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Applying online

What is a personal document checklist?

A personal document checklist is a list of forms and documents you need to complete and send in with an application when you apply through your IRCC secure account or send a paper application.

Make sure to upload all the supporting documents listed on the checklist that you need to include when you submit an application through your IRCC secure account.


What is a personal reference code?

A personal reference code is a unique code you get when you use the Come to Canada online eligibility tool.

You can use this code only in the IRCC secure account to:

You can find your personal reference code at the top of your results page after you answer all the questions in the tool.

Write the code down and print a copy of your results and checklist for your records.

Your code will expire 60 days after you get it.


Is there a file size limit for documents I upload to my account?

Yes. The file size limit varies depending on which online application account you use.

Online account type File size limit (per file)
IRCC secure account 4 MB
IRCC Portal 2 MB
Online citizenship application 2 MB
Asylum portal 4 MB
Permanent Residence Portal 4 MB

I need to add multiple files to my online application, but there is only one field to upload documents. What can I do?

You need to combine all your documents into 1 file.

How to combine documents into 1 file

Text documents

PDF files

You can combine several PDF files into 1 PDF file.

Images

You can combine multiple images of your documents into a text document or a PDF file.

When you save a PDF file, select a low resolution (150 DPI or less) or a minimum size setting to keep the document under the file size limit for the online application you use.


Can I send a new document after I apply online?

You can only send more documents to support your application if we ask for them.

If we need more documents from you, we’ll

If you change your mailing address or contact information or if you have other important changes to your situation, find out how you can let us know about these changes to your case.


What file formats can I upload to my account?

The file formats you can upload depend on which online account you use.

Online account type Accepted file types
IRCC secure account .jpg, .png, .doc, .tiff, .pdf
IRCC Portal .jpg, .png, .doc, .docx, .tiff, .pdf
Online citizenship application .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff, .pdf
Asylum Portal .jpg, .png, .tiff, .doc, .docx, .pdf
Permanent Residence Portal .pdf (for application forms and supporting documents), .jpg, .jpeg, .doc, .docx, .png

How do I view the messages in my account?

To get messages about a specific application

  1. Sign in to the account you used to apply (for example, IRCC secure account).
  2. Then follow the instructions below. Exception: For citizenship applications, you can find any messages in “Check your actions.”
    • Scroll down to the section “View my submitted applications or profiles.”
    • Click on the “Check status and messages” button in the last column.
Image of “View my submitted applications or profiles” table as described above

There you’ll see your application status and any messages about that application.

Click on the arrow next to the message you want to read.

Image of arrow next to the message as described above

The arrow will turn downward and you’ll see a line that says, “To view this message, click here.” Click the link and the message will open in PDF format.

 Image of link as described above

To get general messages about your account

These messages are on the main account page at the bottom, under the heading “Account messages.”


How long do I have to complete and submit my online application?

After starting an online application or online request, you have 60 days to complete it. You can see the days remaining to submit your application on your account Welcome Page. If you do not submit your application within 60 days, it will automatically be deleted.


How do I sign my online application?

IRCC secure account

You have to type in your name and answer a security question to submit your application. This is your electronic signature. Do not print out your application form to sign it.

To sign your online application

  1. Type your name in the boxes.

    Your given name and last name must be exactly the same as on your application form. If you’re under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must sign your form for you.

  2. Answer the security question.

    This will be one of the four security questions you created when you registered your account. You must answer exactly as you did when you created them.

Online application to become a Canadian citizen

You can sign your application

Permanent residence portal

To electronically sign your application

This will act as an electronic signature for the overall application and all digital forms.

Your first and last names must be exactly the same as on your passport.


How do I cancel an application I submitted online?

To cancel or withdraw an online application, use this web form.

Include in the form:

We’ll find out if you can withdraw your application and will contact you if we need more information. If we find that you can withdraw your application, we’ll refund your fees.

If you withdraw your eTA application, we can’t refund your fee.

See: How do I withdraw my Express Entry profile?


I have a question about a document I am asked to submit in my online account. Who can I ask?

To find out why you are being asked to submit a specific document, to get more information about what a document should be, or to let us know why you cannot provide a document

The processing officer will read your letter and provide more information based on your case.

