3/31/2019 Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child – Complete Guide (IMM 5289) - Canada.

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Sponsor your spouse, common-law

partner, conjugal partner or dependent
child – Complete Guide (IMM 5289)
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Table of Contents
Before you apply
Your obligations as a sponsor
Become a sponsor
Who you can sponsor
Criminality
Things that may affect you
Sponsors living in Quebec
Step 1. Get your application kit
Step 2. Gather your documents
Step 3. Fill out the forms
Step 4. Pay the fees
Step 5. Check your application to avoid common mistakes
Step 6. Submit the application
What to expect after you apply
Table 1: Eligibility for rehabilitation
Appendix A: Key definitions
Appendix B: Request letters
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Appendix C: Photo specifications

Appendix D: Contact information for provincial authorities
Appendix E: “X” in the sex field on an immigration document

This is not a legal document.

For legal information, see the:

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Citizenship Act
Citizenship Regulations

You can request this publication in another format.

Before you apply

Note: You don’t need to hire a representative to prepare or submit your
application. However, if you are getting help, it is important that you review
the information on our website about who can give you advice, help you
with your forms, communicate with us on your behalf, and/or represent
you. If you pay someone or otherwise compensate them in any way in
exchange for their services, they must be someone who is authorized to do
so.

If you have any concerns about the assistance you have been given, you
can file a complaint.

If you haven’t already, read our Basic Guide (IMM 5525), which has all the
information you need to prepare your application package.

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This guide is designed to give you more detailed information and guidance.
For explanations of the terms used in the application process, see Appendix
A: Key definitions.

Step 5 will help you avoid common mistakes.

Who can use this application package?

Use this application package if you’re a Canadian citizen, Registered Indian
or a permanent resident of Canada who is 18 years of age or older and you
want to sponsor:

your spouse or common-law partner who lives with you in Canada, and
their dependent children
your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner who lives
overseas, and their dependent children
your dependent children

Use this guide to help you prepare both:

your application to sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent child,

and
your spouse, partner or dependent child’s application for permanent
residence.

If you’re applying under the Spouse or Common-law partner in Canada

class, your spouse or partner may be able to apply for an Open Work
Permit. For more information, see the section Working and studying for
spouses and partners.

Don’t use this guide if you’re sponsoring:

an adopted child or orphaned family member

other family members who are not your spouse, partner or dependent
child.
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If you’re sponsoring a family member other than your spouse, common-

law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child, use the sponsorship
package for adopted children and other relatives instead.

Your obligations as a sponsor

When you agree to be a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking, promising
to give financial support for the basic needs of your spouse or partner and
their dependent children.

Basic needs are:

food, clothing, shelter and other needs for everyday living,

dental care, eye care and other health needs that aren’t covered by
public health services.

Before signing the undertaking agreement, you must make sure the people
you sponsor won’t need to ask the government for financial help. If they
receive social assistance, you’ll have to pay back what they received during
the time you are legally responsible for them. You won’t be able to sponsor
anyone else until you’ve repaid the amount. For more information, see the
Defaults section below.

The undertaking is a binding promise of support, meaning that it is your

responsibility to support the applicant(s) for the length of the undertaking
period even if your situation changes. The undertaking will stay in effect for
the length of the undertaking period, even if your situation changes. The
undertaking won’t be cancelled, even if:

the person you sponsor becomes a Canadian citizen

you become divorced, separated or your relationship with the
sponsored person breaks down

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you or the person you sponsor move to another province or country

you have financial problems

May I cancel my undertaking after it’s been approved?

If you change your mind after you submit the sponsorship application and
undertaking, you must write us a letter before a final decision is made on
the file and submit the letter as an attachment through the IRCC Webform.
You can only withdraw an undertaking if we approve the withdrawal.

Length of undertaking
Your obligations as a sponsor start as soon as the undertaking is in effect.
If you change your mind after you submit the sponsorship application and
undertaking, you must write us a letter before a final decision is made on
the file and submit the letter as an attachment through the IRCC Webform.
You can only withdraw an undertaking if we approve the withdrawal. See
Step 6 to find out where to mail your letter.

The length of undertaking for residents of Quebec is different from the

length of undertaking for the rest of Canada. For more information about
sponsoring a family member in Quebec, see detailed information for length
of undertaking for residents of Quebec.

For sponsorships in all parts of Canada except for Quebec, the information
below explains how long your undertaking will be valid.

You’re sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner

Length of undertaking is 3 years from the day your spouse, common-law
partner or conjugal partner becomes a permanent resident.

You’re sponsoring a dependent child over 22 years of age

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Length of undertaking is 3 years from the day your dependent child (or
the dependent child of your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal
partner) over 22 years of age becomes a permanent resident.

You’re sponsoring a dependent child under 22 years of age

Length of undertaking is 10 years from the day your dependent child (or
the dependent child of your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal
partner) under 22 years of age becomes a permanent resident, or until
the child becomes 22 years old, whichever comes first. The length of
undertaking for residents of Quebec is slightly different.

 Note: You’ll be in default if your relative gets social assistance from

the government while the undertaking is in effect.

Become a sponsor
You can become a sponsor if you are:
a Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under
the Canadian Indian Act or a permanent resident,
at least 18 years old
living in Canada:
if you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show
that you plan to live in Canada when your sponsored relative
becomes a permanent resident.
You can’t sponsor someone if you’re a permanent resident living
outside of Canada.

You must also be able to show that you can provide basic needs for:

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yourself,
your spouse or partner,
your spouse or partner’s dependent child(ren) (if applicable)
your dependent child(ren) (if you’re sponsoring only your dependent
child).

Note: In most cases, there is no low-income-cut-off (LICO) for spouse,

partner or dependent child sponsorships. However, if either a spouse or
partner you’re sponsoring has as dependent child who has dependent
children of their own, or a dependent child you are sponsoring has a
dependent child of their own, you must meet a minimum LICO score, which
is determined by the Canadian government each year.

If you must meet LICO requirements, you must include a Financial

Evaluation (IMM 1283) form with your application (see your checklist for
more details). If you live in Quebec, you don’t have to submit this form to
IRCC. See subsection 1(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection
Regulations (IRPR) for more information.

If you live in Quebec, you must also meet Quebec’s conditions to be a

sponsor.

You may not be able to sponsor if you…

are sponsoring a spouse or partner but you signed an undertaking for
a previous spouse or partner and it hasn’t been three years since they
became a permanent resident,
previously sponsored someone and did not pay back any social
assistance that they received while the undertaking was in place.
are in default on an immigration loan or a performance bond
did not pay court-ordered alimony or child support

For more information. See Defaults below.

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have declared bankruptcy which has not been discharged

were convicted of
an offence of a sexual nature,
a violent crime,
an offence against a relative that caused bodily harm or
threatened or attempted to commit any of the above offences—
depending on the nature of the offence, how long ago it happened
and if you received a pardon

For more information. See Sponsorship Bar for Violent Crime

are sponsoring a spouse or partner and you were previously

sponsored as a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and became
a permanent resident of Canada less than five years ago,

For more information. See Five-year Sponsorship Bar

are under a removal order,

are in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory or prison,
have already applied to sponsor your current spouse or partner and
haven’t received a decision.

Sponsoring if you live outside Canada

If you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you can sponsor your:

spouse,
common-law partner,
conjugal partner,
dependent child.

You must show that you’ll live in Canada when the sponsored person
becomes a permanent resident.

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 Note: Permanent residents living abroad can’t sponsor from outside

of Canada. Canadian citizens travelling as tourists are not considered
to be living abroad.

Defaults
You can’t become a sponsor if any of the situations below apply to you:

A previous sponsorship undertaking

If family members you sponsored in the past got social assistance or
welfare while the undertaking was valid, you can’t sponsor until:

you repay the full amount of any social assistance or welfare payment
or
repay the debt to the satisfaction of the government authority that
issued the benefit or ordered you to pay.

See appendix D to find out how to repay the money owed.

An immigration loan
If you got a transportation, assistance or right of permanent residence fee
(previously called the right of landing fee) loan and have missed payments:

You can’t sponsor if you are in default of your loan. For more
information, contact us.

Support payment obligations

If you were ordered by a court to make support payments to a spouse or
child and haven’t made payments:

You can’t sponsor until you resolve the family support matter.

A performance bond
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If you agreed to pay money to guarantee that an immigrant would fulfil his
or her obligations under immigration legislation:

You can’t sponsor until you pay the full amount of the bond.

Five-year sponsorship bar for people who were sponsored to come

to Canada as a spouse or partner
If a spouse or partner sponsored you, you can’t sponsor a new spouse
or partner within five years of becoming a permanent resident.
This rule applies even if you got your Canadian citizenship within those
five years.

Are you eligible to sponsor someone?

If we received your sponsorship application before March 2, 2012:

The five-year sponsorship bar doesn’t apply, no matter when you became a
permanent resident.

If we received your sponsorship application on or after March 2, 2012:

The five-year sponsorship bar applies. You may not sponsor a foreign
national referred to as a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
until you've been a permanent resident for five years.

Sponsorship bar for violent crime

The sponsorship bar prevents people who’ve been convicted of certain
crimes from sponsoring a family member.

If you’ve been convicted of a crime that caused bodily harm to any of the
relatives listed below, you can’t sponsor anyone under the Family Class.

Note:

“Partner” includes common-law and conjugal partners.

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Relatives not listed here may still fall under this category. If you aren’t
sure, check the full list of rules or contact us.

Relatives the sponsorship bar can apply to:

your current or ex-spouse/partner and/or their children,
your children,
your parent/grandparent, child/grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew,
aunt/uncle, or cousin, or
the current or ex-spouse/partner and children of the above
the parent/grandparent, child/grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew,
aunt/uncle, or cousin of your current or ex-spouse/partner or children,
or
the current or ex-spouse/partner and children of any of the above
your child’s spouse, partner or children,
your spouse’s, partner’s or child’s ex-spouse or ex-partner and
children,
your partner’s parent/grandparent, child/grandchild, sibling,
niece/nephew, aunt/uncle, or cousin, or
the current or ex-spouse/partner (and their children)of any of the
above,
a foster child who is or was cared for by
you,
your current or ex-spouse/partner or their children,
your parent/grandparent, child/grandchild, sibling, aunt/uncle or
cousin, or
the current or ex-spouse/partner (and their children) of any of the
above, or
your current or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, their spouse or common-law
partner, and their dependent children.

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Who you can sponsor

Using this application, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner,
or conjugal partner who is at least 18 years old, or your dependent child (If
you’re sponsoring an adopted child, use the sponsorship package for
adopted children). The person you’re sponsoring and their family members
must pass background, security and medical checks.

Choose the class of application

If you’re sponsoring your conjugal partner or dependent child, you
must submit an application under the Family Class. These applications
are processed outside Canada.
If you’re sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner, you may
sponsor them under the Family Class or under the Spouse or
Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
When you sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, you must specify
the “Class of Application” on the checklist you’ll submit as the covering
page for your application package.

Apply under the Family Class if:

the person you want to sponsor lives outside Canada

the person you want to sponsor currently lives with you in Canada but
doesn’t plan to stay in Canada while the application is being processed
you plan to appeal if the application is refused
you’re sponsoring your conjugal partner or dependent child

Apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class if your

spouse or common-law partner:

lives with you in Canada

has valid immigration status in Canada

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would like to apply for, and qualifies for, an Open Work Permit so that
they can work while the application is being processed

For more detailed information about the requirements for these classes,
see Part 7 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations:

for requirements to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner under

the Family Class, see Part 7, Division 1
for requirements to sponsor under the Spouse or Common-Law
Partner in Canada class, see Part 7, Division 2

Sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner

If you’re married
You can sponsor the person as your spouse if your marriage is a legally
valid civil marriage.

Opposite and same-sex marriages:

will be recognized for immigration purposes, where the marriage:

1. was legally performed in Canada, or
2. if performed outside of Canada, the marriage must be legally
recognized in the country where it took place and in Canada.

Note: IRCC no longer recognizes marriages performed outside of Canada

by proxy, telephone, fax, Internet and other forms of marriage where one
or both persons were not physically present at the ceremony. For more
information, see Operational Bulletin 613.

If you’re in a common-law relationship

You can sponsor the person as your common-law partner (same or
opposite sex) as long as you’ve been living or have lived with your partner
for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.
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If you’re in conjugal relationship

A conjugal partner is:

a person who is living outside Canada,

in a conjugal relationship with the sponsor for at least one year, and
could not live with the sponsor as a couple because of reasons beyond
their control (e.g. immigration barrier, religious reasons or sexual
orientation).

This term applies to both opposite and same-sex couples.

