Step 1: Get ready to apply online

Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account(opens in a new tab) .

Refer to the Instruction Guide [IMM 0154] for important information about your eligibility, fees and how to apply.

Step 2: Fill out your forms

You must fill out these digital forms online

You’ll fill out these digital forms online (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older)

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)

You must also fill out these PDF forms

• you don’t need to sign them
• upload them to your online application
• as the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application, including those of your family members
  • Document Checklist [IMM 0155] (opens in a new tab)
    • Use this checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
  • Economic Classes – Atlantic Immigration Program [IMM 5501] (opens in a new tab)

Complete and sign these PDF forms, if they apply to you

• print and complete it
• sign it by hand
• get the third party to sign it by hand
• upload it with your application
  • Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (opens in a new tab), if this applies
  • Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604] (opens in a new tab), if this applies

Forms for the employer to fill out

• Offer of Employment to a Foreign National under the Atlantic Immigration Program [IMM 0157] (opens in a new tab)
• Your employer must
  • fill out the form
  • print it and sign it by hand
  • make a copy
  • send it to you
• You (the principal applicant) must
  • read the declaration at the bottom and sign by hand
  • make a digital copy, and
  • then upload it with your online application

Using an immigration representative

If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must

• submit a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab) form
• sign it digitally or by hand and get your immigration representative to do so also
• upload it with your application

An immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer) can give you advice and help you with your application for a fee. But they can’t

• open a portal account on your behalf
• electronically sign the application for you
• sign into the portal using your username and password

A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also

• help you prepare the documents you need to upload
• answer questions about the forms

After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law.

If you want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative you must

• submit an Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (opens in a new tab) form

Photo specifications

You need one photo for each person on your application.

Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.

Technical issues

If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using our web form.

If you need to upload a number of documents, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

Step 3: Pay your fees online

Find out how to pay your fees.

Biometrics fee

In most cases, you must pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise, you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.

After you pay the biometrics fee with a complete application, we’ll send you a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. You must show this letter when you give your biometrics.

You must give your biometrics in person. Make sure to book an appointment if this service is offered. Find a collection point close to you.

Step 4: Submit your application

Before you submit your application, make sure you:

• answer all questions
• electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
• include your processing fee receipt
• upload all the supporting documents

If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.

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