See also: What do I do if I run into technical problems with my online visa or permit application?


An officer asked me to provide a document in my account, but I’m missing information. What do I do?

Before you upload the document the officer asked you for, you need to enter information about it. In some cases, the document won’t have all the information that you need to enter.

In this case:

If you’re asking for an extension to get a Police Certificate for your eTA application:


What are electronic credentials?

Electronic credentials are what you use to securely sign in to online accounts. They usually include a password and:


What services do I need Sign-In Partner or GCKey for?

You need to use Sign-In Partner or GCKey to access :


What do you mean by authentication?

It is a secure means to recognize a user when accessing government services online. The user remains anonymous, and the authentication process just confirms that the credential is valid and is in the hands of the owner of the credential. Credential authentication does not reveal or confirm identity to the government website. It receives only a message confirming that your credential (username/password) was successfully validated by your bank or by the government.


I had to switch my electronic log-in credentials not that long ago. Why are you changing it again?

The Government of Canada has been using a phased approach to authentication services. Access Key was an interim step while the Government of Canada was putting in place new, cost-effective solutions which would provide improved user choice and convenience, securely.


Can I still use my Access Key?

No. As of November 3, 2012, you will need to use either GCKey or Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service) to access IRCC online services.


Who can I contact if I have questions about GCKey or Sign-In Partner?

For questions about GCKey, please call 1-855-438-1102. The GCKey help desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More information is available on the GCKey website.

For questions about Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service), find out how to get help.


What do I do if my Sign-In Partner was removed?

The process to change your sign-in information depends on the type of account or portal you have.

For an IRCC secure account

You have to create a new account and link your applications to it. You won’t lose any messages or updates related to applications you already submitted.

To set up your new account:

  1. Create a new account
  2. From your new account’s home page, choose “Add (link) your application to your account.”
  3. Answer the questions about your application.
    1. For the section, “Applicant’s personal information,” enter in the information as it appeared on the passport or travel document you used when you submitted your application. This may be different than your current passport or travel document.

You can try to link an application 5 times. If it doesn’t work after 5 tries, you’ll be locked out for 24 hours.

If you were working on an application that you didn’t submit

You need to restart it in your new account.

For an Authorized Representative Portal account

You need to enroll in the portal again.

  1. Create a new account using a new Sign-In Partner or GCKey.
  2. From the portal welcome page, under the section “What would you like to do today?” select “Authorized Paid Representative Enrolment Application”
  3. When asked if you’ve previously enrolled as an Authorized Paid Representative select “Yes.”
  4. Continue enrolling following the steps in our enrolment guide.

What are electronic credentials?

Electronic credentials are what you use to securely sign in to online accounts. They usually include a password and:


What services do I need Sign-In Partner or GCKey for?

You need to use Sign-In Partner or GCKey to access :


What do you mean by authentication?

It is a secure means to recognize a user when accessing government services online. The user remains anonymous, and the authentication process just confirms that the credential is valid and is in the hands of the owner of the credential. Credential authentication does not reveal or confirm identity to the government website. It receives only a message confirming that your credential (username/password) was successfully validated by your bank or by the government.


I had to switch my electronic log-in credentials not that long ago. Why are you changing it again?

The Government of Canada has been using a phased approach to authentication services. Access Key was an interim step while the Government of Canada was putting in place new, cost-effective solutions which would provide improved user choice and convenience, securely.


Can I still use my Access Key?

No. As of November 3, 2012, you will need to use either GCKey or Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service) to access IRCC online services.


Who can I contact if I have questions about GCKey or Sign-In Partner?

For questions about GCKey, please call 1-855-438-1102. The GCKey help desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More information is available on the GCKey website.

For questions about Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service), find out how to get help.


What is Sign-In Partner?

This is a secure way for you to sign into your online account using information you already have.

Sign-In Partners are groups like banks and credit unions that partner with Interac® sign-in service. If you’re their customer, you can use the same login that you use to sign in to your bank or credit union, to access Government of Canada services.

You can use Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service) if you have an account with:


Which banks are participating in Sign-In Partner?

The following financial institutions have partnered with Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service):

It is expected that other financial institutions will participate in Sign-In Partner in the future. Keep checking the Sign-In Partner list when you log in to access Government of Canada services.


