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Guide 0104 A1 – Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots: Gaining experience category – Application for permanent residence and an occupation-restricted open work permit from outside Canada

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We’re no longer accepting new applications

The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot ended on June 17, 2024. We’ll continue to process applications we received on or before this date.

See how we’re committed to making sure caregivers continue to have a pathway to permanent residence.

New changes to the pilots

Updated June 24, 2024

These changes are now in effect and apply to all applications being processed:

  • You only need 6 months of work experience, instead of 12, to qualify.
  • For the Gaining experience category, we’ll accept eligible work experience
    • from inside or outside Canada
    • gained anytime between the 36-month period before you submitted your permanent residence application and the date you provide proof of work experience

If you already applied to the Gaining experience category and now have enough eligible work experience, you can send us proof.

Table of Contents

This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.

For legal information, consult the following documents:

Before you apply

Use this guide to apply for permanent residence through the Home Child Care Provider Pilot (HCCP) or Home Support Worker Pilot (HSW) under the Gaining experience category.

You can use this application package if:

  • you are submitting an application from outside Canada; or
  • you are in Canada as a visitor, but you are not eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada

Read the complete guide and then fill out each of the required forms.

This instruction guide:

  • has information you must know before you submit your application, and
  • explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.

Note: It is very important to include the right application forms and pay the right fees. If you don’t, your application could be rejected as incomplete.

Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:

Who is eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada

You can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada, as part of an application for either the HCCP or HSW pilot, if

You’re currently in Canada, and one of these applies

  • you have a valid study or work permit
  • your spouse, common-law partner or parents have a valid study or work permit
  • you’re eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid
  • you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more, or
  • you’re allowed to work in Canada without a work permit but you need a work permit to work in a different job (this does not apply to business visitors)

For more information, see who can apply for a work permit from inside Canada.

Required step

What you must do to have your application processed.

Important information

Important information that you must know to avoid delays or other problems.

Important information

Where to get more information.

Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

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

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics.

As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada. You can go to a designated Service Canada location.

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’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.

Where to give your biometrics

You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points.

Family member definitions

Your family members include your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and any children that are their dependent children.

Spouse

Refers to either of the two persons (any gender) in a marriage legally recognized in the country in which it took place, as well as in Canada.

Important information

Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are not considered as valid spousal relationships under the Regulations nor are polygamous marriages. For more information, consult our policy on the legality of a marriage.

Common-law partner

Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (any gender), and has done so continuously for a period of at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people.

This can be shown with evidence that the couple share the same home, support each other financially and emotionally, have children together, or present themselves in public as a couple.

Common-law partners who have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year, but are unable to live together or appear in public together because of legal restrictions in their home country or who have been separated for reasons beyond their control (for example, civil war or armed conflict) may still qualify and should be included on the application.

Dependent children

We assess your child’s eligibility as a dependant based on how old they were at a specific point in time, called the "lock-in date". This is usually the date we received your application. To see if your child qualifies as a dependant, we consider the age of your child on the lock-in date, even though your child’s age may change during processing.

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 lock-in date:

  • 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:

  • 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.

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

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

Dependent child of a dependent child

Refers to children of dependent children of the applicant and those of the spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.

Do you intend to reside in Quebec?

If you intend to reside in the province of Quebec, you do not qualify to apply under these pilots.

To be eligible for these pilots, you must show that you intend to reside as permanent residents in a province other than Quebec.

Step 1: Make sure you are eligible

What are the requirements?

Your application to immigrate to Canada under either the Gaining experience category of the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot will be assessed against the following 4 requirements:

1. Job offer

You must have a job offer that meets all of these requirements:

  • Was made using the Offer of Employment form [IMM 5983] (opens in a new tab)
  • Is genuine and likely to be valid when you are issued your work permit
  • Is for a position outside the province of Quebec
  • Was made by a single Canadian employer that is not a business (this means a private individual or family seeking to fill their in-home care needs)
    • It cannot be an embassy, high commission or consulate
  • Is non-seasonal and for full-time employment, meaning you’ll work at least 30 paid hours per week
  • Is for a job under National Occupation Classification (NOC) 44100 (Home child care provider) or NOC 44101 (Home support worker) (2021 version of the NOC), depending on which pilot you apply for, and this also means that the work needs to be done in a private home (not in an institutional setting, such as daycare or retirement home.)

Note: You may live in your employer’s home, but it is not a requirement.

