How do I fill out an immigration application?

If you are applying on paper:

• Answer every question, even if it does not apply to you. If any answer, or the application, is incomplete, we may return or refuse it.
• If you do not have an answer to a question, and there are no instructions for it on the form or in the instruction guide, write “not applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided. That shows you have read and filled out the form fully.
• If your answer to a question will not fit in the space on a printed form, write your full answer on a separate sheet of paper. Note on the paper the exact form you are using and the letter or number of the question you are answering.
• If you want to give us more information, such as details of your case, provide it on a separate sheet of paper.

See more tips on completing forms.

If you are applying online:

• Answer every question on the application form. If an answer, or the application, is incomplete, we may refuse it.
• If you do not have an answer to a question, and there are no instructions for it on the form or in the Instruction Guide, write “not applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided. If you do not have a Unique Client Identifier (UCI), leave the space empty.
• If you want to give us more information about your case, type your explanation into a new document and save it. Go to the “Optional documents” section of your document checklist in your account, choose “add letter of explanation,” and upload it.