You can sponsor a conjugal partner if:

there is a significant degree of attachment between the two of you,

implying not just a physical relationship but a mutually interdependent
relationship, and
you’ve been in a genuine (real) relationship for at least 12 months
where marriage or cohabitation (living together) hasn’t been possible
because of barriers such as sexual orientation, religious faith, etc.

 IMPORTANT: If you’re applying in the conjugal partner class, the

person being sponsored cannot be living in Canada.

Sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner who lives with

you in Canada
You can apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class if
your spouse or common-law partner cohabits (lives) with you in Canada
and has temporary resident status.

Your spouse or common-law partner can’t become a permanent resident in

Canada if they’re inadmissible for any reason other than not having legal
immigration status in Canada. A public policy also covers spouses and

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common-law partners who will be assessed for permanent residence even

if they have no legal immigration status in Canada. Before applying, your
spouse or common-law partner in Canada must resolve any other situation
that made them inadmissible.

To qualify under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class, the

sponsored person must:

be the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or

permanent resident in Canada and
have legal immigration status

Your spouse or partner may be eligible for an open work permit. For more
information, see the section about Working and studying for spouses and
partners below.

Important information: if your spouse or partner is already working or

studying in Canada and would like to continue, they must apply for an
extension before their work or study permit expires.

Leaving Canada can automatically cancel temporary resident status as a

visitor, student or worker.

If your spouse or common-law partner leaves Canada before becoming a

permanent resident, they may not be allowed to come back. This is
especially true if they need a Temporary Resident Visa or an eTA to enter
Canada.

If your spouse or partner can’t return to Canada, you must submit a new
overseas sponsorship application.

Working and studying – spouses and common-law partners in

Canada

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If your spouse or common-law partner already has a work or study permit,

he or she may continue to work or study as long as the permit is valid. It is
illegal to work or study without authorization from IRCC.

Can my spouse or partner work in Canada?

If your spouse or common-law partner already has a work permit, he or
she may continue to work as long as the permit is valid.

If your spouse or common-law partner is living in Canada with you and is

applying as a member of the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada
class, they can also apply for an open work permit when they apply for
permanent residence. They must include a completed Application to
Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker form
[IMM 5710] (PDF, 484.21KB) and the correct fee, explaining that they are
applying for an open work permit.

If your spouse or common-law partner has already submitted an

application for permanent residence but hasn’t applied for an open work
permit, they can submit a completed IMM 5710 and the correct fee to this
address:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Work permits for spouses or common-law partners, Station 777
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

For more instructions, see the guide for Applying to Change Conditions or
Extend Your Stay in Canada.

See the Help Centre for information about Open work permits for spouses
and partners.

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Note: If you’re applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in

Canada class and you’ve submitted an application for an open work permit,
your work permit will normally be processed within four months.

Can my spouse or partner study in Canada?

If your spouse or common-law partner already has a study permit and
wants to keep their temporary resident status as a student, they may
submit an Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in
Canada as a Student form [IMM 5709] (PDF, 488.83KB). See the guide for
more instructions.

Otherwise, we will advise your spouse or common-law partner in writing

when they’re eligible to apply for a study permit.

Sponsoring your dependent children

You can sponsor your dependent children outside Canada who meet the
following definition:

Definitions of dependent children

Not sure if your child is a dependant? Check if your child qualifies by
answering a few questions.

Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be

considered a dependent child if that child meets the requirements below
on the day we receive your complete application:

They’re under 22 years old, and

They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner

Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of

these requirements:

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They have depended on their parents for financial support since before
the age of 22, and
They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental
or physical condition

With the exception of age, dependants must continue to meet these

requirements until we finish processing your application.

If your child’s age was locked in on or before October 23, 2017, a previous
definition of dependent children may apply.

Important: If the person you are sponsoring (or their child) has one or
more children in the sole custody of their other parent, you must still
declare the child in the application. Even if there’s a written agreement or
court order to show that the sponsored person doesn’t have custody or
responsibility, you must list the child on the application and this child must
do a medical exam. Doing this gives the sponsored person the possibility to
sponsor their child as a member of the family class in the future, when
there may be changes to the custody or living arrangements. If a
permanent resident doesn’t declare all their family members on their
application, they could risk losing their permanent resident status.

The person you’re sponsoring has a child in the sole custody of a previous
spouse. Do they need to include this child in their application?
Yes. Children in the custody of a previous spouse or partner are considered
dependent children.

Even if there’s a written agreement or court order to show that the

sponsored person doesn’t have custody or responsibility, you must list the
child on the application and this child must do a medical exam.

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Doing this gives the sponsored person the possibility to sponsor their child
as a member of the family class in the future, when there may be changes
to the custody or living arrangements. Also, if a permanent resident
doesn’t declare all their family members on their application, they
could risk losing their permanent resident status.

Passports for family members

The person you’re sponsoring and their accompanying family members
must have valid passports or travel documents when they arrive. Any
documents that are about to expire should be renewed. The person being
sponsored should send copies of the new passport or travel document to
the office processing the application.

If the passport of the person you are sponsoring or their accompanying

family members (if applicable) is renewed or replaced while their
application is in process, you must advise us as soon as possible to avoid
delays.

You can’t use diplomatic, official, service or public affairs passports to

immigrate to Canada. The person being sponsored must have a valid
regular or private passport when they arrive.

 Note: The validity of a visa may be affected by the validity of the

passport.

How long is a permanent resident visa valid?

A permanent resident visa is issued for a period not extending beyond the
earliest expiry date of the sponsored person’s (and any family members):

medical results
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passports

Important information: Once issued, permanent resident visas can’t be

extended. If applicants don’t use the visas within their validity period, they
must re-apply for immigration to Canada. Their sponsor will have to submit
a new sponsorship application and pay new processing fees.

Criminality
Generally, people with criminal convictions are not allowed to come to
Canada.

Convictions or offences outside Canada

If the person you’re sponsoring is outside Canada and has committed or
has been convicted of a crime outside Canada, they may be able to
overcome this criminal inadmissibility. This section doesn’t apply to anyone
applying from within Canada and with a conviction or offense outside
Canada. Find out how to overcome criminal convictions.

The person can apply for rehabilitation either:

before you submit the sponsorship application, or

by submitting the rehabilitation application with your application for
sponsorship. If you choose this option, we’ll assess your eligibility as a
sponsor and do the first assessment of the permanent resident
application. However, we’ll only assess the sponsored person’s
admissibility after they get a decision about their rehabilitation
application.

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If the offence would have been prosecuted summarily in Canada, and if the
person was convicted of two or more of these offences, the period for
rehabilitation is at least five years after they’ve finished serving the
sentences.

Convictions or offences in Canada

If the person has a criminal conviction in Canada, they must ask for a
record suspension (formerly a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada
(PBC) before becoming admissible to Canada.

The sponsored person should not fill out the forms in this guide until
they have their record suspension. You can ask for a Record Suspension
Application Guide or for more information from:

Parole Board of Canada

Clemency and Record Suspension Division
410 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R1
Telephone: 1-800-874-2652 (callers in Canada and the United States
only)
Fax: 1-613-941-4981
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board.html
(You can download the instructional guide and application forms from
the website)

To be considered for a record suspension under the Criminal Records Act, a

set period of time must pass after the end of the sentence. The sentence
may have been payment of a fine, period of probation, or a prison term.

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 Note: Once you have a copy of the record suspension, send a

photocopy to a Canadian visa office or an IRCC Centre. If the
sponsored person is travelling to Canada, they should carry a copy of
the record suspension.

If the person has had two or more summary convictions in Canada, they
may no longer be inadmissible if:

It’s been at least five years since they finished serving all sentences
they’ve had no other convictions.

Important information: See Eligibility for Rehabilitation for a summary

of the type of offences and length of rehabilitation periods.

Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

You and your family members may need to appear in person to have their
fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric
collection service point.

Canadian citizens and existing permanent residents of Canada are

exempt from giving biometrics.

If you are applying as a member of the family class and are legally in
Canada when you apply, you are currently exempt from giving
biometrics. Your accompanying overseas dependents may need to give
their biometrics.

 Note: If you are physically present in Canada and choose to have

your application as a Spouse or Common Law Partner processed
overseas, you are not exempt from the biometric requirement.

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Find out if you need to give biometrics.

If you have to give biometrics, you can give them after you:

pay for and submit your application and biometric fees, and
get a biometric instruction letter (BIL) which will direct you to a list of
biometric collection service points you may choose from

You must bring the BIL with you to the biometric collection service point to
give your biometrics.

We encourage you to give your biometrics as soon as possible after getting

the BIL. We will start processing your application after we get your
biometrics.

How often will I have to give my biometrics?

You will need to pay for and then give your biometrics, even if you gave
biometrics in the past to support a visitor visa, study or work permit
application, or a different permanent resident application.

Where do I give my biometrics?

You can go to one of these official biometric collection service points to
give your biometrics. If it’s an option at your service point, we encourage
you to make an appointment in advance.

Biometric Collection Service Points

Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide
You can give your biometrics at any VAC. It doesn’t need to be the
VAC in your country of residence.
VACs also offer other services in local languages.
Application Support Centers (ASCs) in the United States and overseas
territories

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You must already be legally in the United States or an overseas

territory of the United States to go to an ASC.
You can only go to an ASC if you’ve received your biometric
instruction letter (BIL) from us.
No other services are offered (only biometrics collection). You
cannot submit your application at an ASC.

You cannot give your biometrics at a Canadian Port of Entry if you are
applying for permanent residence.

See the list of biometric collection service points.

Things that might affect you

Suspension of processing
If any of the situations or circumstances below apply to you, we won’t start
processing your sponsorship application until a final decision related to the
situation has been made.

Your citizenship is in the process of being revoked;

You have a removal order against you;
You’ve failed to respect your residency conditions;
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the
Minister of Public Safety signed a certificate stating you’re inadmissible
because of security, human or international rights violation, serious
criminality or organized criminality;
You’ve been charged with an offence that is punishable by a maximum
prison term of ten years.

If you don’t meet the sponsorship requirements

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If you don’t qualify as a sponsor and chose to withdraw your sponsorship

application:

you’ll get a refund for the permanent resident visa processing fees and
any Right of Permanent Resident Fees you paid.
there will be no decision on the application for permanent residence of
the person you are sponsoring
you will not have a right of appeal.

If you fix the situation that made you ineligible to sponsor, you can reapply
at a later date.

If you don’t qualify as a sponsor and tell us you want to continue

processing:

we’ll process the application for the person you are sponsoring.
we’ll likely refuse the application for permanent residence and tell you
in writing if you have a right to appeal.

 Note: You can tell us of your plan by checking the correct box under
question 1 (on part 1 of the form) on your Application to Sponsor,
Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (IMM 1344).

Sponsors living in Quebec

The province of Quebec has its own immigration rules. Find out how to
sponsor someone if you live in Quebec.

If you live in Quebec:

you must first send us your application.

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if you meet the federal requirements to apply for sponsorship, we will

send you an email or letter with instructions to download Quebec’s
sponsorship kit.
fill out and submit Quebec’s undertaking kit. You must attach a copy of
the email or letter we sent you to the undertaking application that you
submit to the Quebec government.

If your spouse or partner's dependent child has dependent children of

their own, you must show your financial ability to meet the terms of the
sponsorship undertaking.

The Quebec government will review your sponsorship application and tell
you if you’re eligible. The Quebec government may deem that you’re not
eligible if:

you didn’t meet the terms of a sponsorship agreement in the past

because the person you sponsored received social assistance and you
haven’t repaid the Quebec government;
during the five years before you submitted your sponsorship
application, you didn’t pay alimony or child support even though a
court ordered it;
you didn’t follow other conditions imposed by the Quebec authorities
or with any federal regulatory requirements, particularly if you
received social assistance and aren’t exempt from that condition.

We can’t make a decision on your application until we receive Quebec’s

decision about your undertaking application.

If Quebec approves you as a sponsor, you’ll get a Quebec Selection

Certificat (Certificat de selection Québec)

If you need help, contact the Quebec ministry for immigration

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Step 1. Get your application package

Get your application package, including your checklist, forms and
instructions.

To get the right instructions and checklist, select from the drop-down
menus:

who is being sponsored

the country where the sponsored person resides
the country where the documents you’ll submit with the application
were issued

Your document checklist:

tells you which forms you need

lists all the documents you must submit, and
links you to instructions to fill out each form.

You must print, fill out and submit a copy of this checklist with your
application. Place it at the top, as the cover of your application.

Step 2. Gather your documents

 Important: if you don’t include all the requested forms and
documents listed on the checklist, we will return your application
without processing it. If you’re unable to submit an item on the
document checklist, you must include a detailed explanation of why
you can’t submit this document so that your application is not
returned as incomplete.