Note: For the Home Child Care Provider Pilot, you must provide in-home care to children in a job listed under NOC 44100 (2021 version), other than a foster parent. For the Home Support Worker Pilot, you must provide in-home care to an individual requiring care in a job listed under NOC 44101 (2021 version).

If you applied before November 2022

On November 16, 2022, we switched to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

If you submitted an application before November 16, 2022, your job offer or qualifying work experience will still be assessed as per the NOC 2016 requirements.

  • Home child care provider – NOC 4411 was replaced with NOC 44100
  • Home support worker – NOC 4412 was replaced with NOC 44101

You must submit the job offer with your application for permanent residence. Your employer must complete this form and send you a copy to include with your application. Your employer and you must read and sign the declaration at the bottom of the form.

In addition, you must submit a work permit application together with your permanent residence application.

You must meet employment requirements for the job you are offered. You can find these requirements in the NOC descriptions.

Ability to perform the work

An officer will assess if you’re able to perform the work described in the lead statement of the eligible occupation, as set out in the occupational descriptions of the Document Checklist – Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker [IMM 5981] (opens in a new tab) for more information on what you need to provide as proof of ability.

2. Proficiency in English or French

You must have a level of proficiency of at least benchmark level 5 in either official language for all 4 language skill areas, as set out in the Canadian Language Benchmarks or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.

You must prove your ability in English or French in these 4 areas:

  • listening,
  • speaking,
  • reading, and
  • writing.
Proof of language proficiency

To prove that you meet the required level of language proficiency in all 4 language skill areas, you must:

  • take a language proficiency test offered by an organization or institution designated by IRCC before submitting your application and
  • include a copy of the results with your application.

The designated organizations may have different types of tests. Find out which specific tests we accept.

Your test results must be less than 2 years old at the time that we receive your application.

  • Make arrangements to take a designated language proficiency test and pay the test costs.
  • Refer to the language test scoring grids to confirm that your test results meet the language proficiency requirement.
  • Submit a copy of the test results with your application.
  • Keep a copy of your language proficiency test results for your records and future use.

Note: Designated language test results will be used as proof of whether you meet the language proficiency requirement.

3. One-year post-secondary education

You must have at least a completed one-year Canadian post-secondary educational credential (or an equivalent foreign credential).

To prove that you meet the required level of education, you must submit with your application evidence of:

  • a completed Canadian educational credential of at least one year of post-secondary studies,

    or

  • a completed foreign educational credential from a recognized institution and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report indicating that your completed foreign educational credential is equivalent to at least a completed one-year Canadian post-secondary educational credential, issued by an organization designated by IRCC.

Get more information about reports that are not eligible.

Proof of foreign educational credential equivalency

You must have your foreign educational credentials assessed by an organization designated by IRCC and obtain an ECA report before submitting your application.

  • Your ECA report must have been issued on or after the date the organization was designated by IRCC.
  • Your ECA report must be for immigration purposes and less than 5 years old on the date that we receive your application.

You need to:

  1. make arrangements to obtain an ECA report for your completed foreign educational credential(s) from an organization designated by IRCC and pay the assessment costs.
  2. refer to the Appendix B list to confirm that the outcome stated on your ECA report matches at least one of the assessment outcomes identified in the list.
  3. submit a copy of the ECA report with your application along with proof of your completed foreign educational credential(s) (examples of proof of your completed foreign educational credential(s) can include copies of your diplomas/degrees, transcripts, etc.).
  4. keep a copy of your ECA report for your records and future use.

Note: The ECA report and proof of your completed foreign educational credential(s) will be used as proof of whether you meet the post-secondary education credential requirement.

4. Qualifying Canadian work experience

This section will be assessed after you have obtained your work experience.

If you meet the permanent residence eligibility criteria (in other words, education, official language, offer of employment and ability to perform the work) to qualify for either the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot and you’re admissible to Canada, you’ll be issued an occupation-restricted open work permit (OROWP) so that you can start or continue to gain your eligible Canadian work experience. In order to continue to qualify for either of these pilots, you’ll need to obtain, and provide proof of, at least 12 months of qualifying full-time Canadian work experience within the 36 month period after this work permit was issued. Full-time work means at least 30 hours of work, per week, for which wages are paid and/or commission is earned. Make sure you work only in the occupation indicated on your work permit.

