Change of sex or gender identifier for reasons other than a clerical or administrative error (identity management)

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

This page explains what to do if a change of sex or gender identifier is requested due to a reason other than a clerical or administrative error.

On this page

Historical records

Historical records are not amended unless a clerical or administrative error has been made by IRCC. These records are

  • immigration records of landing
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence documents

If an error has been made by IRCC, the officer should follow the instructions in Change of sex or gender identifier due to a clerical or administrative error.

Other records

For other records, a Request Form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (PDF, 1.75 MB) must be submitted to support a request to change the sex or gender identifier on IRCC documents. For more information, see Change of sex or gender identifier requirements by line of business.

In addition to the required form, the applicant must also provide any requested documents as part of the application instruction guide and document checklist to establish their identity.

Additional documentation may be requested during the processing of the application. If anything further is required, the officer should contact the applicant.

Note: Supporting documents from the issuing authority are not required.

Signature of a parent or legal guardian for minors

If a change of sex or gender identifier is being requested for an individual under 18 years of age, both the applicant and their parent or legal guardian need to do all of the following:

  • sign the Request Form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier
  • provide proof of parentage or legal guardianship, as stipulated within the appropriate jurisdiction

A signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for the purpose of applying for a document on behalf of a minor.

Change of sex or gender identifier requirements by line of business

The process for changing sex or gender identifiers is the same for the following lines of business:

  • Citizenship
  • Permanent residence
  • Temporary residence
  • Refugee claimants

In these lines of business, a Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (PDF, 1.75 MB) form must be submitted to support a request to change the sex or gender identifier on IRCC documents, regardless of what is indicated on the client’s supporting documents. Supporting documents from the issuing authority are not required.

Electronic travel authorization (eTA)

These instructions do not apply to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) line of business, as eTAs are electronically linked to a foreign national’s passport, and no hard copy documents are issued.

Protected persons

For the purposes of these guidelines, protected persons are considered to be the following:

For these clients, a Request Form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier must be submitted to support a request to change the sex or gender identifier on IRCC documents, regardless of what is indicated on their foreign passport or supporting documents. Supporting documents from the issuing authority are not required.

Successful refugee claimants

People whose refugee claims are approved receive a positive Notice of Decision from the Refugee Protection Division or Refugee Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board. Notices of Decision do not contain sex or gender identifiers.

These clients may request a verification of status (VOS) document indicating the status of “protected person”, along with their requested sex or gender identifier.

Successful pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) applicants

Successful pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) applicants receive a VOS document indicating the status of “protected person”.

These clients may request a new VOS document containing their requested sex or gender identifier.

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