To make sure you send us an application with all the requested documents:
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1) Use your checklist to make sure you send all the documents you need
to submit:

For each item on the checklist, choose the situation that applies to you and
check the correct box.

Only submit documents that apply to your specific situation. We’ll

contact you if we need more information.
For any documents that are not in English or French, you must attach
the following, unless your checklist specifies otherwise:
a certified copy of the original document; and
The English or French translation, and
An affidavit from the person who completed the translation. See
Translation of documents below.

Proof of communication documents that are not already in English or

French, such as letters, printed text messages, emails or social media
conversations, must also be translated. A maximum of 10 pages of proof
of communication documents may be submitted with your application.

Important notes about using the checklist:

We’ll return applications with missing, incomplete, or unsigned forms.

If there are one or more sections of your checklist which do not apply
to you, write N/A or Not Applicable in the margins of each of these
sections on your checklist.
Check the country-specific requirements to see if you need to submit
any original documents. If the country specific requirements tell you
that you must submit an original document instead of a copy, you
must submit the original or we will return your application. See
below for more information about country specific requirements.

2) Check your country-specific requirements

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You’ll find your country specific requirements on the family sponsorship

application kit webpage.

Checking your country specific requirements will help make sure you send
the correct documents for each item on the checklist and will increase the
chance that your application will be accepted for processing.

To see additional forms or documents required for the person being

sponsored (principal applicant) and their family members, select the
country where they reside.

You may need to follow special instructions about specific documents

based on the country you’ll get the documents from. For example, there
are specific requirements for civil documents from different countries (e.g.
birth certificates, other proof of identity, child custody documentation,
family booklets, etc.).

To see instructions about specific documents, select the country

where the document is issued. For example, if you are living in the
United States but you are submitting a birth certificate issued in the
Philippines, check the requirements for “Philippines” to make sure the
document you are submitting is the right one.

Note: your application will be returned if any of the requested

documents are missing (see section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee
Protection Regulations (IRPR) for more information).

Make sure all photocopies are clear and easy to read. Other than copies of
original documents used for translations, photocopies do not need to be
certified. Don’t send originals unless we ask for them, because they will
not be returned.

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Important information: While processing your application, we may ask

for more documents and there may be delays if you don’t submit them.
Should you fail to respond by the deadline given, your application could be
refused for not complying with an officer’s request.

Police certificates
The principal applicant and each family member 18 or older (who are not
already Canadian citizens or permanent residents), must submit police
certificates from the following country or countries with the application:

Current country of residence if you (or they) have lived there for six
months or more.

and

The country where you (or they) resided for most of your (or their) life
since the age of 18.

See How to get a police certificate for up-to-date information on obtaining

police certificates from any country.

Important: If you can’t provide the above police certificates with your
application, you must submit a detailed explanation of why not and when
you expect to be able to submit them. This will likely delay the processing
of your application.

Note: Some countries need a consent form, Request for Police

Certificates/Clearances and Authorization for Release of Information (PDF,
58.59 KB), from IRCC to issue a police certificate. Find out if the country
from which you need a police certificate requires a consent form. If
required, you should submit the consent form to us in place of the police
certificate. We’ll assess the consent form and start the police certificate
request.
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Photos
If your application is approved, we’ll use the photos you include in your
application package to create a Permanent Resident Card for you (and your
family members, if applicable).

To avoid delays in getting your Confirmation of Permanent Resident

document (which you’ll need to travel to Canada or become a permanent
resident from within Canada), and/or your permanent resident card, it’s
important that the photos meet certain specifications. See Appendix C for
photo specifications.

Translation of documents
You must submit the following for any document that is not in English or
French, unless otherwise stated on your document checklist:

the English or French translation; and

an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (see below
for details); and
a certified copy of the original document.

Important information: Translations must not be done by the

applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling,
spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt,
uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an

affidavit. A certified translator will provide both a certified translation and
certified copies of the original documents.

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An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the

presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where
the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true
translation and representation of the contents of the original document.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

In Canada:

a notary public
a commissioner of oaths
a commissioner of taking affidavits

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local

provincial or territorial authorities.

Outside of Canada:

a notary public

Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local

authorities.

Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must
(as described below) 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,
their name,
their official position or title, and
their signature.
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Who can certify copies?

Only authorized people

Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the

applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling,
spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt,
uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

Persons authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

a notary public
a commissioner of oaths
a commissioner of taking affidavits

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your

local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to
certify.

Outside Canada:

a notary public

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check

with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your
country.

Step 3. Fill out the forms

Use your checklist to prepare the forms.

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The last page of your checklist includes a list of all signatures that are
required for each person included on the application. If any requested
forms are not fully completed and signed (if applicable), or not included in
the application package, your application will not be accepted for
processing and will be returned to you.

 Note: If you are less than 18 years of age, your form(s) must be
signed by one of your parents or a legal guardian.

Note: Need help with a PDF document? Get help to open an application
form.

You can also get help to complete an application form. If you’re having
technical problems with a PDF document, see the Help Centre for common
problems with form validation.

Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or

misleading information on these forms. The information on your
application may be verified.

The sponsor must fill out and sign (if applicable) these forms:
Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
[IMM 1344] (PDF (Portable Document Format), 478.72KB (Kilobyte))
Sponsorship Evaluation and Relationship Questionnaire [IMM 5532]
(PDF (Portable Document Format), 2.21MB (Megabyte))
Sponsorship Evaluation [IMM 5481] (PDF (Portable Document Format),
742.74KB (Kilobyte)), only if you are sponsoring your dependent child
who has no dependent children of their own. Unless instructed
otherwise, sponsors in Quebec do not need to fill this out. See:
Sponsors living in Quebec

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Financial Evaluation [IMM 1283] (PDF (Portable Document Format),

1.24MB (Megabyte)), only if you are sponsoring a dependent child who
has their own dependent child. Unless instructed otherwise, sponsors
in Quebec do not need to fill this out.
Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (PDF (Portable Document Format),
648.31KB (Kilobyte)), if using a representative.

The person(s) being sponsored must fill out and sign (if applicable)
these forms:
Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
[IMM 1344] (PDF (Portable Document Format), 478.72KB (Kilobyte))
Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF (Portable
Document Format), 553.83KB (Kilobyte))
Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] (PDF (Portable
Document Format), 424.19KB (Kilobyte)), only if you have more than
five dependants on your application
Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF (Portable
Document Format), 434.14KB (Kilobyte)), required for all principal
applicants, and all dependants 18 years of age or older.
Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (PDF (Portable Document
Format), 570KB (Kilobyte))
Sponsorship Evaluation and Relationship Questionnaire [IMM 5532 ]
(PDF (Portable Document Format), 2.21MB (Megabyte))
Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if using a representative.

Important information: Declaring all family members

If you’re applying for permanent residence in Canada, you must declare all
of your family members. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

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In addition, all family members must be examined as part of the process of

applying for permanent residence in Canada, even if they will not come to
Canada with the principal applicant.

Family members who aren’t declared and examined are excluded from the
family class, which means you can’t sponsor them at a later date. If a
permanent resident doesn’t declare all their family members on their
application, they could risk losing their permanent resident status.

Find more information about why you must declare all family members.

Validate your forms

Some forms have a “Validate” button, specifically the

IMM 1344 (Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship agreement and

Undertaking)
IMM 0008 (Generic Application form for Canada) and
IMM 5669 (Schedule A).

You should fill out your forms on a computer and validate them
electronically to make sure you’ve answered all questions. This reduces
mistakes and helps you submit a form that is complete. When you click on
the Validate button, any missing information will be identified by a pop-up
error message or a red square around the fields that need to be
completed.

Important: If you are unable to fill out your forms using a computer or are
unable to successfully validate your forms, you must provide a written
explanation for why you were unable to do so.

After being validated, the IMM 1344 and IMM 0008 will create barcode
pages (see image below). When you’re preparing your application, place
these barcode pages right underneath your checklist.
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Note:The IMM 5669 (Schedule A) form will not produce a barcode page
when it’s validated.

IMPORTANT: If you have any problems viewing or validating your forms,

please see these Help Centre questions:

I can’t open my form in PDF format

After clicking the validate button, nothing happens and I don’t see
barcodes.

Note: The Help Centre information about viewing PDF documents applies
to all PDF documents.

After you validate the forms to generate barcodes, print the form. Then, the
applicable client must sign the form in ink. Unsigned forms will not be
accepted.

Example barcode page (if applicable):

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Be complete and accurate

Fill out all sections. If a section doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” (or “not
applicable”) next to the appropriate section. If your application is
incomplete it may be returned to you (see section 10 of the IRPR for more
information) and this will delay processing.

If you need more space for any section, use a separate sheet of paper.
Make sure you label this sheet with your name and the question you
are answering.

Use the following instructions to fill out the forms. Most of the questions on
the forms are straightforward and extra instructions have only been given
for some questions. You must answer all questions.

Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship

Agreement and Undertaking (IMM 1344)
View form IMM 1344 (PDF (Portable Document Format), 478.72KB
(Kilobyte))

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be filled out and signed by:

the sponsor,
the principal applicant (person being sponsored).

Part 1: Application to sponsor and undertaking

Question 3
You can’t have a co-signer if you are sponsoring your spouse, common-law
partner or conjugal partner.

Question 4
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If the person you are sponsoring doesn’t have a family name on their
passport or travel document, enter all given names in the family name field
and leave the given name field empty.
If the person you are sponsoring doesn’t have a given name on their
passport or travel document, leave the given name field empty.

Question 5
If you don’t know the complete date of birth, use “*” (star sign/asterisk) to
fill in the spaces for the year, month or day, where applicable.

Question 6
a. Tell us the nature of your relationship to the principal applicant:
Spouse
Common-law partner
Conjugal partner
Parent
Other (do not check)
c. If you are a common-law or conjugal partner, give the date you
entered into that conjugal relationship.

Sponsor personal details

Question 1
If you don’t have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter
all your given names in the “Family Names” field and leave the given name
field blank.

If you don’t have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave
the “Given Name” field blank.

Question 4
If you don’t know your complete date of birth, use “*” (star sign/asterisk)
to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day, where applicable.

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Question 8
a. Tell us your current marital status. See the “Key Definitions” for
explanations of the different types of marital status.
b. Enter the date (year, month, day) you were married or you entered into
your current common-law or conjugal relationship, i.e. the date your
status officially changed from being single to common-law, not the
date you started living together.

Question 9
a. You must tell us if you were previously married or in a common-law
relationship.
b. If you were previously married, a divorce certificate must be provided
in order to proceed with your spousal sponsorship.

Sponsor contact information

Question 1
Addresses should be written out in full without using any abbreviations.
Use the apartment or unit number, if applicable. Example: 999 Family
Street, Unit #3, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K3J 9T55
Tell us your current mailing address (where information should be mailed):

Post Office Box number, if you have one. If you do not have a post
office box, you must provide the street number
Apartment or Unit, if you have one
Street number, you must provide this if you do not have a Post Office
Box
Street name, if it applies to you
City or Town
Country
Province or State
Postal code or zip code
District, if it applies to you

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 Note: If you haven’t provided us with an email address, all

correspondence will go to this address.

Question 6
By giving us your email address, you are hereby authorizing IRCC to send
all correspondence, including your file and personal information to this
specific email address. Make sure you check your spam folder in case our
messages are directed there.

Sponsor residency declaration

Complete this section only if you are a Canadian citizen living outside of
Canada and you are sponsoring a spouse, a common-law or conjugal
partner, and dependent children who have no children of their own.

You must check the correct box to confirm where (Canadian province or
territory) you plan to live if your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner
and dependent children become permanent residents.

Sponsor eligibility assessment

Question 1-18
Check “Yes” or “No” in the correct boxes.

 Note: Sponsors living (or who plan to live) in Quebec do not need to
answer questions 8, 9, 10 and 15.

If you answer “No” to questions 1 to 3

You are not eligible to be a sponsor. You should not submit an
application.
If you answer “No” to question 4, but are a Canadian citizen living
outside Canada
You may submit a sponsorship for your spouse, common-law
partner or conjugal partner and children who have no children of
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their own.
You must, however, come to Canada to live with the sponsored
person. If this is your situation, complete the section “Residency
Declaration”.
If you answer “Yes” to any question between 5 and 15
You are not eligible to be a sponsor. You should not submit an
application.
If you answer “Yes” to questions 13, 16, 17 or 18
provide the details including date and place, and
read the section “Suspension of processing ” for situations where
processing may be suspended.