Note for caregivers already working in Canada:

Some applicants may already have some, but less than 12 months, of qualifying Canadian work experience when they receive an OROWP. You can count this experience toward the 12 month requirement, as long as you show that your combined 12 months of experience was gained in the 36 month period before your proof was submitted.

If you finish accumulating the 12 months of work experience while we are processing your application and before we approve your OROWP, you can follow the instructions below to send us your proof of work experience.

Complete Schedule 19b and find out what proof of experience you need and how to send it to us.

Note: Do not send this form with your applications for permanent residence and work permit. Only send us this form once you have acquired the 12 months of qualifying work experience.

Any periods of self-employment or periods of employment during which you were engaged in full-time study (for example work experience gained on a co-op, off-campus or on-campus work permit) will not be included when calculating your work experience.

To qualify, your work experience must have been obtained in one of the following occupations listed in the 2021 edition of the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) system

  • Home child care providers (NOC 44100).

    Note: You must have provided in-home care to children in a job listed under NOC 44100, other than a foster parent. Home child care providers provide care primarily in their own homes or in the children's homes, where the home child care provider may also reside.

  • Home support worker or related occupation (NOC 44101).

    Note: You must have provided in-home care to an individual requiring care in a job listed under NOC 44101. Care is provided within the client's private residence, in which the home support worker may also reside.

Determining whether you have qualifying work experience

The NOC is a system used by the Government of Canada to classify occupations and group them based on the types of job duties and the types of work a person does.

Follow these steps to determine if you have qualifying work experience under this Class:

  1. Go to the NOC website.
  2. Click on the “Search by NOC code” tab.
  3. Select the NOC 2021 Version in the drop down.
  4. Enter the following four-digit NOC code: 44100 or 44101.
  5. Make sure the initial description and list of main duties match what you did in your job.
Proof of qualifying work experience

For the work experience you claim in your application, you must demonstrate you performed:

  • the actions identified in the initial lead statement of the NOC description (NOC 44100 if you are applying for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or NOC 44101 if you are applying for the Home Support Worker Pilot), and
  • most of the main duties, including all the essential duties, listed in the NOC description

This means that you performed some or all of the main duties, including all the duties that separate your actual job from any other. For example, duties that begin with “may” in the NOC description are not usually considered to be essential duties.

Note: Your work experience does not need to be continuous to qualify, but your 12 months of authorized full-time work experience must not include:

  • any extended absence from Canada (including any time worked for an employer outside Canada),
  • periods of unemployment,
  • long-term sickness or parental leave.

A reasonable period of vacation time will be counted towards meeting the work experience requirement (for example a two-week period of paid vacation in or outside of Canada within a given 52-week period).

Note: If you are applying for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot with proof of 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience, you are not required to provide us with a job offer from a Canadian employer. You must refer to the guide for the Direct to permanent residence category instead.

Step 2. Gather your documents

What documents are required?

Use the Document Checklist below to make sure you have included all of the required documents and forms.

Document Checklist – Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker [IMM 5981] (opens in a new tab)

Your application will be returned if any documents are missing or if copies are not clear or legible. We may ask for more information at any time during the application process.

Note: Review the checklist carefully.

Important: If you can’t provide one or more documents required on the document checklist, you must provide:

  • a written explanation for each missing document
  • any evidence to explain why you won’t be able to get the document, or why you can’t get it right now.

Upload them in the portal as the “document type” that we asked for on the checklist.

We will decide whether your application still needs to be returned to you as incomplete.

Translation of documents

You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:

Translations may be done by:

  • a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
  • a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).

If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

In Canada:

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.

small exclamation warning signImportant information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Note: 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. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.

Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of 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;
  • the name of the authorized person;
  • their official position or title; and
  • their signature.

Who can certify copies?

Only authorized people can certify copies.

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.

People authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

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.

Medical requirements

Do not undergo an immigration medical exam unless we advise you to do so. A medical exam will be required and you’ll receive instructions after you submit your application.

All your family members who are not already Canadian citizens or permanent residents must undergo and pass an immigration medical exam, even if your family members will not be processed for permanent residence with your application. Family members who do not undergo and pass a medical exam will not be eligible to be sponsored at a later date. Your family members will be contacted by the visa office in their area with instructions on their medical exams.

Police certificates

If you and your family members are 18 years of age and older and aren’t permanent residents or Canadian citizens, you must provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which you spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.

Note: You do not need to provide a police certificate from a country if you or your family members were under 18 years of age the entire time you lived in that country.