Why is the Government of Canada offering users the option to use banking credentials?

By offering a choice of credentials, the government is making its online services more convenient for clients to access. Many individuals use their online banking credentials regularly, so being able to use the same credential to access government services online means that you will have one less User ID and password to remember.


What are the advantages of using my online banking credentials?

Your existing credentials, such as your online banking credentials, are familiar as you may already use them on a regular basis. Using your credential from one of the Sign-In Partners to access government services is convenient as you don’t have to remember a different user ID and password.

The safeguarding of Canadians’ information online is a priority for the Government of Canada and measures have been put in place to ensure secure online access which respects privacy.

Remember that when you use a Sign-In Partner, none of your banking or personally identifiable information is communicated to the government service you are trying to access and the Government of Canada does not know which Sign-In Partner (or financial institution) you have used. Similarly, no information about the government service being accessed by the user will be shared with the user's Sign-in Partner.


Is the banking credential (Sign-In Partner) as secure as the government credential (GCKey)?

Yes, the banking credential is just as secure as the government credential. The same authentication process and security requirements are used whether you use your banking credential through Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service) or the government-issued credential service called GCKey.

The authentication process does not carry any personally identifiable information such as name or birth date. It relies on strong technology, built using industry best practices. By offering you the choice of using a banking credential, the Government of Canada is leveraging the investments made by financial institutions in secure online environments.


Will any of my banking information be shared if I use Sign-In Partner?

No, your banking information is not shared when you use a Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service).

The technology is designed in such a way that the Government of Canada will not know which Sign-In Partner (or financial institution) you have used. Similarly, the bank will not know which government department or agency its customer contacted. Also, the credential broker who facilitates this interaction will not know the identity of the individual or business. The participating financial institutions and departments and agencies will not share any information that identifies individuals, as directed under privacy legislation.


I don’t bank with any of the financial institutions listed. What alternative do I have when I want to access government services online?

If you don’t have a credential with one of the Sign-In Partners, you can use the government-issued credential, GCKey.

It is expected that other Sign-In Partners will be added in the future, so keep checking the list of Sign-In Partners when you log in to access Government of Canada services.


My bank is on your list, but I don’t have online banking. How do I access the IRCC secure account using Sign-In Partner?

To use Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service), you must be registered for online banking with your financial institution. Your bank can assist you with online banking.


I would rather not use Sign-In Partner to access the IRCC secure account. What are my options?

You can use GCKey, a government-issued credential, to access Government of Canada online services.


Will the bank charge me for using my banking credential to access government services?

No. This is part of the service your bank offers its customers.


Will I still be able to use GCKey even if I decided to use my online banking credentials once?

Yes, if you wish to do so, you can use a different credential to access different Government of Canada services. However, you will need to remember which credential you used with each of those services. For example, if you use GCKey to register for an account with IRCC, you must always use GCKey to access your account.


What are electronic credentials?

Electronic credentials are what you use to securely sign in to online accounts. They usually include a password and:


What services do I need Sign-In Partner or GCKey for?

You need to use Sign-In Partner or GCKey to access :


What do you mean by authentication?

It is a secure means to recognize a user when accessing government services online. The user remains anonymous, and the authentication process just confirms that the credential is valid and is in the hands of the owner of the credential. Credential authentication does not reveal or confirm identity to the government website. It receives only a message confirming that your credential (username/password) was successfully validated by your bank or by the government.


I had to switch my electronic log-in credentials not that long ago. Why are you changing it again?

The Government of Canada has been using a phased approach to authentication services. Access Key was an interim step while the Government of Canada was putting in place new, cost-effective solutions which would provide improved user choice and convenience, securely.


Can I still use my Access Key?

No. As of November 3, 2012, you will need to use either GCKey or Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service) to access IRCC online services.


Who can I contact if I have questions about GCKey or Sign-In Partner?

For questions about GCKey, please call 1-855-438-1102. The GCKey help desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More information is available on the GCKey website.

For questions about Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service), find out how to get help.


What is GCKey?

A GCKey lets you securely access the Government of Canada’s online services.

It includes a username and password that you choose. You also must create security questions. This keeps your data secure and lets you recover your account.