Co-signer sections
If you are sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal
partner you can’t have a co-signer. Leave the following sections blank:

Co-signer personal details

Co-signer contact information
Co-signer residency declaration
Co-signer eligibility assessment

Undertaking by sponsor (and co-signer)

Important information
This section explains what your role and responsibilities will be by
submitting this application.

Part 2: Sponsorship agreement

Obligations of the sponsor and obligations of the person to be sponsored

All parties (sponsor and person to be sponsored) must read the obligations
carefully.

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Declaration
Read the declaration statement carefully before signing. By signing this
form, you also declare that you will notify us in writing if there is any
change of address and if any other information has changed on the
application.

Signatures
Note
This section must be signed and dated by:

the sponsor;
the co-signer (if there is one)
the sponsored person (principal applicant).

Note: A parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of a dependent child

under the age of 18, where they are the principal applicant being
sponsored on an application.

The application will be returned if any signatures are missing (see

section 10 of the IRPR for more information).

Sponsorship Evaluation (IMM 5481)

View form IMM 5481 (PDF (Portable Document Format), 742.74KB
(Kilobyte))

Who needs to fill out this form?

The sponsor fills out this form if sponsoring only a dependent child who
has no dependent children of his or her own.

If sponsoring a dependent child who has dependent children of their own,

fill out the Financial Evaluation (IMM 1283) form instead.
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The Sponsorship Evaluation will help us assess your past and current
obligations to any sponsorship undertakings you have signed or co-
signed. This form, and the supporting documents you send with your
application will help us decide if you meet the residency requirement and if
you are able to support the applicant.

Quebec residents do not need to fill out this form.

Question 3
Write your net (after taxes) personal income for the 12 months before the
date of your application. Also write the dates of that 12-month period.

Question 5 A and B
Details of current and past undertakings.
Write the number of people included in undertakings in effect and not yet
in effect.

If you have signed undertakings in the past, you must give some
details about them. Follow the instructions on the form and be
specific.

Question 6
Write the number of people you are financially responsible for, but who are
not listed in questions 5A and 5B, if it applies to you.

Question 7
Add the number of people listed in questions 4, 5 and 6. Write the total in
the box provided.

Financial Evaluation form (IMM 1283)

View form IMM 1283 (PDF (Portable Document Format), 1.24MB
(Megabyte))

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Complete this form if you are sponsoring a dependent child who has a
dependent child of his or her own.

For complete instructions, see Guide IMM 5482 – Instruction to fill the
Financial Evaluation form (IMM 1283).

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

You, the principal applicant.

Completing the form

Note
You must answer all questions on this application form unless indicated
otherwise.

Download and fill out the application form on a computer. The IMM 0008
Generic Application Form for Canada must be validated with a 2D bar
code.

Make sure that:

you properly validate your answers when filling out this form, and
the 2D bar codes are properly generated

If the 2D bar codes are missing or can’t be machine read for any reason,
the application will be returned to you without being processed.

You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later.

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 Note: Completing the form electronically is easier and reduces the

risk of errors that can slow down the application process.

Read and follow the steps below to help you fill out the form.

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 of the following:
Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
Atlantic International Graduate Program
Federal Skilled Worker
Federal Skilled Trades
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Self-Employed
Provincial Nominee
Canadian Experience Class
Quebec Selected Skilled Worker
Quebec Selected Entrepreneur
Quebec Selected Self Employed
Quebec Selected Investor
Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)
Start-up Business
Caregivers Program (for the Caring for Children Program and the
Interim Pathway for Caregivers)
Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program
Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program
If you chose “Refugee” in question 1, select one of the following:
In Canada – Refugee Claim
In Canada – Protected Person (for Convention Refugees or other
protected persons applying for permanent residence from within
Canada)
Outside Canada – Refugee (for Convention Refugees or other
protected persons applying for permanent residence from outside
Canada)
If you chose “Other” in question 1, select one of the following:
In Canada – Humanitarian & Compassionate Considerations
Permit Holder Class

Question 3
Enter 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.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: Enter the total number of family
members included in your application for refugee protection who are with
you in Canada.

Question 4
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Language preference

From the list, select your preferred language for:

a. correspondence
b. interview: if your native language is not in this list, select “other”
c. interpreter requested: you must select “yes” if you do not select
English or French for the interview

Question 5
Where do you plan on living in Canada?
From the list select the:
a. Province/Territory
b. City/Town

Question 6
If you plan to live in the Province of Quebec and are applying under a
Quebec immigration program, have you received your Certificat de
Sélection du Québec (CSQ)?
a. Select the corresponding box
b. If you selected “Yes”, enter the CSQ (Certificat de Sélection du Québec)
number
c. If you selected “No”, enter the date when you applied for your CSQ
(Certificat de Sélection du Québec) (if you have not yet applied, please
do so before applying for permanent residence)

 Note: If you are not applying under a Quebec immigration

program, select “no” for Question 6 a) and leave 6 c) blank.

Principal Applicant’s Personal Details

The Principal Applicant must answer the following questions.

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Question 1
Enter your full family name (surname or last name) as shown on your
passport, travel or identity document.

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, indicate your family name(s).

Enter all of your given name(s) (first, second or more) as shown on your
passport, travel or identity document. Do not use initials.

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, indicate “Child” or leave the given name field
blank.

Question 2
Nickname/Alias

Select the box to tell us if you have ever used any other names than those
indicated in question one. This could be your birth name, maiden name,
married name, nickname, etc. If “Yes”, enter your nickname/alias in the
family name and given name(s) fields.

Question 3
If you know your Unique Client Identifier number (UCI) or Client
Identification number (Client ID), enter it here without any spaces. If you
applied for temporary or permanent residence in the past, this is an 8 or 10
digit number you can find on previous documents sent by us. If this is your
first application with us, or if you do not know your UCI, leave this space
blank.

Question 4
From the list, select your sex (male, female or unknown).

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 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, select “Unknown”.

Question 5
Enter your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 6
From the list, select your eye color.

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, select “Other”.

Question 7
Enter your date of birth. If you do not know your complete date of birth,
please use an “*” (asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the unknown year,
month or day. For example, if the day and month of your date of birth is
unknown you could enter 1964/*/*.

Question 8
Enter your place of birth, including the city or town, or country of birth as
shown in your passport or your travel document.

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select
the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Question 9
Citizenship(s)

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.
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 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, select the country where you intend to adopt a
child.

Question 10
Current country of residence

From the list, select:

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.
For refugee claimants in Canada only: select Canada whether you have
been lawfully admitted or not.
Your immigration status in that country (indicate one of the following):
Citizen
Permanent resident
Visitor
Worker
Student
Other
Protected Person
Refugee Claimant
Foreign National
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.

For out-of-status applicants:

for “Status” select “Other”;
for “Other” type in “Out of status, requires restoration”;
leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank.

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 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, select the country where you intend to adopt a
child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Question 11
Enter the date of your last entry to Canada, if applicable.
Enter the place you last entered Canada (example: Toronto airport, Lacolle
border crossing, seaport Yarmouth, etc.).

Question 12
Previous countries of residence
Select the box to tell us if 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”, for each country select:
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
Protected Person
Refugee Claimant
Foreign National
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
a. From the list, choose your current marital status:
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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 (1) 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.

b. Enter the date (year, month and day) you were married or you entered
into your current common-law relationship.

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c. Enter the family name(s) and given name(s) of your current spouse or
common-law partner.

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, select “Single”.

Question 14
Select the box to tell us if you have been married or in a common-law
relationship. If you checked “Yes”, give 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
Date of birth.

Contact Information
Question 1
Enter 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 enter a
post office box, you must provide the Street number must
Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
Street number (No.), if applicable. It is the number on your house or
apartment building. You must provide a street number if you did not
enter in a P.O. (Post Office) Box
Street name, if applicable
City or Town
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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 guide.

Question 2
Select the box to tell us if your residential address (where you live) is the
same as your mailing address. If “No”, enter the following information:
Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if applicable
Street Number (No.). It is the number on your house or apartment
building.
Street Name
City or Town
Country
Province or State
Postal Code/zip code
District, if applicable

Question 3
Enter your telephone number including the country code, area/regional
codes, etc. (et cetera)
If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number
under “Ext. (extension)”

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Select the box to tell us if your 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)

Question 4
If you have a second telephone number enter it here including the country
code, area/regional codes, etc. (et cetera).
If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number
under “Ext. (extension)”
Providing an alternate telephone number will help make sure we can
contact you with information about your application.
Select the box to tell us if your second 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)

Question 5
If you have a fax number, enter it here, including country code,
area/regional codes, etc. (et cetera).
Select the box to tell us if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada or the
United States or Other (any other country).

Question 6
If you have an email address, enter it here. (e.g.:[email protected])

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 Note: By indicating your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing

IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific e-
mail.

Passport
Question 1
Select the box to tell us if you have a valid passport or travel document If
you don’t have one or can’t obtain one, you must select the “No” box.

Question 2
If you select “Yes”, provide your passport or travel document number
exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between
each number or letter.

Question 3
From the list, select the name of country or territory that issued your
passport or travel document.

Question 4
Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Question 5
Enter the date your passport or travel document will expire.

Question 6
For this trip – select Yes or No to tell us if you are using a passport issued
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows your personal
identification number.

Question 7

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For this trip – select Yes or No to tell us if you are using a National Israeli
passport.

National Identity Document

Question 1
Select the box to tell us if you have a valid national identity document.

Question 2
If you selected “Yes”, provide your national identity document number
exactly as shown on the identity document. Make sure there is no space
between each number or letter.

Question 3
From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued your
national identity document.

Question 4
Enter the date your national identity document was issued.

Question 5
Enter the date your national identity document will expire.

Education/Occupation Detail
Question 1
From the list, select your highest level of education.
None: No education
Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary
school and before college, university, or other formal training.
Trade / Apprenticeship certificate / Diploma: Diploma completed in
a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.

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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 college or
university but no degree earned (Master of 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 – Ph D: Highest university degree usually based on at least
three (3) years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must
have completed a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.

Question 2
Enter the total number of years of formal education that you have
completed, including elementary and secondary school.

Question 3
Enter your current occupation.

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”.

Question 4
Enter your intended occupation in Canada.

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, indicate “Unknown”.

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Language Detail
Question 1
This question is not for selection purposes. One of Canada’s immigration
objectives is to support and assist the development of minority language
communities in Canada.
a. From the list, select your first (native) language. This is the language
that you learned at home during your childhood and that you still
understand. If your native language is not in this list, select “Other”.
b. If your native language is not English or French, select which one you
would most likely use:
English
French
Neither

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, select the native language of the country where
you intend to adopt a child.

Question 2
From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English
and/or French:
English
French
Both
Neither

Dependant(s)
You must answer each question on behalf of each of your dependant(s).

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To add a new dependant to the application, click the “Add Dependant”

button, located at the bottom of the page.

To remove a dependant from the application, click the “Remove

Dependant” button.

You can add up to five (5) dependants using this form.

If you have more than five (5) dependants:

To include everyone in your application you must complete the following

form for each additional family member:

Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] (PDF (Portable

Document Format), 424.19 KB (Kilobyte))

Important
You must list all family members in your application for permanent Note
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 these family members are not
listed on your application, you will not be able to sponsor them at a later date.

Dependant’s Personal Details

Questions 1-9
Questions 1 to 9 are the same questions you answered for yourself. See the
previous instructions to help you answer the questions for your
dependant(s).

Question 10
a. From the list, select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal
applicant:
Adopted Child
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Child
Common-law partner
Grandchild
Other
Spouse
Step-Child
Step-Grandchild
b. Complete if you select “Other”

Question 11
a. Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to
Canada.
b. If you answered “No”, explain why your dependant is non-
accompanying.

Question 12
From the list, select the type of dependant:
Type A
The dependant is under the age of 22 and single (not married and not in a
common-law relationship).

Type B (Important: This dependent type applies only if your child’s age
was locked in before August 1, 2014)
The dependant 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 since before the age of 22.

Type C
The dependant 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.

Not sure which type of dependant your child is? Check if your child
qualifies as a dependant by answering a few questions.
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Question 13
Current country of residence

From the list, select the appropriate information to tell us:

The name of your dependant’s current country of residence. The
country of residence is the country in which they are residing, provided
they have been lawfully admitted to that country.
For refugee claimants in Canada only: select Canada whether your
dependant has been lawfully admitted or not.
Your dependant’s immigration status in that country (indicate one of
the following):
Citizen
Permanent resident
Visitor
Worker
Student
Other
Protected Person
Refugee Claimant
Foreign National
Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a
status.
The dates (From – To) your dependant has been living in their current
country of residence.
For out-of-status applicants:
for “Status” select “Other”;
for “Other” type in “Out of status, requires restoration”;
requires restoration, Leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank.

