Get help to open an application form or to fill one out in the Help Centre.
We won’t ask you for original supporting documents anymore. We now accept copies. You should still have your originals in case we ask you for them during processing.
As of September 23, 2022, you must now apply online for this program. If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).
If you’re sponsoring your adopted child or a child you will adopt in Canada, use the application kit to sponsor adopted children and other relatives instead.
In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.
We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.
If you want to apply for permanent residence in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.
Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application.
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for every application for permanent residence you submit. Even if you gave your biometrics in the past and they’re still valid.
COVID-19: Biometrics deadline
Some biometrics collection sites are closed. If the site closest to you is closed, we’ll extend your deadline to give your biometrics. Find out how COVID-19 is affecting biometrics.
After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.
If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.
When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.
If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.
Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes documents like your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), permanent resident visa (if you’re from a country that needs a visa), or eTA (electronically linked to your passport) if you’re from a visa-exempt country or your single entry journey document if you don’t have a travel document.
Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.
Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents.
When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.
If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.
If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.
If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.
Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.
You must meet some basic requirements to enter Canada. You must:
Some people are not admissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:
You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.
This is the country the person is currently living in. It may be different from the country or countries they are citizens of.
If the person being sponsored lives in Canada, select Canada.
Refer to your checklist to find out which documents you need to submit.
Choose the country you will get these documents from. If you will submit documents from several different countries, select "Add another country."
If you will need documents from more than three countries, please start the tool again.
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.
If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must
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
A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also
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’re between 14 and 79 years old, you may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline on your biometric instruction letter, there may be temporary measures in place to help you.
If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.
If you already have a work permit, you can keep working as long as the permit is valid.
If you’re living in Canada with the person sponsoring you, you can also apply for an open work permit when you apply for permanent residence. Find out more about how to apply for an open work permit online.
Before you submit your application, make sure you:
If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.
If you and the person you are sponsoring meet the eligibility requirements, we will mail or email you a request to link your application to an online account.
Having trouble? See the top questions about linking your application in the Help Centre.
Need Help? Find answers in the Help Centre
Save Time: Send a Complete Application
Learn about what it's like to live in Canada and which resources are available to you to help you settle here