Why has the Government of Canada introduced GCKey?

The GCKey service was introduced as 1 of 2 options to replace the Access Key service. GCKey is a service managed by the Government of Canada that uses electronic credentials (usernames and passwords) so you can access federal government services online. The GCKey service can be used for those who do not have online banking credentials or choose not to use them with Sign-In Partner (Interac® sign-in service).


How do I get a GCKey credential?

To register for a GCKey, go to the sign in page and click the “Continue to GCKey” button.

Then, choose a user name and a password. It’ll ask you to create security questions. Keep a copy of this in a safe place in case you forget.


Who has access to the information I submit when I register for a GCKey?

The GCKey service does not share your registration information with any third party. The information you provide is held by the Government of Canada and is protected under the Federal Privacy Act.


What do I do if I lost my GCKey username or password?

If you lost your GCKey password, you can create a new one.

If you lost your GCKey username, you can recover it.

If you lost your email, you have to create a new GCKey. If you create a new GCKey, you can access an application by linking the application to your new account.

See also: I recently reset my account, but I don’t see my application. How can I get it back?


How do I change my GCKey password?

You can change your password after you sign in using GCKey. To change your password, you need to enter your current password and then create and confirm a new password.

Your password must:

You can also change your password if you forgot it.


What are the rules for creating a username or password?

Your username must:

Your password must:


What if I no longer want to use my GCKey?

If you no longer want to use your GCKey, you can revoke it:

  1. Sign into your account
  2. Choose the “Revoke your GCKey” button in the options menu
  3. Enter your current password to confirm that you want to revoke your GCKey

Remember: When you revoke your GCKey, you will not be able to use it for any Government of Canada service.


Why did the action button in my GCKey account disappear?

The action button will disappear

The button disappears to prevent you from paying for the same application more than once, but it should reappear after 48 hours.

If your action button has been gone for more than 48 hours, please submit a webform, selecting “Technical difficulties” in the first drop-down menu.


I can’t sign in to my IRCC secure account. What should I do?

If you’re having trouble signing in to your IRCC secure account , try these common fixes:

If you still can’t sign in to your account, let us know through our web form.

If you need to upload many images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

We’ll try to respond to you within 2 to 5 business days. Our response time can vary depending on overall volume of enquiries.


What do I do if I have technical problems when applying online?

Here are some solutions that could help you with technical issues.

Problems downloading, opening or uploading a PDF form

We have some answers that could help.

Find more answers about technical issues with PDF forms and other aspects of applying online.

IRCC secure account – While you’re applying

Technical problems – Filling out an application or trying to upload documents

If you can’t find a solution in our answers about technical issues

  • Use the Report a technical issue button at the top of your account to share the issue with us.
    • An agent will respond to you as soon as they can. Our response time can vary depending on overall volume of enquiries.

If you’re in Canada and applying to work or study

In some cases, you need to follow special instructions to complete your application, or you may need to apply on paper. Find out if this applies to you.

All online applications – While you're applying or after you submit your application

This includes the IRCC secure account, the IRCC Portal, the online citizenship application, the Permanent Residence Portal and all other types of online accounts with us.

If the technical problem is not addressed by our answers about technical issues

  • Use our web form and choose Technical difficulties as the type of enquiry.

To help us find and solve the issue as fast as possible, follow the steps below.

  1. Personal information and description of the issue

    Include the following details on the web form:

    • surname (last name)
    • given name(s)
    • date of birth
    • country of birth
    • the type of device you were using (PC, Mac, iPad, etc.)
    • the browser you were using (including version)
    • your general location (Africa, Asia, Europe, etc.)
    • description of the problem or error message, including the date and time (including time zone) it happened
    • screenshots of the page where you had the problem
    • a copy/paste text of the full URL of the page
    • as much information as possible about the steps you took before you had the problem
  2. Additional details about your application

    If you have any or all of the following, also include them on the web form:

    • Unique Client Identifier (UCI)/Client ID Number
    • application number
    • personal reference code
    • current status in Canada and the date of expiration
    • the date you applied
  3. Screenshots or other documents that show us what the problem is

    Showing us what the technical issue is (for example, the messages you may have seen on screen) and when exactly it happened will help us better understand what you experienced and will allow us to provide the right solution.