Question 14
Enter the date of your dependant’s last entry to Canada.

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Tell us the place they last entered Canada (example: Toronto airport,
Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth, etc.).

Question 15
Previous countries of residence
Select the box to tell us if your dependant has lived in any country other
than their country of citizenship or their current country of residence for
more than six (6) months in the past five (5) years.

If you checked “Yes”, select the appropriate information from the list to tell
us the following:
The name of the country your dependant lived in
Your dependant’s immigration status for the time they were in that
country:
Citizen
Permanent resident
Visitor
Worker
Student
Other
Protected Person
Refugee Claimant
Foreign National
Other: This section must be completed if you selected “Other” as a
status
The dates (From – To) your dependant was living in that country.

Question 16
a. From the list, select your dependant’s current marital status:
Annulled Marriage
Common-Law
Divorced
Legally Separated
Married
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Single
Widowed
b. Enter the date (year, month and day) your dependant was married or
entered into their current common-law relationship.
c. Tell us the family name(s) and given name(s) of your dependant’s
current spouse or common-law partner.

Question 17
Select the box to tell us if your dependant has previously been married or
in a common-law relationship. If you seleted “Yes”, give the following
details for your dependant’s previous spouse/common-law partner:
Family name(s)
Given name(s)
Type of relationship:
Common-law or
Married
Dates (From – To) your dependant was in the relationship with their
previous spouse/common-law partner.

Passport
Question 1
Select the box to tell us if your dependant has a valid passport or travel
document. If you don’t have one or can’t obtain one, you must select the
“No” box.

Question 2
If you selected “Yes”, provide their passport or travel document number
exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between
each number or letter.

Question 3

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From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued their
passport or travel document.

Question 4
Enter the date their passport or travel document was issued.

Question 5
Enter the date their passport or travel document will expire.

Question 6
For this trip – select Yes or No to tell us if they’re using a passport issued by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows their personal
identification number.

Question 7
For this trip – select Yes or No to tell us if they’re using a National Israeli
passport.

National Identity Document

Question 1
Select the box to tell us if your dependant has a valid national identity
document.

Question 2
If you selected “Yes”, provide their national identity document number
exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between
each number or letter.

Question 3
From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued their
national identity document.

Question 4
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Enter the date their national identity document was issued.

Question 5
Enter the date their national identity document will expire.

Education/Occupation Detail
Question 1
From the list, select your dependant’s highest level of education.
None: No education
Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary
school and before college, university, or other formal training.
Trade / Apprenticeship certificate / Diploma: 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 college or
university but no degree earned (Master of 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 – Ph D: Highest university degree usually based on at least
three (3) years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must
have completed a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.

Question 2

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Tell us the total number of years of formal education that they completed,
including elementary and secondary school.

Question 3
Tell us their current occupation.

Question 4
Tell us their intended occupation in Canada.

Language Detail
Question 1
This question is not for selection purposes. One of Canada’s immigration
objectives is to support and assist the development of minority language
communities in Canada.

a. From the list, select your dependant’s first (native) language. This is
the language that they learned at home during their childhood and
they still understand. If their native language does not appear in this
list, select “Other”.
b. If your dependant’s native language is not English or French, select
which one they would most likely use:
English
French
Neither

 Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is

not yet identified, select the native language of the country where
you intend to adopt a child.

Question 2
From the list, select if they are able to communicate in English and/or
French:

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English
French
Both
Neither

Question 3
Select Yes or No to tell us if your dependant(s) have taken a test from a
designated testing agency to assess their proficiency in English or French.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

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 or pages (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:

a. Write your name in the space provided.

b. Check the appropriate box to indicate if you agree that the
Note
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.
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c. Sign, with a hand written signature, 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 page(s) on the top of your application (forms and
supporting documents) when you 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 dependants not

included in the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).

The questions are the same that you answered for yourself and other
dependants on the IMM 0008.

Follow the previous instructions to help you answer the questions.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and then:

a. Write your dependant’s name in the space provided.

b. Select the box to tell us if you agree that the information contained in
this application related to your dependant’s intended occupation,
education and work experience may be shared with prospective
employers to assist them in hiring workers.
c. Sign and date in the spaces provided.
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By signing, you certify that your dependant fully understands 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)
You (the principal applicant) and any of your family members 18 years of
age or older (who are not already Canadian citizens or permanent
residents) must fill out, print, and sign a this form.

If this form is being provided for a principal applicant who is the dependent
child of a sponsor, and who is under the age of 18, the sponsor or another
legal guardian must sign the form on the dependent child’s behalf.

Important: Failure to account for all required time periods, and/or

failure to follow the instructions below will result in your application being
returned to you without being processed.

Validating your form

You (the principal applicant and any family members who need to provide
this form) must submit a Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
which has been filled out on a computer and has been validated. This will
help to eliminate mistakes and help you submit a form that is complete. If

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you are unable to complete this form on a computer, or are unable to

successfully validate the form, you must provide a written explanation
which includes details of why you were unable to do so.

To validate and properly fill out your (each person’s) Schedule A –

Background/Declaration (IMM 5669) form(s):

a. Fill out each form with the correct details for that person. You must
also include the date and that person’s name in the signature section.
b. Press the validate button found on the form. Any information missing
from the form will be identified with a pop-up message or a red square
around the fields which either still need to be completed, or have been
completed incorrectly.
c. After you successfully validate your form, print a copy. (You may also
wish to save an electronic copy for your records.)
d. Provide a written signature next to the printed name in the signature
section of the document. For principal applicants under the age of 18,
this should be a parent or guardian’s signature.

Note: Your representative cannot sign this form on your behalf. You
must sign this form yourself, unless you are a dependent child under
the age of 18 (see above).

In most sections, you can add or remove rows as necessary by pressing

the plus sign (+) or minus sign (-) buttons.

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by:

The principal applicant (the person being sponsored, including those

under 18);

and
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all dependent children aged 18 years or older (whether accompanying

you to Canada or not).

Question 1
Write your UCI (Unique Client Identifier). If you do not know your UCI or
have never been issued one, leave this section blank.

Question 2
Leave this section blank. You will only be able to complete this question if
you have already been informed of your application number.

Personal details
Question 1
Write your full family name (surname or last name) and all your given
names (first, second or more) as they appear on your passport, travel or
identity document.

Don’t use initials.

Question 2
If you don’t know your complete date of birth, please use a “*” (star
sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day.

Question 3
Provide your father's personal details including his:
family name (surname or last name),
given name(s),
date of birth,
town or city of birth,
country of birth,
date of death (if applicable).
Provide your mother's personal details including her:
family name (surname or last name),
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given name(s),
date of birth,
town or city of birth,
country of birth,
date of death (if applicable).

Question 4
Answer each question of the section by checking the correct box.
If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you must write
an explanation of what happened in the space provided. If you need more
space, attach a separate sheet of paper.

Question 5

Education history
Provide the details about each secondary and post-secondary educational
institution you attended, including the:

period of time that you attended the institution.

name of the institution,
city and country,
type of certificate or diploma issued, and
field of study.
If no diploma was issued, write “N/A”.

Question 6
Give details of your personal history since the age of 18, or the past 10
years, whichever is most recent.
Start with the most recent information. Under “Job/Activity, Title, Position”,
write your occupation or job title if you were working.
Important: Be specific when you are describing your job/occupation or
other activities. For example, an entry of “working,” “employee,” or
“employed” for “job/activity” are not acceptable.

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If you were not working, give information about what you were doing (for
example: unemployed, studying, travelling, retired, in detention, etc.). If
you were outside your country of nationality, write your status in that
country.
You can add more rows by pressing the plus sign (+) button.

Make sure you DO NOT leave any gaps in time. See example of
complete answer below:

Name
compa
From To Job/Activity City/town Status emplo
(YYYY- (YYYY- Activity Title, and in schoo
MM) MM) Type Position Country Country etc.

2015- 2016- Employment Salesperson Ottawa, Work XYZ

05 01 Canada visa Comp

2014- 2015- Unemployed unemployed Beijing, Citizen

02 04 China

2009- 2014- Educational student Toronto, Study Univer

01 01 Activity Canada visa of Toro

2007- 2008- Unemployed vacation Toronto, Visitor

11 12 Canada visa

2006- 2007- Educational student Beijing, citizen ABC h

01 10 Activity China schoo

Question 7
If you answered “yes”, write the names of all memberships or associations
with organizations you are or were a member of, including:
political organizations,
social organizations,
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youth or student organizations,

trade unions, and
professional associations.

 Note: Don’t use abbreviations. Write the city and country where you
were a member.

Question 8
If you answered “yes”, indicate any government positions you have held in
the past such as:
Civil servant;
Judge;
Police officer;
Employee in a security organization;
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 9
If you answered “yes”, give complete details about your military or
paramilitary service (if applicable). Provide the details of your military or
paramilitary service for each of the countries whose armed forces you
served in.
Note: Make sure you DO NOT leave any gaps in time.

Question 10

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Write the residential addresses where you have lived since your 18th
birthday or the past 10 years, whichever is most recent, complete with the
postal code. Do not use Post Office box addresses.

Addresses should be written out in full without using any abbreviations.

Use the apartment or unit number, if applicable. Example: 999 Family
Street, Unit #3, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K3J 9T5

Authority to disclose personal information

Declaration of applicant
Read all of the statements in all sections carefully.

You must do the following when submitting a paper version of the form
with your initial application:

In the signature section, type the name of the person for whom the
form is being filled out. Also enter the date that the form is being filled
out.
Validate the form.
Print the form.
Sign your name by hand. (Note: For principal applicants under the age
of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form on the dependent
child’s behalf.)

Important: If the form is not signed and dated per these instructions, it
will not be accepted and your applications will be returned to you without
being processed.

Note: A typed signature without an accompanying handwritten signature

will only be accepted if the form is uploaded through an online account (for
example, if you are asked to upload a new one later in processing). If you
are asked to submit a new one later in processing and you submit it
through the IRCC webform, you still need a handwritten signature.

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Important reminder: You (the principal applicant and any family

members who need to provide this form) must submit a Schedule A –
Background/Declaration (IMM 5669) which has been filled out on a
computer and has been validated. If you are unable to complete this form
on a computer, or are unable to successfully validate the form, you must
provide a written explanation which includes details of why you were
unable to do so.

Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

View form IMM 5406 (PDF (Portable Document Format), 570KB (Kilobyte))

Who needs to fill out this form?

This form must be filled out and signed by:

The principal applicant,

All dependent children aged 18 or over (whether coming with you to
Canada or not).
Note: if your dependent child is the principal applicant on a
sponsorship application, you should complete this form on their behalf
regardless of their age.

SECTION A
Write the personal details for:

Yourself (the person being sponsored),

If you are married and you were physically present at the
marriage, write “married – physically present” in the marital status
box
If you are married and you were not physically present at the
marriage, write “married – not physically present” in the marital
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status box. Note that we do not recognize marriages by proxy.

your spouse or common-law partner, (if this applies to you)
If you are married and your spouse was physically present at the
marriage, write “married – physically present” in the marital status
box
If you are married and your spouse wasn’t physically present at
the marriage, write “married – not physically present” in the
marital status box. Note that we do not recognize marriages by
proxy.
your mother, and
your father.

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”.

SECTION C
Write personal details about your:

brothers,

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sisters,
half-brothers and half-sisters,
step-brothers and step-sisters.

SECTION D
After carefully reading the statements in this section, sign and date
the declaration.

Relationship Information and Sponsorship

Evaluation Form (IMM 5532)
View form IMM 5532 (PDF (Portable Document Format), 2.21MB
(Megabyte))

Use the following instructions to fill out the form. Most of the questions on
the form are straightforward and extra instructions have only been given
for some questions. You must answer all questions.

If you need more space for any question, attach a separate sheet of paper.
Make sure you indicate the section and question you are answering (e.g.
Part A, question 1).

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be filled out and signed by:

The sponsor
The principal applicant

Personal information about Sponsor and Principal Applicant:

Date of birth:

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If you do not know the complete date of birth, use “*” (star sign/
asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day.

Client ID:

provide only if you have one

if this is your first time dealing with IRCC, you will not have a Client ID

Part A – Sponsorship Evaluation and Information about the

Sponsor
The sponsor fills out this section.