If the original certificate isn’t in English or French, you must get an accredited translator to translate it. You must include both the police certificate and the translation.

We’ll also do our own background checks to see if there are reasons why you or your family members may not be admissible to Canada.

For specific and up-to-date information, see our guide on where to get a police certificate.

Step 3. Fill in your forms

Sign in or create an account in our Permanent Residence Portal (opens in a new tab) . When you create your online application, make sure you choose the right category. If you choose the wrong category, we may return or refuse your application.

Some forms must be filled through a web form, others are PDFs that you will have to upload.

You must fill out these digital forms online

You’ll answer the questions directly in your web browser (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older). We will not accept the PDF versions.

You must also fill out these PDF forms and upload them to your online application

Note: If you have visitor status in Canada that is about to expire, and you are not eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada, you must also apply to change the conditions or extend your stay in Canada (opens in a new tab) as a visitor. You must submit the application to change conditions or extend your stay separately from this application.

Submitting work and study permit forms online

  • upload your work permit form under Additional Supporting Documents
  • choose Other as the document type

Follow the same steps if you need to submit work or study permit forms for your family as well.

Depending on your situation, you may need to submit

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

Note: If a paid representative is submitting your application online on your behalf, they must sign in to their Representative Portal account to do so. You need to review and electronically sign the application declaration in the client portal.

If you want to allow us to release information from your application to anyone else (other than a representative), you must submit

Forms for your family members

Accompanying spouses, common-law partners and dependent children may be eligible to apply for a work permit, study permit or temporary resident visa. They can complete the appropriate forms, and submit them with your permanent residence application.

Open work permit: for spouses, common-law partners and dependent children who require it

Note: Family members who have visitor status in Canada that is about to expire, and who are not eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada, must also apply to change conditions or extend their stay in Canada (opens in a new tab)  as a visitor. They must submit the application to change condition or extend their stay separately from this application.

Study permit: for spouses, common-law partners and school-age children

Note: Family members who have visitor status in Canada that is about to expire, and who are not eligible to apply for a study permit from inside Canada, must also apply to change conditions or extend their stay in Canada (opens in a new tab)  as a visitor. They must submit the application to change conditions or extend their stay separately from this application.

Temporary resident visa: for family members outside Canada who are from visa-required countries, including dependent children not attending school, and not applying for a work permit or study permit.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If your family members are from a visa-exempt country, they can apply for their Electronic Travel Authorization at a later time before travelling to Canada.

Note: You must apply for a study permit for your school-aged children if they are outside Canada and will come with you. Do not apply for a temporary resident visa or an eTA. If the study permit is approved, we’ll automatically issue your child a visa or eTA if they need one.

Submitting temporary resident forms separately from the PR application

If you want to submit temporary resident applications for your family members later on in the process, you can still do so online, but only when:

  • you have received a letter confirming that we received your permanent residence application (acknowledgement of receipt letter), and
  • it includes your application number that starts with an E

We don’t accept:

  • letters of receipt of permanent residence application with a temporary application number (starting with an X), or
  • automated email notifications of submission in the PR portal

Follow the instructions on the IRCC website but make sure you also upload a copy of the acknowledgement of receipt letter as a supporting document.

Filling out the application

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application forms. For details about the signature requirements for each form, check out How to apply (opens in a new tab) . 

small exclamation warning signIt is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application is subject to verification.

Who is eligible to apply for a study permit from inside Canada

You can only apply for a study permit from inside Canada, as part of an application for either the HCCP or HSW pilot, if

You’re currently in Canada and one of these applies

  • you have a valid study or work permit
  • your spouse, common-law partner or parent has a valid study or work permit
  • you’re a minor child in primary or secondary school
  • you’re an exchange student or visiting student
  • you completed a short-term course or study program required to be accepted at a DLI, or
  • you or your spouse, common-law partner or dependent child has a temporary resident permit (TRP) valid for 6 months or more

For more information, see Study permit: How to apply, and select “Inside Canada”.

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections of the forms. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”.

If you need more space for any section, include an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and upload it with your application. For the document type, choose “other”.

If signatures are missing (when this applies) or your application is incomplete, we will return it to you without processing it.

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

You’ll fill out and submit the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) online. You don’t need to print and sign by hand. Please follow the instructions below to ensure the form is properly completed.