    For technical issues uploading a form or document, include

    • a copy of the form or document you’re trying to upload (with all fields completed), and
    • all your answers to the online questionnaire
      • To do this
        • choose “Modify my Answers” at the top of the page
        • save your answers into a document by
          • taking screen shots or
          • copying and pasting the text

    For technical issues linking your application to a new account, include

    • all your answers on the “Link an existing application to this account” page. Save them in a document by
      • taking screenshots or
      • copying and pasting the text

    For all other technical issues, include

    • screenshots showing the full browser window of the
      • page where you’re having problems or trying to sign into your account
      • error message(s) you got

If you need to send many documents and images, find out how to combine documents.

We’ll try to answer within 10 business days after you contact us. Our response time is dependent on the volume of enquiries we receive.

Please do not send your question more than once. It can delay our answer.

  • Make sure that your enquiry is as complete as possible before you submit a web form.

What browser should I use to apply online?

Due to recent upgrades, you may not be able to access your account with certain web browsers. To prevent these difficulties, upgrade your browser to the newest version.

To keep your information secure and confidential when using your online account, use a browser that supports encryption using Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2. These include


How do I upgrade my browser?

You can download a new browser or upgrade your browser by visiting the company’s website.

If you use another type of browser software, you should check with your software supplier to make sure that your browser has 128-bit secure sockets layer encryption capability.

Note: We are not responsible for any difficulties or problems in downloading and installing software. Software suppliers are responsible for providing technical support.


Why do I need to clear my browser cache?

It is a good idea to clear your browser cache because it

When you visit a website, your browser stores

When we update our application, your browser may still use old files. If you don’t clear your cache, you may see old forms. Old files can cause display or access problems when you apply online.

Find out how to clear your browser cache in

It’s important to sign out and close your browser before leaving your computer unattended. This prevents unauthorized access to your personal information.


I can’t open my application form in PDF format. What can I do?

We’re experiencing issues with some of our forms with 2D barcodes:

If you’re submitting one of these forms, you need to use version 11.0.09 of Acrobat Reader to fill it out.

If you’re applying at a visa application centre (VAC), they may ask you to re-fill out the form at their internet kiosks.

IRCC forms that need to be validated using the “validate” button at the bottom of the form use special encoding. You need a computer with Adobe Reader 10 or higher to use them.

If you have problems opening a PDF on our website, try the following:

For PC users

For Mac users

You can get a free copy of Adobe Reader from the Adobe website. It is available for Windows, Mac and Android devices.


After I click the Validate button on my application form, nothing happens and I don’t see the barcodes. Why?

There are a few reasons this could happen.

  1. Your version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is out of date.

    The forms you need to validate use special encoding. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader 10 (or higher) to use them.

  2. You’re using a cellphone, tablet or other mobile device.

    The barcode forms don’t work on these kinds of devices.

  3. You’re missing information in mandatory fields.

    Mandatory fields are those marked with an asterisk (*).

    When you click on the validation button, the PDF checks that you entered all the mandatory fields. If any are not complete, you won’t be able to validate the form

  4. The dates you entered are conflicting or not in the right format.

    Dates must be entered in the format of (YYYY-MM-DD)

    You won’t be able to validate the form if you enter conflicting dates, such as

    • using a date in the past for the date you plan to travel to Canada
    • entering a future date for your birth date
  5. You entered special characters into the form.

    You cannot use special characters on our forms including spaces. Make sure to remove any spaces in fields that should be empty by pressing the backspace or delete button you may have entered by mistake.

There are also 2 known technical issues:

  1. Mac users: the new version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (DC) may cause some issues.
  2. JavaScript: The validation feature needs to use JavaScript within Adobe Acrobat Reader.

    Solution:

    • To turn JavaScript on, open Adobe Acrobat Reader, click on “Edit,” then “Preferences,” then “JavaScript.”
    • Check the box beside “Enable JavaScript” and click OK.

After making any changes or downloading new software, download a new version of the form and re-enter your information.

If you’re still having issues, find out how to let us know about technical problems.


I get a Bad Encrypt Dictionary error opening a PDF. What does this mean?