Question 1

Sponsor’s employment history

Starting with your current employer, give details of all employers you
have worked for over the past 5 years
Make sure there are no gaps in time
if you were unemployed, explain how you supported yourself
if you were self-employed, write the name of your business and the
date it was established
for your monthly salary or income, write the gross amount (amount
before taxes)
See example below of a complete answer:

Employer
Give name,
complete
Dates address and
telephone
number for
each Monthly gross
From To employer Occupation/Position salary/income

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Employer
Give name,
complete
Dates
address and
telephone
number for
each Monthly gross
From To employer Occupation/Position salary/income

May September Self Owner /Salesperson $XXXXX

2015 2016 employed
DFG
Company –
established
May 2015

June April 2015 ABC Salesperson $ XXXX

2014 Company
Unit 10-123
Work road,
Ottawa
Ontario, K2S
1R3 Canada
(XXX) XXX-
XXXX

June May 2014 Unemployed $

2013 – supported
by mother
and father

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Employer
Give name,
complete
Dates address and
telephone
number for
each Monthly gross
From To employer Occupation/Position salary/income

May May 2013 XYZ Salesperson $ XXXX

2011 Enterprises
124
Employment
road, Ottawa
Ontario
K8V 0Y7
(XXX) XXX-
XXXX

Question 2
Other sponsorships
Complete the table by writing the names and dates of birth for anyone
you have sponsored or co-signed to sponsor in the past.
You must include everyone you have ever sponsored, even if they have
not become permanent residents of Canada yet.
For each person, specify if you were the sponsor or co-signer.

Question 5
Address history
Addresses should be written out in full without using any abbreviations.
Use the apartment or unit number, if applicable. Example: 999 Family
Street, Unit #3, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K3J 9T5
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Make sure there are no gaps in time. Do not use P.O. boxes.

Question 8
Consent to disclose
Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you consent to the results of a marriage
fraud investigation being released to your spouse or partner.
Your consent for this question is voluntary. If you do not consent, your
application will still be processed and this will not have a negative impact.

Question 9
In this section, the sponsor must sign and date the application form. If
any signatures are missing, the application will be returned (see section 10
of the IRPR for more information).

Part B – Information about the Principal Applicant

This section must be completed by the person being sponsored (principal
applicant)

Question 4
Consent to disclose
Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you consent to the results of a marriage
fraud investigation being released to your sponsor.
Consent provided for this question is voluntary. If consent is not provided,
your application will still be processed and this will not have a negative
impact.

Question 5
Read the declaration statement carefully before signing.
By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and
that the information you have provided is complete, accurate and factual.
Signature
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The person being sponsored must sign and date in this box. If any
signatures are missing, the application will be returned (see section 10 of
the IRPR for more information).

Part C – information about relationship

This section should be filled out by the sponsor and principal applicant
(person being sponsored)

Question 11
If you feel that something else might support your application and was not
addressed in previous questions, please add it here. You do not need to
add anything if you feel that there is enough information in your other
answers.

Question 12 & 13
Read the declaration statement carefully before signing.
By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and
that the information you have provided is complete, accurate and factual.
Signatures:
Both the sponsor and principal applicant (person being sponsored) must
sign in the boxes provided. If not, the application will be returned (see
section 10 of the IRPR for more information).

Question 14
If you used an interpreter, have him or her complete the “Interpreter
Declaration” section at the end of the form.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

View form IMM 5476 (PDF (Portable Document Format), 648.31KB
(Kilobyte))

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Who may use this form?

Complete this form only if you:

are appointing a representative;

have to update contact information for your previously appointed
representative; or
are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they need to

complete their own copy of this form if a representative is also doing
business on their behalf.

Who is a representative?
A representative is someone who gives advice, consultation, or guidance
to you at any stage of the application process, or in a proceeding and, if
you appoint him or her as your representative by filling out this form, has
your permission to do business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees
and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency
(CBSA)

You do not need to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally,

whether they use a representative or not.

For more information about how to fill out the form, visit: Use of a
Representative.

Note to sponsors: If the person you’re sponsoring is living outside Canada

and is 18 years of age or older, and your address in Canada is provided as
their mailing address on the application for permanent residence (IMM
0008), the principal applicant (person you’re sponsoring) must complete a
Use of Representative form listing you as their representative.

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Step 4. Pay the fees

Before you send us your application, use the fee table below to find out
how much you need to pay when submitting your application.

We recommend you pay the right of permanent resident fee (RPRF) now.
You’ll have to pay it before you become a permanent resident. This fee is
refundable if you don’t become a permanent resident. You may choose to
pay this fee later, however this may cause delays. (Note: Dependent
children don’t need to pay the right of permanent residence fee. This
includes any dependent child sponsored as a principal applicant.)

Fees $CAN

Sponsor your spouse or partner 1,040

Sponsorship fee ($75), principal applicant processing fee
($475) and right of permanent residence fee ($490)

Sponsor your spouse or partner without right of 550

permanent residence fee
Sponsorship fee ($75) and principal applicant processing fee
($475)

Sponsor a dependent child 150(per child)

Sponsorship fee ($75) and processing fee ($75)

Include any dependent child 150(per child)

Include any dependent child on an application made by a
dependent child or overage dependent child Processing fee
($150)

Biometrics Fees $CAN

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Biometrics Fees $CAN

Per person 85

Family (2 or more) 170

Maximum total fee for families applying at the same time

Residents of Quebec
If you’re a resident of Quebec, you’ll need to pay another processing fee to
the province of Quebec when you apply to Quebec. For more information,
visit Quebec fees and payment methods. Do not include this extra fee with
the sponsorship application you submit to IRCC.

How to pay the fees for your application

To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

a valid email address;

access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and

a credit card or Canadian debit card.

Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

Go to Online Payment.

Follow the online instructions.

At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt
with barcode. Print two copies.

Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.

Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

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Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your
proof of payment!

In Canada, the only way to pay your fees is through online payment. We
will return your application if you send any other type of payment (see
section 10 of the IRPR for more information).

Fee payment for Canadian sponsors residing outside of Canada

Canadian citizens living abroad can pay their fees online.

The following mode of payment may be used ONLY if you reside

outside of Canada and you don’t have access to the Internet. If you
don’t have access to the Internet, you may pay by International bank draft
or money order in Canadian funds.

However, to process your application, your fee payment must meet the
following criteria:

be payable to the Receiver General for Canada;

be in Canadian funds
be cashable through a Canadian financial institution;
clearly indicate name, street address and account number of the
financial institution in Canada where it may be cashed.

Note: Do not provide a post office box as an address. Expired bank drafts
and money orders will be returned.

Payment Issues

No fee included or Insufficient Fees

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If you do not pay the full fees for your application(s) we will return your
application(s). We will only start processing your application after you
return it with the correct fees.

See section 10 of the IRPR for more information.

Overpayment
If you pay more than the fees needed for your application(s) we will start
processing your application, and send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.

Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person
indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt (paper
applications). If there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the
refund to the applicant.

Step 5. Check your application to avoid

common mistakes
 Important information: If you don’t include all of the requested
forms and documents listed on the checklist, your whole application
will be returned to you without being processed. Incomplete
applications will not have a place in the processing queue. If you
resubmit your application and we then confirm it is complete, we’ll
process it based on the date that the resubmission is received.

Before moving on to Step 6, check to make sure you’ve avoided these

common mistakes:

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Regardless of who you are sponsoring:

Always check country specific requirements before submitting your
application.
For some countries, originals of certain documents are required. In
these cases, you must submit the original and not a copy. If you do not
submit original documents when required, your application will be
returned as incomplete.
Don’t use staples, binders, plastic sleeves, folders or albums to submit
your application. Elastic bands for photos or paper clips are acceptable.

If you’re sponsoring dependent children

If the principal applicant is a dependent child, including someone
younger than 18 years old, you must submit the Additional Family
Information [IMM 5406] (PDF, 570 KB) and list them as the principal
applicant. As the parent/legal guardian of the principal applicant who
is under 18 years of age, you’ll sign all the forms on their behalf.
If sponsoring more than one dependent child as a principal applicant,
make sure you submit separate complete applications for each child
(i.e. each child should be listed on their own Application to Sponsor,
Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344] (PDF, 478.72 KB)
and Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 553.83 KB)),
and Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF, 776.4 KB).
If sponsoring a dependent child (under the age of 18) and they have
another parent who is not immigrating to Canada, the parent/guardian
applying from Canada must submit a signed copy of the IMM5604
Declaration From Non-Accompanying Parent/Guardian For Minors
Immigrating to Canada (PDF 609.2 KB). This form must be accompanied
by a piece of photo identification from the parent/guardian who is NOT
accompanying the minor to Canada. In situations where having this
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form signed from the other parent is impossible (i.e. parent’s

whereabouts unknown), a letter of explanation must be included with
the application. An officer will review this explanation and advise you of
any next steps.

Children born to Canadian citizens

If you’re a Canadian citizen who is sponsoring a spouse or partner, and
you have a child together, your child may be a Canadian citizen, even if
they were not born in Canada.
A Canadian citizen is not eligible to be sponsored.
If you already have proof of Canadian citizenship for your child, provide
a copy of this proof (citizenship certificate or copy of Canadian
passport), to help us confirm that your child does not require
immigrant processing.
If your child was born in Canada, you can provide a copy of their
Canadian long form birth certificate(s) instead.
If you don’t have proof of Canadian citizenship for your child who was
born outside Canada, you need to apply for a proof of citizenship to
confirm whether your child is a Canadian citizen.
If it is confirmed that your child is a Canadian citizen, you’ll be able to
apply for your child’s Canadian passport.
If your child is not a Canadian citizen, you’ll need to add them as a
dependant on the sponsorship undertaking signed for your spouse or
partner.

Important: If you’ve submitted an application for proof of citizenship for

your child, and it hasn’t been finalized, you must provide details in a letter
and include it as part of your application so that we can check the status.

Children born in Canada

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If a child was born in Canada, they are likely a Canadian citizen (unless
they fall under certain exceptions). A Canadian citizen doesn’t need to
be sponsored.
Confirm that your child(ren) don’t fall under an exemption from
citizenship by birth in Canada.
If they don’t fall under any exemption, include a copy of their Canadian
long form birth certificate(s) with your application.
If you don’t have your child’s long form birth certificate, you need to
apply for it.
If your child was born in Canada but falls under an exception (i.e.
would not qualify for citizenship), you must provide their long form
birth certificate, but they must also be included in the sponsorship.
Example: A child born in Canada to an accredited foreign diplomat is
not Canadian at birth unless the other parent is a Canadian citizen or
permanent resident at the time of the child’s birth.

Important: If you do not have a child’s Canadian long term birth certificate
but have already submitted an application for this to the child’s province or
territory of birth, you must provide details in a letter and include it as part
of your application.

Authorized representatives
If you’re using an authorized representative to help you or your family
members in any way during the immigration process, each family
member over the age of 18 who is being represented must sign their
own Use of Representative form [IMM 5476] (PDF (Portable Document
Format), 648.31 KB (Kilobyte)). To review the instructions for this form,
see Guide 5561 – Use of Representative.

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Note: If the sponsor and principal applicant are being represented by

the same person, only one form is required. However, this must be
signed by both the sponsor and principal applicant.

If you (the sponsor) will receive correspondence for, or act in any way
on behalf of your spouse, partner, or dependent child over the age of
18, the person you are sponsoring (and each represented family
member over 18) must complete a Use of Representative form
[IMM 5476] (PDF (Portable Document Format), 648.31 KB (Kilobyte))
authorizing you as their representative.

Note to sponsors: if the person you’re sponsoring is living outside

Canada, and your address in Canada is provided as their mailing
address on the application for permanent residence (IMM 0008), the
principal applicant (person you’re sponsoring) must complete a Use of
Representative form listing you as their representative.

Marriage certificates
For spousal sponsorships, make sure you include a valid marriage
certificate or proof of registration of your marriage with your
application (see checklist details). The document(s) you submit must
show that the marriage was legally registered with the government
where it took place.
A record of solemnization (obtained in Canada) or marriage license will
not be accepted as proof that the sponsor and applicant are married.
Check the country specific requirements to see if there are specific
instructions for the country where the marriage took place.

Proof of identity documents

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Proof of identity is an important part of an application to become a

permanent resident:
Carefully review the checklist sections on identity documents,
travel documents, and passports.
Make sure you submit a copy of your birth certificate, and (if you
have included dependants in your application) the birth certificates
of your family members.
We will return the application to you if you don’t provide all the
documents requested.
If you are unable to submit a document, you must include a
detailed explanation of why you are unable to submit this
document so that your application is not automatically returned to
you.

Original documents
In some cases, the country specific requirements ask you to submit
originals of certain documents (e.g. an original birth certificate). If so,
you must submit the original and not a copy, even if the checklist
asks for a copy.

Filling out the forms

You must fill out all sections, unless instructed otherwise. If a section
doesn’t apply to you, you must write “Not applicable” or “N/A” in this
section. If you need more space for any section, use a blank page to finish
answering the question.