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

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

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

Application Details

Language preference

From the list, select your preferred language for:

  1. correspondence (any letters or emails we send you)
  2. interview: if your native language is not in this list, select “Other”
  3. interpreter requested: you must select “Yes” if you do not select English or French for the interview
Where do you plan to live in Canada?

If you plan to live in the Province of Quebec and haven’t received your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), enter the date when you applied for it. If you haven’t applied yet, you must do so before applying for permanent residence.

Personal Details

Family name

Family name is also known as last name or surname.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s).

Given name

Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s). For given name(s) enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.

Physical characteristics - sex

If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB) form and send it with your application if

  • your foreign travel document or passport does not have the “X” gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option)
  • you have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document with a different gender identifier, including a
    • visa
    • electronic travel authorization
    • work permit or
    • study permit

You don’t need any supporting documents.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “U – Unknown”.

Physical characteristics - Eye colour

If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Other”.

Birth information - Date of birth

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, write 1901/01/01 in the fields fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation saying why you used this date.

Birth information - Place 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 whose details you don’t know yet, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you plan to adopt a child.

Citizenship(s)

If you aren’t a citizen of any country, choose “Stateless”.

If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose your other country of citizenship in the second field.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Current country of residence

You must be in this country legally.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “Canada” whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.

If you’ve lost your status
  • for “Status,” choose “Other”
  • in the details field, enter “Out of status, requires restoration”
  • leave the “From” and “To” fields blank

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you plan to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Previous countries of residence

This means you lived in the country for 6 months total, not just in a row.

If you chose “Other” as a status, try to provide as much detail and an explanation as to why you are out of status.

Marital and relationship status

You’re single if you’ve never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

You’re married if 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.

You’re common-law if you’ve lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for 1 year or more.

You’re divorced if you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

You’re legally separated if you’re still legally married but no longer living with your spouse.

You’re widowed if your spouse has died and you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

An annulled marriage has been legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage was not binding.

  • Family name is also known as last name or surname.
  • Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
  • If you’re in a common-law relationship, enter the date (year, month and day) you began living together.
  • If you’re legally separated or divorced, enter the date you were no longer living together.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Single”.

Contact Information

Current mailing address

  • Post office box (P.O. box) number: If you don’t enter a post office box, you must enter your street number
  • Street number (no.): The number on your house or apartment building. You must enter a street number if you didn’t enter a P.O. box

All correspondence will be mailed to this address unless you include your email address.

If you want a representative to do business with us on your behalf, you must provide their address in this section and on the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab) form.

For more information, read the Use of a Representative guide.

Email address

Use this format: name@provider.net

By entering your email address, you authorize IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific email.

Passport

Passport/travel document number (exactly as shown on your passport or travel document)

If you have more than one passport, choose the one you’ll use to travel to Canada.

Most people will need a passport to travel to Canada. If you’re approved to come here, you’ll need to get one.

A travel document is an identity document issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations). It has a photo and personal information, and let the holder travel between countries. If you have a passport, you don’t need a travel document.

Issue/expiry dates

You can find this information on the page in your passport that shows your photo and date of birth (also called the biodata page)

National Identity Document

A national identity document is an identity card with a photo which is issued by a government or official authority, and can be used as identification inside the country that issued it. It may also be known as "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card."

Document number

Enter your national identity document number exactly as shown on the identity document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Education/Occupation Details

Highest level of education

  1. None: No education.
  2. Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
  3. Trade/apprenticeship certificate/diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
  4. Non-university certificate/diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
  5. Post-secondary – no degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
  6. Bachelor’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum. Also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
  7. Post graduate – no degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
  8. Master’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before you can earn a Master’s degree.
  9. Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before you can earn a PhD.

Current occupation

If you don’t work, enter “not employed”.

Intended occupation

If you aren’t planning to work in Canada (for example, if you’re retired), enter “None”.

Language Details

Native language/mother tongue

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, choose “Other”.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, choose the native language of the country where you plan to adopt a child.

Test from a designated language testing organization to assess English or French

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have taken a test from a designated language testing organization to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Dependant’s Personal Details

Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to Canada.

If you answered “No,” explain why your dependant is non-accompanying.

Dependant’s relationship to the principal applicant

Select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:

  • Adopted Child
  • Adoptive parent
  • Child
  • Common-Law Partner
  • Grandchild
  • Parent
  • Spouse
  • Step-Child
  • Step-Grandchild
  • Other
Dependant type

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 dependant 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 themselves 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.

Family name

Family name is also known as last name or surname.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s).