This means you are using an older version of the reader software (version 7.0 or lower). Our forms are only supported by Adobe Reader 10 or higher.

You can get a free copy of Adobe Reader from the Adobe website. It is available for Windows, Mac and Android devices.


What do I do if an online application is down?

Scheduled down time

You’ll need to wait a few hours at most. If our online applications and access to online accounts are down for routine system maintenance

Unscheduled down time

If our online applications are down unexpectedly, we’ll post information and updates about it as soon as we can on our Twitter account and our website in the same locations as we post scheduled down time messages. We appreciate your patience as we endeavour to resolve the issue. Once resolved, we’ll announce it on Twitter and remove the messages on our website.


I recently reset my IRCC secure account, but I don’t see my application. How can I get it back?

If you have just reset your IRCC secure account because you lost your username or password, as a security measure we need to ask you questions about the application you submitted before we give you access to it.

To link an application you have in progress to your IRCC secure account, sign in to your account and click on “Link application to this account” under the heading “What would you like to do today?”

You will have to tell us specific information about the application you would like to access. Have a copy of your application form on hand as you will have to enter the information exactly as you did on your application form.


My documents are too large to upload. How do I reduce the file size?

First, make sure you know the file size limit for the online application you use. Depending on what you’re applying for, the limit can be as low as 2 MB.

Here are some tips for reducing the overall size of your file.

PDF format

JPG format

TIFF and PNG format

DOC and DOCX format


You asked me for a new document. How do I submit it?

When we ask you for documents, we also included information on how to send them to us.

Make sure to send your documents the way we ask you to. Otherwise, you could experience delays.

If we sent you the request via your account

Follow these instructions to upload your documents through your online account:

  1. Sign in to the account you used to apply online. (If you used IRCC secure account, sign in to that account.)
  2. Look for your application under View the applications you submitted.
  3. Under the Action column, click Check full application status.
  4. At the top of the page, click View submitted application or upload documents.
  5. Scroll down the page and click Continue.  
  6. Under “Documents submitted by the client” you can find
    • Document Name: the document we need
    • Instructions: more information on the type of document and how to get it
    • Required by: the latest date by when we need to receive the document
  7. Click Upload file and follow the steps to find and choose your documents from your computer and upload your document to your account.
  8. Make sure the Details column shows the message Uploaded - not submitted to IRCC.
  9. Click Next.
  10. Provide your Signature by entering your Given name(s) and Last name(s).
  11. Answer the Security Question.
  12. Click Sign.
  13. Click Transmit.
  14. The following message should appear on your screen: “Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your application or profile. You have successfully transmitted your additional or replacement document(s).”
  15. After you see the message, you will receive an email confirming that you have added a new document.

If we requested the documents through regular mail or email

Check the request message and follow the instructions on how to send us your documents.

If you have problems sending us your documents

If you can’t find our request letter/email, or if you have technical problems, contact us via our web form, tell us about your issue and send us your documents.


I don’t see the option to upload documents in my account, even though IRCC has asked for it. What do I do?

If you don’t see the option to upload documents in your account, tell us through the IRCC Webform.

Don’t forget to:

Don’t send in multiple forms to report your issue, as it can slow down our review of the requests.


I validated my form, but when I try to upload it to my account I get a validation error. What can I do?

When you upload your application form, our system checks the PDF to make sure it includes all the mandatory information. It also compares what you entered to the answers you entered in the online questionnaire.

If there is any missing information or differences, you might see the following message:

Validation error: You have not completed the mandatory fields or you have not completed them correctly. Please make corrections where indicated.

  • Error description: We are unable to validate your document at this time. Please try again later.

To avoid getting an error

If you are still having issues, find out how to let us know about your technical problems.


Which applications can I link to an IRCC secure account?

By linking an application to your secure IRCC online account, you can get more detailed status updates.

The following applications can be linked to a secure IRCC online account:

More programs will be added at a later date.

If your application isn’t available to be linked to an IRCC secure account, use the Check application status tool or check application processing times.


Why was I locked out of my IRCC secure account when I tried to link an application?

There could be a few reasons why you couldn’t link your application.

  1. No applications were found that match the information you provided.
  2. You tried to link and application more than 5 times.

