada’s official languages, English or French, you are able to most comfortably express yourself.

b) Unless you have taken an approved test or tests to assess your proficiency in English or French, you should not submit an application.

For this reason, your answer to this question should be “yes”. If you answer “no”, and you do not submit the results of the assessment of your official language proficiency, your application will be returned to you as incomplete.

For more information. See: “Ability in English and/or French” to help you determine your ability in English and French.

Question 7

Study in Canada

If applicable, check the box to indicate whether you or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have completed a program of full-time study (of at least two years) at a post-secondary institution in Canada in the past.

Question 8

Work in Canada

If applicable, check the box to indicate whether you or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have worked full-time in Canada in the past.

Question 9

Check the box to indicate whether you or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have a relative living in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. If Yes, check the appropriate box to indicate the relationship to you or your spouse or common-law partner.

Question 10

 a) Assets
Indicate the total amount (in Canadian dollars) of fixed deposits, savings accounts, pensions, etc.

b) Liabilities
Indicate the total amount (in Canadian dollars) of real property mortgages and any other personal debts.

c) Total funds available for settlement in Canada
With consideration to your total assets and liabilities, indicate the total amount (in Canadian dollars) of unencumbered, transferable and available funds that you have for settlement in Canada.

Question 11

Your work experience

Starting with your current occupation, list all of the occupations that you have had in the 10 years preceding the date of your application. For each occupation;

• include the appropriate National Occupation Classification (NOC) code,
• check the box that corresponds to the number of years of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time experience, and
• write a description of your main duties.

Note: List only occupations that fall in Skill Type 0 or Skill Levels A or B of the NOC.

For more information. See: “National Occupation Classification”

Question 12

Order of preference

From the occupations you listed in question 11 above, list which occupational experience you would like to be assessed in order of preference. Begin with your first choice and continue with your second, etc. Include both the NOC code and the occupation’s title.

Note: The order of preference will be used for the assessment of eligibility under the ministerial instructions. The order can be different from the order in which occupations are listed in question 11.

Additional family information (IMM 5406)

Who needs to fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• You, as 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).

SECTION A

Write the personal details for:

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

Note: If you do not have a spouse or a common-law partner, sign the declaration at the end of Section A.

SECTION B

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

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

You must answer all questions. If any sections do not apply to you, answer “N/A”.

Note: if you do not have any children, sign the declaration at the end of Section B.

SECTION C

Write personal details about your:

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

SECTION D

Note. After carefully reading the statements contained in this section, sign and date the declaration.

Supplementary Information: Your Travels (IMM 5562)

Who needs to fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant;

You must complete all sections including those for your spouse or common law partner (whether accompanying or not) and each dependent child over the age of 18 (whether accompanying or not).

If there is not enough space to provide all the necessary information, use an extra sheet of paper. Print your name and the form’s title on the additional sheet.

Question 1

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

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

Question 2a

List all trips you have taken outside your country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since your 18th birthday if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If you did not travel outside your country during this period, check “did not travel”.

Question 2b

List all trips your spouse or common-law partner has taken outside their country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since their 18th birthday if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If they did not travel outside their country during this period, check “did not travel”.

Question
2c,d,e

Write the full name (given name and surname/family name) of your dependent child 18 years or older as it appears on their passport or on the official documents that will be use to obtain their passport. Do not use initials.

List all trips that the dependent child has taken outside their country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since their 18th birthday if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If they did not travel outside their country during this period, check “did not travel”.

Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)

Who must complete this form?

This form must be completed and signed by the sponsor and common-law partner, only if the latter is a co-signer on the application.

Write the following information in the space provided:

• Country
• Province/state/territory
• name of the declarant
• name of the declarant’s partner
• name of city, town, village
• name of county (if applicable)
• name of province/state/territory
• name of the country
• number of continuous year(s) in a conjugal relationship
• date of the relationship (from-to)

Question 1A

Check the box to indicate if you have jointly signed a residential lease, mortgage or purchase agreement relating to a residence in which you both live.

Question 1B

Check the box to indicate if you jointly own property other than your residence.

Question 1C

Check the box to indicate if you have joint bank, trust credit union or charge card accounts.

Question 1D

Check the box to indicate if you have declared your common-law union under the Canadian Income Tax Act ( T-1 “General individual income Tax Return”)

Question 2

Check the box to indicate if you have life insurance on yourself which names your common-law partner as beneficiary.

Question 3

Check the box to indicate if your common-law partner has life insurance on him/herself which names you as beneficiary.

Question 4

If you answered “NO” to questions 1 to 3, indicate other documentary evidence you have that would indicate your relationship as common-law partners

Question 5

SOLEMN DECLARATION

Write the following information in the space provided:

• name of declarant
• name of declarant partner
• name of the city, town, village
• name of the county
• name of the province /state/territory
• name of the country
• date (day, month, year)
• signature of the declarant
• signature of the declarant
• name of the Commissioner of Oaths
• signature of the Commissioner of Oaths

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Who may use this form?

Complete this form only if you:

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

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

What is a representative?

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

When you appoint a representative:

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

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

Types of representatives

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

There are two types of representatives.

Uncompensated representatives include:

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

Compensated representatives:

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

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

Authorized representatives are:

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

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

General Application Information

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

Section A – Applicant Information

Question 1

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

Question 2

Write your date of birth.

Question 3

If you have already submitted your application, write:

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

Question 4

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

Section B – Appointment of Representative

Question 5

Write your representative’s full name.

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

Question 6

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

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

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

Question 7

Write your representative’s contact information.