Given name

Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s). For given name(s) enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.

Physical characteristics - sex

If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB) form and send it with your application if

  • your foreign travel document or passport does not have the “X” gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option)
  • you have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document with a different gender identifier, including a
    • visa
    • electronic travel authorization
    • work permit or
    • study permit

You don’t need any supporting documents.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “U – Unknown”.

Physical characteristics - Eye colour

If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Other”.

Birth information - Date of birth

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, enter 1901/01/01 to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation.

Birth information - Place 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 whose details you don’t know yet, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you plan to adopt a child.

Citizenship(s)

If you aren’t a citizen of any country, choose “Stateless”.

If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose your other country of citizenship in the second field.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Current country of residence

You must be in this country legally.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “Canada” whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.

If you’ve lost your status
  • for “Status,” choose “Other”
  • in the details field, enter “Out of status, requires restoration”
  • leave the “From” and “To” fields blank

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you plan to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Previous countries of residence

This means you lived in the country for 6 months total, not just in a row.

If you chose “Other” as a status, try to provide as much detail and an explanation as to why you are out of status.

Marital and relationship status

You’re single if you’ve never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

You’re married if 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.

You’re common-law if you’ve lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for 1 year or more.

You’re divorced if you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

You’re legally separated if you’re married but no longer living with your spouse.

You’re widowed if your spouse has died and you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

An annulled marriage has been legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage was not binding.

  • Family name is also known as last name or surname.
  • Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.
  • If you’re in a common-law relationship, enter the date (year, month and day) you began living together.
  • If you’re legally separated or divorced, enter the date you were no longer living together.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “Single”.

Passport

Passport/travel document number (exactly as shown on your passport or travel document)

If you have more than one passport, choose the one you’ll use to travel to Canada.

Most people will need a passport to travel to Canada. If you’re approved to come here, you’ll need to get one.

A travel document is an identity document issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations). It has a photo and personal information, and let the holder travel between countries. If you have a passport, you don’t need a travel document.

Issue/expiry dates

You can find this information on the page in your passport that shows your photo and date of birth (also called the biodata page)

National Identity Document

A national identity document is an identity card with a photo which is issued by a government or official authority, and can be used as identification inside the country that issued it. It may also be known as "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card."

Document number

Enter their national identity document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Education/Occupation Details

Highest level of education

  1. None: No education.
  2. Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
  3. Trade/apprenticeship certificate/diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
  4. Non-university certificate/diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
  5. Post-secondary – no degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
  6. Bachelor’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum. Also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
  7. Post graduate – no degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
  8. Master’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before you can earn a Master’s degree.
  9. Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before you can earn a PhD.

Current occupation

If your dependant doesn’t work, enter “not employed.”

Intended occupation

If your dependant isn’t planning to work in Canada (e.g., if they are younger than working age), enter “None”.

Language Details

Native language/mother tongue

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”.

Test from a designated language testing organization to assess English or French

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have taken a test from a designated language testing organization to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

  1. Follow the instructions at the bottom of the online application to view the declaration.
  2. Read all of the statements in all sections carefully and:
    1. check the “Yes” or “No” buttons to show if you agree that the information in this application about your intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers to help them hire workers;
    2. type your name in the blue field.

By typing your name, you’re signing the application electronically. By doing so, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct. You can’t submit your application online unless you sign it.

Step 4. Pay the Fees

Calculating your fees

Use the online tool to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. The processing fee, work permit fee and open work permit holder fee must be included with your application.

Note: You will need to pay all of the temporary resident fees (work permits and study permits) separately from the permanent resident fees. You must include both fee receipts with your application.

How to pay the fees for your application

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

  • a valid email address;
  • a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.

Visit the links below and follow these instructions to pay. You will have to pay your permanent residence fees separate from your temporary residence fees:

  • Go to Online Payment - Caregivers.
  • Pay your family’s permanent residence and biometrics fees
    • At the end, click on the “Save” button to save a PDF copy of the IRCC official receipt.
  • Go to Online Payment – Temporary residence.
  • Pay your family’s temporary residence fees
    • At the end, click on the “Save” button to save a PDF copy of the IRCC official receipt.
  • Upload a copy of both receipts (permanent residence and temporary residence) to your online application when asked.
    • Keep a copy of both receipts for your records.

stop sign hand Do not exit without saving the receipts! These receipts are your proof of payment!