    You can try to link an application up to 5 times. If it doesn’t work after 5 tries, you’ll be locked out for 24 hours.


When trying to link my application to my IRCC secure account, it says there are no matches. What’s going on?

There could be a few reasons why you can’t link your application.

  1. Your application is not in our system yet.

    If you applied by mail or in person, it may take some time before we enter your information in our system. Once we enter, you’ll be able to link your application.

  2. You selected the wrong application category.

    For some programs, there are different categories you can be invited to apply under. If you were invited to apply under a specific category, make sure you select the right one.

    • For the Canadian experience class, select “Canadian Experience Class” as the sub-category, not “Express Entry”. Similarly, for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program, choose the matching sub-category.
    • For any work permit through International Experience Canada (including open work permits), select the subcategory “International Experience Canada.”
  3. The information provided does not match what is in our system

    The system will only link an application if the information you enter matches the application exactly. Make sure you don’t have any extra spaces before or after what you type into each field.

    If you contacted us after you applied and updated any information, including passport information, provide the most recent information.

    These are the most common issues experienced when trying to link an application.

    • Enter your name as it appears on your passport if you applied on paper. This is what we enter into our system.
    • If you’re applying for family sponsorship, in the last question, “Number of family members, including the primary applicant, that are part of this application”, also include the sponsor and the co-signer (if applicable). The number entered will be at least 2.
    • If you selected the option Place of Birth under Applicant’s personal information, enter the “City/town of birth” as it appears on your passport (if applicable) or the IMM 0008 form, if no passport information was provided.

What happens after I link an application to an IRCC secure account?

After you link the application, it appears under the “View my submitted applications or profiles” section on the main account page. Click “Check status and messages” to see the application status and messages about the application.

If you see “Linking in progress,” check back again later.

Once your application is linked, you’ll receive messages about your application through your IRCC secure account. You will no longer receive letters about your application by mail.

See also Why are there differences between the status I see in the Check application status tool (CAS) and in my account?


Why can’t I find all my documents or forms in the Permanent Residence Portal?

We recently improved the Permanent Residence Portal. It will now only show forms and supporting documents for the program you chose.

You don’t need to

If you uploaded a document or form and can’t find it, check under Additional Supporting Documents or Additional Application Forms.

There are some forms, like the Document Checklist, that you will need to download from Additional Application Forms and then upload to their new spot before you submit your application.

How can I find other forms and supporting documents in the portal?

Read the guide for the program you’re applying to. It will tell you which forms and documents you may also need to submit, depending on your situation. Make sure you include all of them with your application.

Other forms you may need might not appear under the Application Forms list for your program. You can search for them, using the form title or number, under Additional Application Forms or Additional Supporting Documents.

For example, if you have a common-law partner you can search for either “Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union” or “IMM 5409” to find the form you need.


I can’t complete my IMM 0008 form in the Permanent Residence Portal because my national identity card doesn’t have an expiry date. What should I do?

If your national identity card doesn’t have an expiry date, follow these steps:

  1. In the Expiry Date (YYYY/MM/DD) field, enter “3000/01/01”.
  2. Click on the Save and Continue button.

The form should now be ready to submit.


Can I change the email address for my Permanent Residence Portal account?

You can’t change the email address you use to sign in to your portal account.

If you have a new email or can’t access your old one, you have 2 options:

  1. If you haven’t submitted your application yet, you can create a new account with your new email through the
  2. If you’ve already submitted your application, you can change the email your account updates are sent to. Contact us through the webform and we’ll send account updates to your new email.

Why can’t I save and continue when completing digital forms in the Permanent Residence Portal?

If the save and continue button is greyed out, make sure you’ve

  1. completed all the required fields
  2. only used valid characters

Check the portal instructions to make sure you have all the information you need for the forms.


What happens if my application in the Permanent Residence Portal expires?

If your application expires, you won’t be able to

Make sure you save any information you want to keep before this happens.

We only accept a certain number of applications each year for the Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker pilots. Once we reach the cap

  1. you won’t be able to submit an application if you started one
  2. any applications you didn’t submit will expire after approximately 30 days

If you want to apply again, you’ll need to create a new application in the portal when the pilot reopens.


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