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

Question 8

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

Section C – Cancel the Appointment of a Representative

Question 9

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

Section D – Your Declaration

Question 10

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

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

Release of information to other individuals

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

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

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

Step 3: Pay the fees

Calculating your fees

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

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

and

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

Note: Dependent children are exempt from paying the right of Permanent Residence fee.

Incorrect fee payment

Important information. Incorrect fee payments may delay your application.

Payment issue - No fee included/or insufficient fees

CIO will return your application.

Note: The review of your application will only start after you return your application with the correct fees.

Note

Payment method options

Complete the Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620) and include it with your application to the CIO. On-line payments are not accepted by the CIO.

In Canadian funds only, you may pay:

• by certified cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to the “Receiver General for Canada” or
• with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)

Note: Certified cheques, bank drafts and money orders may have expiry dates.  When you submit your application to the CIO, the expiry date must be at least five months into the future.

If there is no expiry date on your certified cheque, money order or bank draft and it is drawn on a foreign bank, it can only be cashed for 6 months from the date of issue.  To ensure it can still be cashed when the fee payment is processed at the CIO, it must be issued no more than 30 days before you send your application to the CIO.

If you are paying by credit card, please ensure that your credit card will be valid for at least nine months from your submission date.

If we are unable to process your payment, your application will be returned to you.

Important information. Each application from a principal applicant must include a fee payment form. This form must include the fees for the principal applicant and any accompanying family members.

The same fee payment form may not be used for more than one principal applicant.

Important: Do not enclose cash.

Additional fees

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

• medical examinations
• police certificates
• language assessments

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).

Step 4: Mail the application

Note

Mailing instructions

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

• Put the completed forms, supporting documents required by the CIO and fee payment in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9″ x 12″) envelope.
• Send your completed application to one of the addresses shown below.

Regular mail:

Applicants applying under Category 1 and 2:

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)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
PO BOX 7500
Sydney, NS
B1P 0A9
Canada

Applicants applying under Category 3:

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)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
PO BOX 8300
Sydney, NS
B1P 0A9
Canada

Or by courier for all categories:

Note: On your envelope, specify the category under which you are applying.

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)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
NOC category, AEO category or PhD category
Centralized Intake Office
47-49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2
Canada

Send the document checklist

Make sure you follow the Document Checklist (IMM 5612) and use it as the cover page of your application. Do not submit documents that are not found on the checklist and do not send duplicates of your application or documentation.

Note

Sign the form

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

What Happens Next

The table below represents the phases of the assessment and processing.

Phase: Completeness check

Citizenship and Immigration Canada reviews your application to make sure that:

• all required fields in your application forms are complete,
• all required documents are submitted from Document Checklist (IMM 5612), and
• the correct processing fee payment has been made

If your application is:

• incomplete or;
• the allowable limit has been reached,

your entire package (including your payment) will be returned to you with a letter explaining why it is being returned.

Phase: Eligibility Review

An officer will make an final determination of eligibility of your application to determine whether:

• your application qualifies for processing under one of the two categories described in the Ministerial Instructions

If your application does not qualify for processing under the Ministerial Instructions you will be sent a letter that:

• provides the reason why your application is not eligible for processing
• confirms that a refund for the processing fee will be issued

Phase: Selection and Admissibility

If your application is eligible for processing, your application will be assessed against the following requirements:

• minimal requirements
• selection factors
• sufficient funds
• admissibility (criminality, security, medical)
• If your score is equal to or greater than the pass mark, your application will be sent to the visa office for further processing.

Important information

Medical requirements

All applicants must undergo a medical examination.

You and your family members, whether they will be accompanying you or not, must undergo and pass a medical examination. To pass the medical examination you or your family members must not have a condition that:

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

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

Instructions
If you meet the selection criteria, you will receive medical forms for yourself (and any family members), and instructions on how to access a list of doctors in your area who are authorized to conduct immigration medical examinations (see below). You cannot undergo the medical examination before you submit your application forms.

Exam validity
The medical examination results are valid for 12 months from the date of the first medical examination. If the processing of your application for permanent residence is not completed during this time, you will have to undergo another complete medical examination.

Authorized doctors
Your own doctor cannot do the medical examination. You must be examined by a physician on Canada’s list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Note: The physician is only responsible for conducting a medical examination; he or she cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.

Factors that can facilitate processing

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

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

Factors that may delay processing

The following factors may delay the processing of your application:

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

H&C considerations

The Ministerial Instructions do not permit the consideration of humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) requests for exemption from immigration legislation, unless the applicant meets the requirements for processing under one of the two categories identified in the Federal Skilled Worker class.

This means that requests for exemptions on H&C grounds should only be submitted after it has been determined that your application qualifies for processing under the ministerial instructions.

Note: Requests in other classes will continue to be processed at Visa Offices.

Permanent resident status

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

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

Rights

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

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

Limitations

There are a few limitations on permanent residents:

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

Obligations

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

The Permanent Resident Card

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

Checking application status online

You can check the status of your application online once you receive your file number by doing the following:

1. Visit our website;
2. Go to Check My Application Status in the I need to… section on the right-hand side of the page.

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

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

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

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.

Appendix A - Photo Specifications

Notes to the applicant

TAKE THIS WITH YOU TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER

• Immigration photographs are not the same as passport photographs.
• Make sure that you provide the correct number of photographs 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 centred 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 35 mm (1”and 1 3/8”) from chin to crown;
• have a 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8” x 1 3/4”) finished size.

Appendix B – Letter of Attestation for the PhD stream

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• Letter Of Attestation for the PhD stream (PDF Format, 333 Kb)