Incorrect fee payment

Incorrect fee payments may delay processing of your application.

Payment issue – No fee included

We will return your application.

Note: We will start processing your application after you return your application with the fees.

Payment issue – Not enough fees included

We will return your application and tell you of how much to pay.

Note: We will start processing your application once you return your application with the correct fees.

Payment issue – Overpayment

We will:

  • start processing your application, and
  • send you a refund.

Note: You do not have to ask for a refund, it will be done automatically.

Payment issue –Required biometric fee not included

We will:

  • tell you the fee amount and how to pay it.

Note: We will continue processing of your application after you send the missing fees.

Step 5. Submit the Application

To help make sure your application can be processed as quickly as possible:

  • answer all questions
  • electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
  • include your processing fee receipts (for both permanent residence and temporary residence)
  • upload all supporting documents
  • upload your temporary residence application(s):
    • upload your work permit form under Additional Supporting Documents
    • choose Other as the document type
  • follow the same steps if you need to submit work or study permit forms for your family as well

Make sure you use the Document Checklist – Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker [IMM 5981] (opens in a new tab) to ensure you provided everything, and include the checklist with your application.

You should save a copy of all information you want to keep for your records, as you will no longer have access to view your application in the portal after you submit it.

After you’ve prepared your application, you can submit it in the Permanent Residence Portal (opens in a new tab) .

What Happens Next

Confirmation of submission

Once you have submitted your application in the portal, you will receive an automated email message to let you know we received it.

Completeness check

We will check your application to determine that all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted, the application processing fee has been paid, and that all requested supporting documentation has been provided.

If your application package does not meet these requirements, we will return it to you. No file will be created or record kept until a complete application has been submitted.

Acknowledgment of receipt

If your application is complete, we will begin to process it. You will be sent a letter that:

  • notifies you of this fact and provides you with your file number;
  • sets out some basic instructions for contacting us;
  • gives you a brief outline of future processing steps.

Processing

Review for decision

Your application will undergo a detailed review by an officer. The officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection criteria and admissibility requirements.

Submit proof of qualifying Canadian work experience

Don’t forget to submit Schedule 19b and proof of your qualifying work experience, once you have acquired at least 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience. Do not send your proof of work experience before you have the full 12 months. If you do, your application could be refused.

Are you already in Canada?

Note: if you are eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada, you should not use this package to complete your application. Follow the instructions in our guide for applications from inside Canada instead. It contains information specific to your situation.

If you are already in Canada, you can stay while waiting for your permanent residence as long as you maintain legal status.

It is important to understand that submitting this permanent residence application will not automatically extend your stay in Canada, even if it includes a work permit application. You must still make sure that your status as a temporary resident remains valid while waiting for the decision on your occupation-restricted open work permit. If your visitor status is about to expire, you must also apply to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada separately from this application.

Leaving Canada

If you are already in Canada on a temporary status and go on a vacation outside of Canada, it is important to note that if you leave Canada while your application is being processed, we cannot guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter. Each time you re-enter Canada you will need to be re-assessed and meet all eligibility criteria for entering the country.

Updating your contact information

During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number by:

In Canada and the United States

You may also 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.

For details about how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.

If you are 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 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
  • not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.

For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Frequently Asked Questions/Help Centre.

Need help?

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

Appendix A - Photo Specifications

Notes to the applicant

Take this information with you to the photographer

  • Photos may be in colour or in black and white.
  • Photos must be original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing photo.
  • Photos must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past twelve (12) months).

Applying online

  • You need one (1) photo.
  • Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo to your application.

Notes to the photographer

The photo 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 and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections;
  • taken straight on, with face and shoulders centered and squared to the camera (i.e. the photos must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the middle of the photo);
  • taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background. Photos must reflect and represent natural skin tones and not be altered.
Image described below

The back of the photo must include:

  • the name and date of birth of the person in the photo
  • the name and complete address of the photography studio
  • the date the photo was taken;

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are not accepted.

Appendix B - ECA Report Assessment Outcomes

Verify that the outcome noted on your Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report (from an IRCC designated organization) corresponds to the equivalent of a completed Canadian educational credential of at least one year of post-secondary studies (or higher) on this list

Get more information about reports that are not eligible.

