How do I make an electronic copy of my passport or proof of status in Canada document?

To make an electronic copy, you can use a scanner, your phone or a digital camera. Scan or take a picture of your document.

When you complete your interest to sponsor form, make sure you upload the same status in Canada document that you submit with your application, if you’re invited to apply.

You can only submit 1 file with your interest to sponsor form. If you have to submit both sides of your passport or status in Canada document, save both sides into 1 file. If you don’t have photo editing software, the easiest way to do this is to save both images into a Word document.

The maximum file size is 2 MB. If your file is bigger than 2 MB, you need to reduce the size to upload your document and submit the interest to sponsor form.

We accept these file formats:

• PDF (portable document)
• JPG, TIFF, or PNG (image)
• DOC or DOCX (Microsoft Word document)

The file name can only contain letters from the English or French alphabets, numbers, spaces, hyphens and these characters: / & , . - : \ ( ) * # ; @

Write down the name you give the file and where you save it so you can easily find the file later.

To avoid delays in processing, make sure the image is clear and your information is easy to read.

Documents we accept as proof of your status in Canada

Submit one of these proof of status documents:

• permanent resident card (both sides)
  • combine both sides into 1 image or file
• record of landing (IMM 1000) (only if you didn’t get a PR Card)
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
• Canadian Citizenship Certificate or card (both sides)
  • combine both sides into in 1 image or file
• Canadian birth certificate
  • If you were born in Quebec, we only accept a birth certificate from the Directeur de l’état civil.
• Your passport (pages showing passport number, date of issue and expiration, photo, name, surname, place and date of birth)
• Secure certificate of Indian status

We accept expired documents. You don’t need to renew your document to complete the interest to sponsor form or to submit your sponsorship application, if you’re invited to apply.

Prepare your copy ahead of time and know where to find it on your computer or mobile device.

What to do if you can’t upload your status in Canada document or passport in the interest to sponsor form

If you have trouble preparing or uploading your document in the interest to sponsor form:

• enter zeroes as the document number
• upload a letter explaining why you can’t submit your passport or proof of status in Canada document

Your letter of explanation must be in one of these file formats:

• PDF (portable document)
• JPG, TIFF, or PNG (image)
• DOC or DOCX (Microsoft Word document)

If you’re invited to apply, you need to:

• include the explanation letter in your application
• provide a copy of your proof of status in Canada document