If you don’t know a complete date of birth, use “*” (star

sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day that you
don’t know.

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If you don’t have a family name on your passport or travel document,

enter all given names in the family name field and enter “N/A” or “Not
applicable” in the given name field.
If you don’t have a given name on your passport or travel document,
enter “N/A” or “Not applicable” in the given name field.

Some forms have a “Validate” button. These include the:

IMM 1344 (Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and

Undertaking),
IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada) and
IMM 5669 (Schedule A)

When you press the “validate” button, identified missing information will
be identified by an error message or a red square around the fields that
need to be corrected. You should fill out your forms on a computer and
validate them electronically to reduce mistakes and help you submit forms
that are complete.

Once validated, the IMM 1344 and IMM 0008 forms will create a barcode
page (see image below). Note: The IMM 5669 (Schedule A) form will not
produce a barcode when it is validated.

Place any barcode pages right underneath your checklist when you submit
your application.

Important: If you have problems viewing or validating your forms, please

see these Help Centre questions:

I can’t open my form in PDF format

After clicking the validate button, nothing happens and I don’t see
barcodes

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Note: The Help Centre information about viewing PDF documents applies
to all IRCC PDF documents.

After you validate the forms to generate barcodes, print the form. Then, the
applicable client must sign the form in ink. Unsigned forms will not be
accepted.

Barcode page (if applicable):

Signatures
If signatures are missing, we will return the application without processing
it.

Note: IRCC will normally accept forms with photocopies of signatures.

However, you may be asked to provide the original copy of your forms with
an original signature if an IRCC officer determines it is necessary.

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Remember to check for a signature block on each form and sign when
needed. If forms are not signed in the correct places, and by the
correct people, we will return your application without processing it.
Signatures may be required in more than one place, or by more than
one person on some forms.
Where a date is needed, make sure you complete the section.
A parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of a dependent child
under the age of 18 when a signature for this person is required.

Important: Use the last page of your checklist to help you make sure all
forms have been signed correctly.

Addresses
Addresses should be written out in full without using any abbreviations.
Use the apartment or unit number, if applicable. Example: 999 Family
Street, Unit #3, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K3J 9T5

Email addresses
Important: We recommend completing your IMM0008 form electronically.
However, if you do not have access to a computer when filling out your
forms, but wish to be contacted by e-mail, make sure your e-mail address is
clearly written. To protect your privacy, we will not use an e-mail address
if we can’t clearly read it.

Make sure all email addresses on the forms are correct. Errors will
cause delays.
Make sure you’ve correctly typed the email address for the
representative (if applicable), the sponsor, and the principal applicant
in the correct fields on the IMM 5476, IMM 1344 and IMM 0008.

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If you’ve authorized a representative to act on your behalf, we’ll send

all correspondence about the application to your representative.
If you’re applying for permanent residence and you’ve authorized your
sponsor to act as a representative on your behalf, we’ll send all
correspondence about the application to the sponsor.

Note: providing an email address will allow us to communicate with you

faster, which can speed up processing times. For more information, see
Link your application.

Step 6. Submit the application

 Note: Before submitting your application, you should always
make a photocopy for your own records. You may need
information from your package after you submit your
application.

Now that you’ve finished preparing your application, you can submit it for
processing. You should do the following:

1. Place a copy of the checklist on top of your complete application

package. This will help make sure the application can be processed as
quickly as possible when it arrives in our office.
2. If you’re applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in
Canada class and the person you’re sponsoring is also applying for an
open work permit, after the checklist, place:
the work permit application form and documents (if applicable)
and
a separate fee payment receipt for the cost of the work permit
application

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3. The order of documents should be as follows:

checklist;
open work permit application (and supporting documents), if
applicable;
any barcode pages;
supporting documents, in the order they are listed on the
checklist.

Submit your application by mail

Send the application package with all the requested documents in a
stamped envelope to the appropriate address below.

Note: all applications submitted by courier should be sent to the same

address (see section for courier service below).

Pick the correct mailing address:

Application for spouses, common-law partners or conjugal partners

outside Canada and all dependent children sponsorships:
CPC Sydney
P.O. Box 9500
Sydney, NS
B1P 0H5

Note: Choose this option if your spouse or common-law partner is living

in Canada, but you have chosen to use the overseas sponsorship.

or

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Application for spouses or common-law partners

currently living in Canada applying under the Spouse or Common-
Law Partner in Canada Class:
CPC Mississauga
P.O. Box 5040, Station B
Mississauga, ON
L5A 3A4

Submit your application by courier service

If you’re sending the application using a courier service instead of by
mail, pick the correct courier address (no public drop-offs):

Application for spouses, common-law partners or conjugal partners

currently living outside Canada and all dependent child sponsorships:
CPC Sydney
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2

Note: Choose this option if your spouse or common-law partner is living

in Canada with you, but you have chosen to use the overseas sponsorship.

or

Application for spouses or common-law partners currently living in

Canada applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in
Canada class:

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CPC Mississauga
2 Robert Speck Parkway,
Suite 300
Mississauga, ON
L4Z 1H8

What to expect after you apply

Communicating with IRCC
There are several ways we may communicate with you:

Through your (or your representative’s) online account: We

recommend that you or your authorized paid representative (if
applicable) create an online account and link your paper application to
that account. Once an application has been linked to an online account,
we will send correspondence there. This makes communication easier,
more secure, and quicker and will allow you or your representative to
get more detailed application status information and to receive mail
from us online. Using online services will ensure that you receive any
correspondence (including medical forms and other requests) from us
almost immediately after we send it to you. This will allow us to input
your responses directly into your application for timely review. Get
more information about how to link your paper application to your
online account.
E-Mail: If you or your representative provide us with an e-mail address
when you apply, this will be our primary means of contacting you,
unless your application is linked to an online account.

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Mail: If your application is not linked to an online account and no e-

mail is provided, we will send all correspondence to the most up-to-
date mailing address we have on file.

Important: Do not attempt to link your application to your personal online

account if you have appointed a representative. If you have appointed a
representative and attempt to link your application to your own online
account, you will have to cancel your representative before you can link.

If you have an authorized paid representative, they can link your

application to their own online account instead.

Unpaid representatives cannot use online accounts. If you have an unpaid

representative, you should remind them to regularly monitor their e-mail
and mail to ensure correspondence is received.

When you authorize the use of a representative, they’ll receive all

correspondence about the application on your behalf. It’s important to
make sure that we always have your, and your representative’s (if
applicable) most current contact information, including:

Phone numbers
Email addresses
Mailing addresses

We’ll send time-sensitive and official correspondence using the most up-to-
date contact information we have.

If we send a request, an answer must be provided within the timeframe

provided.

For more information, see our Help Centre for instruction on changing your
address or contact information.

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Note: If your application was received before someone else’s, but you have
not received all of the same requests, don’t be alarmed. Each file is
different, and application steps may happen at different times for each file.
We will contact you when:

we need more information to process your file

an update is available
a decision has been made, or
if your file is transferred to another office for processing

Make sure you regularly check to see if we have contacted you.

Sponsors
After we receive your application, we’ll check to make sure you’ve
submitted all the required forms and documents on the document
checklist. If your application package is incomplete, it will be returned to
you without being processed. If the application has all the requested forms
and documents, you’ll get an email or letter confirming that the application
has been accepted for processing.

We’ll assess your eligibility to sponsor and you’ll also get an email or letter
advising you of the decision.

If your sponsorship undertaking is approved, we’ll send the application

for permanent residence to the appropriate processing office for
further review.
If your sponsorship undertaking is refused, you’ll get an email or letter
explaining why.
If you choose to go ahead with the sponsorship even if you are
found ineligible to sponsor, the whole application package will be
sent to a processing office for further review.

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Applicants (person being sponsored)

Once your sponsor is found to be eligible, we’ll send you (or your
authorized representative, if you have one) an acknowledgement of receipt
(AOR) letter with your application number on it. If you provided an e-mail
address on your application, this letter will be sent to that e-mail address.

Do your medical exam

All of your family members (who are not already a Canadian citizen or
permanent resident) need to pass a medical exam, even if they aren’t
applying to come to Canada with you. Failure to declare and have family
members examined will affect your application, and your ability to sponsor
them in the future.

If you have a dependent child who is a minor and you have joint or sole
custody, that child is considered a dependant. The child will need a medical
exam even if they live with the other parent and won’t be coming with you
to Canada.

We’ll send you and each family member a request to complete a medical
exam at an appropriate time in processing. This request will include
instructions about what to do.

If you have linked your application to an online account, you will receive
your instructions in your account immediately after we issue them.

Note: Don’t be concerned if you don’t receive a request to complete

medical exams immediately after applying. Because medical results can
expire, we might not ask you to do your medical exam right away. This is to
reduce the chance that a new medical exam will be required later.

The request to complete a medical exam will provide instructions about

what to do.

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Once you get a request for a medical exam, you must:

Print the IMM 1017 form and the instructions for each person.
Make sure to bring the form to the exam for each person.

Do the medical exam within 30 days of medical instructions being issued to

you.

Note: If you’ve already completed an immigration medical exam, you must

provide details in the “medical examination” section of your document
checklist. Depending on when the exam was done, you may have to do it
again. If you haven’t completed a medical exam or need to do a new one,
we’ll send you instructions.

Medical insurance
If you’re in Canada, you may be able to get medical insurance while your
application is being processed. Contact your provincial or territorial health
department to find out if you’re eligible.

Important Notices

Important notice about misrepresentation

If you’re applying to sponsor someone, or you’re applying for permanent
residence yourself, you are personally responsible for the content of your
application. If you or someone acting on your behalf submits false
documents or misrepresents facts relating to your application for a
permanent resident visa, your application will be refused and a record of
the misrepresentation will be kept. This includes information in your
background declaration (IMM 5669 – Schedule A). It also includes any other
information you submit in support of your application during processing.

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Applicants and their dependants could be deemed inadmissible to Canada

for five years under subsection 40(2) of the Immigration and Refugee
Protection Act. For more information, see misrepresentation.

Complying with officer requests in a timely manner

You must submit any requested documents within timeframes given. If you
do not do this, your application may be refused.

If you’ve created an online account, you should monitor it regularly for

requests during processing. Responding to our requests as quickly as
possible is the best way to make sure your application is processed in a
timely manner.

Requests for additional documents or information

We may ask you to submit more documents at a later date if we need more
information to assess your application. If you’ve created an online account,
you should monitor it regularly for requests during processing. Responding
to our requests as quickly as possible is the best way to make sure your
application is processed in a timely manner.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t respond to a request for information, your

application may be refused.

While your application is being processed

For information on the estimated time it will take to process your
application, you can check current application processing times.

If you or your authorized paid representative (if applicable) have linked

your application to an online account, you (or your representative) should
check it regularly for any important updates. If you’re not using an online
account, you should monitor your preferred method of correspondence

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(e.g. e-mail or mail) regularly for communications. If you’re using e-mail,

you should monitor the account you provided on your application forms
regularly (including your spam folder).

If you have a representative, you should direct any questions about the
processing of your application to them.

Open work permits for spouses or common-law partners in Canada

If you’re applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in-Canada
class, you may qualify for an open work permit while your application for
permanent residence is being processed. You can submit your application
for an open work permit together with your application for permanent
residence, or after you apply.

To include your open work permit application with your application for
permanent residence, use the Application to Change Conditions or Extend
Your Stay in Canada as a Worker. After filling this out, place the open work
permit application right underneath the sponsorship checklist.

See the Help Centre for information about Open work permits for spouses
and partners.

Note: If you’re applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in

Canada class and you’ve submitted an application for an open work permit,
your work permit will normally be processed within four months.

We also recommend that you take the time to prepare for life in Canada
well in advance.

What you can do to help processing

There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is
processed as fast as possible:
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send all documents and information we have asked for with your
application
pay your application and biometric fees (if required)
provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required)
tell us if your contact information changes, including:
mailing address
telephone numbers
facsimile number (fax)
e-mail address

Things that delay processing

The following may delay processing:

unclear photocopies of documents

verification of your information and documents
a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations
a criminal or security problem
consultation is needed with other offices in Canada and abroad

Interview
If an interview is needed, we’ll tell you in writing. We’ll tell you the date,
time and location of the interview, and give you a list of documents to
bring.

During an interview, an officer may ask the principal applicant about their

relationship with the sponsor

education level
reasons for immigrating

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plans and preparations

family
health
financial situation
past difficulties with the law

We may also ask questions that will be used to evaluate the principal
applicant’s means to settle successfully in Canada.