One-year post-secondary credential:

  • College Certificate
  • Completion of College-level certificate
  • University Certificate
  • University Diploma
  • One-year certificate in [name of discipline]
  • Post-secondary certificate with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • One-year Post-secondary certificate with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • One-year certificateFootnote 1
  • Undergraduate certificate (one year)

Two-year post-secondary credential:

  • College Diploma
  • College Diploma (two years)
  • Diploma (two years)
  • Two-year diploma Footnote 1
  • Two-year diploma in [name of discipline]
  • Secondary school diploma and diploma (two years)
  • Associate Degree
  • Associate of [Arts/Science] degree
  • Post-secondary Diploma with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Two-year post-secondary Diploma with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Two-year associate degree Footnote 1

Three-year or longer post-secondary credential:

  • College Diploma (three years)
  • Diploma (three years)
  • Three-year diploma in [name of discipline]
  • Three-year advanced diploma Footnote 1
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Applied Bachelor’s Degree
  • Bachelor’s degree (three years)
  • Three-year Bachelor’s degree, specializing in [name of discipline]
  • Three-year Bachelor degree Footnote 1
  • Bachelor’s degree (four years)
  • Four-year Bachelor’s degree, specializing in [name of discipline]
  • Four-year Bachelor degree Footnote 1
  • Three-year post-secondary Diploma with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Applied Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • Bachelor of Technology degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Three-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Four-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1

Post-Bachelor or Post-Graduate credential:

  • Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
  • Post-undergraduate certificate Footnote 1
  • Post-Bachelor’s Diploma
  • Post-undergraduate diploma Footnote 1
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Graduate Certificate with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • Postgraduate Certificate
  • Postgraduate Diploma
  • Graduate Diploma with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • Graduate Diploma Footnote 1
  • Two-year Postgraduate Diploma, specializing in [name of discipline]
  • Two-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • One-year Postgraduate Certificate in [name of discipline]
  • One-year of graduate study with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Study Toward a Master’s Degree

University-level credential at the Master’s level:

  • Master’s Degree
  • Master’s Degree (Taught)
  • Master of [name of discipline]
  • Master’s degree, specializing in [name of discipline]
  • Master’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • One-year Master’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Two-year Master’s degree with a focus in [area of concentration]Footnote 1
  • Master of Business Administration Footnote 1
  • One-year Master of Business Administration degree Footnote 1
  • One-year Master degree Footnote 1
  • Master degree Footnote 1

Doctoral level credential:

  • Earned Doctorate Degree
  • Earned Doctorate (Ph.D.)
  • Professional Doctorate Degree
  • Doctor of [name of discipline, such as Business Administration, Law, Psychology]
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with a focus in [area of concentration] Footnote 1
  • Doctorate (Ph.D.) Footnote 1

Appendix C - Maintaining your status and eligibility for a bridging open work permit in Canada

Status while in Canada

If you apply under the Home Child Care Provider or the Home Support Worker pilots under the Gaining experience category (with less than 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience at the time of application), you will be issued an occupation-restricted open work permit valid for 36 months that will give you temporary resident status in Canada. You may be eligible to apply for a bridging open work permit after you completed your 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience within 36 months.

You and your family members in Canada must maintain temporary resident status as a worker, student or visitor while your application for permanent residence is in process.

It is illegal to work in Canada without a valid work permit or authorization to work without a work permit.

What is a bridging open work permit and am I eligible to apply for one?

A bridging open work permit allows you to work for any employer for the length of time specified on the work permit.

After you give us proof you’ve gained at least 12 months of eligible Canadian experience, we’ll assess it and send you a letter to let you know if you’re eligible. If you’re eligible, you can then apply for a bridging open work permit.

You can apply for a bridging open work permit online. Make sure to include your permanent residence application number within the bridging open work permit application.

Note: You must pay the work permit fee of $155 and the open work permit holder fee of $100.

To be eligible for a bridging open work permit, you must:

  • be in Canada and intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec; and
  • at the time of application,
    • be authorized to work in Canada on a work permit; or,
    • have maintained status, if you have applied for a renewal of your work permit; or,
    • be eligible for restoration of status as a worker
  • be the principal applicant on an application for permanent residence (APR) under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot and have received a positive eligibility decision on that application; and
  • have submitted evidence of the 12 months of eligible Canadian work experience to finalize your APR and it has been assessed by a PR officer that you meet the requirement.

Your spouse and dependent children in Canada or outside of Canada are eligible to apply for an open work permit if they meet certain requirements. See the instructions on how to apply for an open work permit as a family member of economic class permanent resident applicants.

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