Eligibility review

If sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner who lives with you in

Canada and you are applying in the Spouse or Common-law Partner in
Canada class:
If you meet all of the sponsorship requirements, we’ll:

process your spouse’s or common-law partner’s application

send your spouse or common-law partner an email or letter explaining
if they’ve been approved or if we need more information
do medical, security and background checks
contact your spouse or common-law partner for a confirmation of
permanent residence interview, where we’ll make the final decision on
permanent resident status

If your spouse’s or common-law partner’s application is refused:

your spouse or common-law partner must leave Canada at the end of

their period of temporary stay

If your spouse or common-law partner leaves Canada while the application

is being processed:

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there is no guarantee that they’ll be allowed to re-enter Canada. This is

especially true if they need a visitor visa.

If sponsoring a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner or dependent

child outside Canada:
If you and your sponsored relative meet all immigration requirements,
the visa office will:
ask you to submit passports and
issue permanent resident visas to your sponsored relative and
the family members who are coming to Canada.
Your sponsored relative must then arrive in Canada either with or
before their family members, and within the validity period of the
visas.
If you or your sponsored relative don’t meet all immigration
requirements,
the application will be refused, and
you’ll get an email or letter explaining the reasons for the refusal
and we’ll inform you of your right to appeal the decision to the
Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
If you choose to withdraw the sponsorship if you don’t meet the
sponsorship requirements,
IRCC will return your complete application (including supporting
documents) to you.

 Note: You will be repaid all processing fees except the sponsorship
fee of $75. The application for permanent residence will not be
processed.

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Current processing times

For more information

You can check current processing times on the Check application
processing times webpage.

Checking application status

The person you are sponsoring can receive instant email updates and
more detailed, up-to-date case status on their permanent resident
application by creating an online account. Find out how.

In Canada and the United States

You may Contact Us or go online to see the current status of your
application:

1. Click on Check application status, and

2. follow the instructions provided.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information

from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.

Outside Canada and the United States

Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible
for your region.

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

available to IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and

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not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the

provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.

For more information. For more information about the protection of

your data, visit the Help Centre.

Need help?
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the
Help Centre.

Table 1 – Eligibility for Rehabilitation

The table below explains when a person may be deemed
rehabilitated and is eligible to apply for parole.

Rehabilitation period

When you are

deemed rehabilitated
(must not have
committed or have When eligible
been convicted of to apply for
Conviction or offence any other offence) rehabilitation

Convicted of an offence outside At least 10 years after Five years

Canada that, if committed in you have finished after you have
Canada, would be an indictable serving the sentence finished
offence punishable by a serving the
maximum prison term of less sentence
than 10 years

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Rehabilitation period

When you are

deemed rehabilitated
(must not have
committed or have When eligible
been convicted of to apply for
Conviction or offence any other offence) rehabilitation

Committed an offence outside At least 10 years after Five years

Canada that, if committed in you committed the after offence
Canada, would be an indictable offence was
offence punishable by a committed
maximum prison term of less
than 10 years

Convicted of or committed an Not applicable Five years

offence outside Canada, that, if after you
committed in Canada, would be completed the
punishable by a maximum sentence or
prison term of 10 years or more committed
the offence

Convicted of two or more At least five years after Not applicable

offences outside Canada that, if you finish serving the
committed in Canada, would sentences
constitute summary conviction
offences

Convicted of two or more At least five years after Must apply for
summary conviction offences in you finish serving the a record
Canada sentences suspension
(formerly
pardon)

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Rehabilitation period

When you are

deemed rehabilitated
(must not have
committed or have When eligible
been convicted of to apply for
Conviction or offence any other offence) rehabilitation

Convicted of two or more Not applicable Must apply for

indictable offences in Canada a record
suspension
(formerly
pardon)

Appendix A: Key definitions

Sponsor
A Canadian Citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the
Canadian Indian Act or permanent resident of Canada who is 18 years of
age or older and is applying to sponsor a member of the family class or a
member of the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class. To be a
sponsor, you must promise to give financial support for the basic needs of
the members of your family and their dependent children. You must also
meet all of the sponsorship eligibility requirements. See subsection 130(1)
of the IRPR for the legal definition.

Principal applicant
When a family applies for permanent residence together, one family
member must be the main or “principal” applicant. If the main purpose of
the application is to sponsor a spouse or partner for permanent residence
in Canada, the principal applicant is the spouse or partner. If the main
purpose of the application is to sponsor a dependent child for permanent
residence in Canada, the principal applicant is the dependent child.
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However, when parents are included in an application, the dependent child

cannot be the principal applicant.

Family members
An applicant’s closest relatives, in the context of an application. It is defined
as a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and their
dependent children.
See section 1(3) of the IRPR for the legal definition.

Spouse
Means either of the two people (opposite or same sex) in a marriage that is
legally recognized in the country where it took place, as well as in Canada.
IRCC no longer recognizes marriages performed
outside of Canada by:
Important information
Proxy,
telephone,
fax,
internet and
other forms of marriage where one or both persons weren’t physically
present at the ceremony

For more information, consult Operational Bulletin 613.

See section 2 of the IRPR for the legal definition of marriage.

Common-law partner
Means a person who has been living in a conjugal relationship with another
person (opposite or same sex), continuously for at least one year. A
conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of
commitment between two people.
To show that you are in a common-law relationship, submit proof that you:

share the same home,

support each other financially and emotionally,
have children together, if applicable,
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present yourselves in public as a couple.

See section 1(1) of the IRPR for the legal definition.

Conjugal partner
A conjugal partner is:
a person who is living outside Canada,
in a conjugal relationship with a sponsor for at least one year, and
could not live with the sponsor as a couple because of reasons beyond
their control (e.g. immigration barrier, religious reasons or sexual
orientation.
Principal applicants who are living in Canada are not eligible to be
sponsored as conjugal partners, either in the Spouse, Common-law in
Canada program or the overseas sponsorship program.

This term applies to both heterosexual and homosexual couples.

In most cases, the foreign partner is also not able to legally marry their
sponsor and qualify as a spouse. In all other respects, the couple is similar
to a common-law couple or a married couple, meaning they have been in a
bona fide (genuine or real) conjugal relationship for a period of at least one
year.

A significant degree of attachment and mutual interdependence between

both partners must be shown. The couple must submit proof of the
obstacles or restrictions that are preventing them from living together or
getting married.
See section 2 of the IRPR for the legal definition.

Dependent children
Means the children of the sponsor or principal applicant.
Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be
considered a dependent child if that child meets the requirements below
on the day we receive your complete application:
They’re under 22 years old, and
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They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner

Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of

these requirements:
They have depended on their parents for financial support since before
the age of 22, and
They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental
or physical condition

Dependants must continue to meet these requirements until they enter

Canada.
If we received your permanent residence application on or before October
23, 2017, a previous definition of dependent children may apply.
Not sure which type of dependant your child is? Check if your child
qualifies as a dependant by answering a few questions.
See section 2 of the IRPR for the legal definition.

Dependent child of a dependent child

Means the children of dependent children of the sponsor or principal
applicant.

Accompanying dependant
Any dependent child or dependant of a dependent child (grandchild) who
plans to immigrate to Canada with the principal applicant. They are
included on the application.
When sponsoring more than one child as a principal applicant, each child
must have its own application form. They are not considered to be
accompanying dependants of each other.

Non-accompanying dependant
Children who meet the definition of a dependent child but who are not
immigrating to Canada along with the principal applicant. They must be
listed on the principal applicant’s application for permanent residence and

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must be examined in order to process the principal applicant and remain

eligible for sponsorship at a later date.

Family Class
This immigration category allows Canadian citizens and permanent
residents to sponsor certain members of their family to come to Canada as
permanent residents. See section 116 of the IRPR for the legal definition.

Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class

This immigration category allows Canadian citizens and permanent
residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners who live with
them in Canada and have temporary resident status. See sections 123 and
233 of the IRPR for the legal definition.

Marital Status
Annulled Marriage:
This is a marriage that is legally declared invalid.

Common-Law:
This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-
type relationship for at least one year.

Divorced:
This means that a court has legally declared the end of your marriage. The
two people are no longer married.

Legally Separated:
This means that you are married, but no longer living with your spouse and
do not wish to live together with your spouse again.

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:

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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.

Appendix B: Request letters

Request for Police Certificates/Clearances and Authorization for
Release of Information (PDF (Portable Document Format), 58.59KB
(Kilobyte))
Fingerprint request letter (PDF (Portable Document Format), 55.88KB
(Kilobyte))

Appendix C: Photo specifications

Important: If your application is approved, this photo will be used to
create the first Permanent Resident Card for you (and your family
members, if applicable). To avoid delays in getting your card, it’s important
that the photos meet these specifications.

Notes to the applicant

 TAKE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOU TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Make sure that you provide the correct number of photos specified in
the checklist.
You must provide identical and unaltered photographs.
Photographs may be in colour or in black and white.
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Photographs must be original and not altered in any way or taken

from an existing photograph.
Photographs must reflect your current appearance and must have
been taken within the past six (6) months.

Important information:

Check the Country Specific Requirements to see if you need to provide

extra photos.

Please see the Guide for Permanent resident photos for colour examples
of acceptable and unacceptable permanent resident photos.

If you are having your photos taken outside Canada, we strongly

recommend that you ask your photographer to review both the Notes to
Photographer found below, and the Guide for Permanent resident photos
to see examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. This will help
reduce the chance of processing delays, and additional expenses, due to
incorrect photo specifications.

Notes to the photographer

The photographs must be:

taken by a commercial photographer;
50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the
height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches
and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
clear, sharp and in focus;
taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible,
mouth closed, no smiling);
taken with uniform lighting with no shadows, glare or flash reflections;
taken straight on, with face and shoulders centred and squared to the
camera (i.e. the photographs must show the full front view of the
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person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the
middle of the photograph);
taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference
between the person’s face and the background. Photographs must
reflect and represent natural skin tones.

IMPORTANT: Please see the Guide for Permanent resident photos for
colour examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos.

The back of one (1) photo must:

bear the name and date of birth of the subject, as well as the name and
complete address of the photography studio;
bear the date the photo was taken;
The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information.
Stick-on labels are not accepted.

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Appendix D: Contact information for

provincial authorities
If the person you sponsor or any of their dependants gets financial support
under a federal, provincial or municipal assistance program during the
validity of the agreement, you will be in default of your obligations.

If you need information about how to repay the money owed, contact the
provincial office listed below. Services are available during local business
hours only.

British Columbia
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
Sponsorship Default Coordinator
P.O. Box 9950 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9R3
1 (866) 866-0800

Quebec
Centre de service du recouvrement
1415 Jarry St. Est, Suite 400
Montréal, QC H2E 3B4
Telephone: 1 (514) 873-4362
Fax: 1 (514) 352-2395

Alberta
Alberta Human Services
Income Support Contact Centre
Telephone: 1 (866) 644-5135
Edmonton: 1 (780) 644-5135

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Newfoundland and Labrador

Department of Social Services
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
Telephone: 1 (709) 729-0583

Saskatchewan
Department of Community Resources and
Employment
Saskatchewan Social Services
1920 Broad Street, 11th Floor
Regina, SK S4P 3V6
Telephone: 1 (306) 787-1388

New Brunswick
Department of Social Development
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
Telephone: 1 (506) 453-2001

Manitoba
Family Services
203 South Railway Street East
Killarney, MB R0K 1G0
Telephone: 1 (877) 812-0014

Nova Scotia
Department of Community Services
P.O. Box 696
Halifax, NS B3J 2T7
Telephone: 1 (902) 424-4262

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Ontario
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Overpayment Recovery Unit
Box 333
Toronto, ON M7A 1N3
Toll free: 1 (888) 346-5184
Fax: 1 (416) 212-7707

Prince Edward Island

Department of Social Services and Seniors
11 Kent Street, 2nd floor
P.O. Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Telephone: 1 (902) 368-6369
Fax: 1 (902) 894-0242

Appendix E
"X" in the sex field on an immigration document
In the future, we will be introducing an "X" in the sex field. Sign up for
email updates on changing your sex to X (unspecified). Until this becomes
available, you may request a supporting document, free of charge that will
state that your sex is unspecified.

You can request the supporting document once your application has been
approved and you’ve received your immigration document.

Find out how to request a supporting document with X.

 Important:
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If your passport or travel document has a sex other than male (M)
or female (F):
On your application forms, identify the sex you would like displayed
(M or F) until the X can be issued.
The sex chosen (M or F) on your application will be the sex printed
on your document.

How-to video

Save Time: Send a Complete Application

Find out if you are eligible

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Come to Canada

Living in Canada tool

Learn about what it's like to live in Canada and which resources are
available to you to help you settle here
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Date modified:
2019-03-01

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