Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Guide 5497 - Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: Atlantic International Graduate Program

Print

You can use this guide for reference only. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) closed on December 31, 2021 and on March 5, 2022 IRCC stopped accepting Pilot applications. The Atlantic Immigration Program replaced the Pilot program.

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

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot

Canada encourages applications for permanent residence from people with abilities, education and work experience that will contribute to the Canadian economy.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot allows Atlantic provincial governments to choose immigrants according to the economic needs of the province.

Who may use this application?

You may apply through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot if you meet the eligibility requirements and plan to settle permanently in one of these Atlantic Provinces:

  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island

Provincial Endorsement

Before you can apply to immigrate to Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot you must first receive an Endorsement Letter from an Atlantic Province. Each province has its own application and endorsement procedures. However, IRCC has the authority to make the final decision on an application for permanent residence using existing selection and admissibility criteria. This includes security, criminal, and medical screening for candidates with Atlantic Endorsement letters and valid job offers in one of the Atlantic Provinces.

For more information about how to become endorsed by an Atlantic Province, or to learn which employers are hiring under this program, contact the provinces below:

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the minimum requirements outlined below.

Job Offer

You must have a job offer that is: 

  • from a designated employer in an Atlantic province,
  • full time and non-seasonal,
  • a one year contract, and
  • for an occupation that is in one of these National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups:
    • NOC Skill Type 0 (management jobs such as restaurant manager, mine manager, etc.)
    • NOC Skill Level A (professional jobs such as doctors, dentists, architects etc.)
    • NOC Skill Level B (technical jobs and skilled trades such as chefs, electricians, plumbers etc.)
    • NOC Skill Level C (Intermediate jobs such as long-haul truck drivers, butchers, food and beverage servers etc.)

For more information, see National Occupational Classifications.

You must submit an Offer of Employment [IMM 5650] with your application. Your employer must complete this form and the employer must send you a copy. You must read and sign the declaration at the bottom of the copy and submit it with your application.

Note: If your job offer is permanent, your employer must enter “permanent” as the expected duration of employment for box 22 on your Offer of Employment form (IMM 5650).

Education

To apply for the Atlantic International Graduate Program, you must meet the education requirements below:

  • you received, as a full-time student, a minimum 2-year post-secondary diploma, certificate, trade or apprenticeship credential from a school that is on the list of publicly funded educational institutions in the Atlantic region;
  • you lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months within the 24 months before you obtained your educational credential (see the document checklist for examples of documents you should submit);
  • you graduated within the last 24 months before you apply; and
  • you had valid or legal temporary resident status throughout your stay in Canada (see the document checklist for examples of documents you should submit).

Some educational credentials are not eligible

Your educational credential is not eligible if you:

  • studied English or French as a second language for more than half of the program;
  • did distance learning for more than half of the program;
  • received a scholarship or fellowship stipulating that you return to your home country to apply your knowledge and skills.

Language requirements

  • You must have a level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for listening, speaking, reading and writing.
  • You will need to do mandatory language testing and submit your results with your application.
  • If you have already done language testing, your test results must not be more than two years old on the date your application is received.

Note: Canadian Language Benchmark/ Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens 4 is considered “Basic Proficiency” and means that you can:

  • take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics;
  • understand simple instructions, questions and directions;
  • use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses; and
  • show that you know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself.

Applicants inside Canada

If you are applying from inside Canada, you must submit proof that you have valid immigration status. Your status must be valid on the day you submit your application. See the document checklist for examples of documents you should submit.

How do I know if I have valid immigration status?

When you arrived in Canada and gave your passport to the officer, they authorized your stay by placing a stamp in your passport and/or issuing an additional document. Check your passport. If you find a stamp, it should look like one of these.

Stamps

For example, if the officer specified a date as shown in the above illustration, your temporary resident status would expire on June 30th, 1993.

If there is no stamp, a handwritten date or document in your passport, your temporary resident status will expire six months from the day you arrived in Canada.

If you were given a visitor record, study or work permit, the expiry date is marked on the document.

Funds needed to settle in Canada

The government of Canada provides no financial support to new immigrants. You must prove that you have enough money unencumbered by debts or obligations to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada.

You must submit proof with your application to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada. Examples of documents you can submit are:

  • current bank statements or certification letter
  • proof of your savings balance
  • deposit statements

Note: You do not have to submit this proof if you are already working in Canada with a valid work permit.

You cannot borrow this money from another person. You must be able to use this money to pay the costs of living for your family (even if they are not coming with you).

The amount of money you need to support your family is set by the size of your family. We update these amounts every year.

Funds needed to settle in Canada
Number of
Family Members		 Funds Required
(in Canadian dollars)
1 $3,327
2 $4,142
3 $5,092
4 $6,183
5 $7,013
6 $7,909
7 $8,806
For each additional family member $896

We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you plan to live. Bring with you as much money as possible to make your establishment in Canada easier.

Disclosure of funds

If you arrive in Canada with an amount greater or equal to CAN$10,000, or its equivalent in a foreign currency, you must tell this to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. These funds could be in the form of:

  • cash,
  • securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills), or
  • bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’ cheques or money orders.

Note: Failure to disclose funds can result in fines and imprisonment.

Working in Canada

You must show that you meet the employment requirements of the primary occupation listed on your application.  These may include education, training or other qualifications in the NOC description. For regulated occupations, you do not need to meet Canadian licensing requirements.

Although qualifications assessment and licensing are not needed for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, you should be aware of these issues when considering immigrating to Canada.

See regulated and non-regulated occupations (PDF, 2.12MB) for more information.

Regulated occupations

Twenty percent of people working in Canada work in jobs that are regulated to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Examples include:

  • nurses
  • engineers
  • electricians
  • teachers

Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies are responsible for:

  • establishing entry requirements for individual occupations;
  • recognizing prior credentials, training and experience; and
  • issuing licences required to practice.

The recognition process varies between provinces and territories and between occupations. Recognizing qualifications and issuing licenses can generally only be done in Canada. The process can take time. You may be asked to:

  • provide documentation of qualifications
  • do a language exam (which may differ from those needed for immigration)
  • complete a technical exam (with accompanying fee)
  • do supervised work

Non-regulated occupations

For non-regulated occupations, there are no set requirements and there is no legal requirement to get a licence. The employer will set the standards and could ask for registration with a professional association.

Qualifications assessment

A qualifications assessment is advice on how qualifications from another country compare to Canadian qualifications. An assessment does not guarantee that:

  • a regulatory body will issue you a licence to practice
  • your credentials will be accepted by a Canadian employer

However, having your qualifications assessed will help you understand the Canadian educational system and help you with your job search.

To have your qualifications assessed by one of the provincial evaluation services, consult the Foreign credentials referral office (PDF, 2.12MB).

Labour market information

Job opportunities and labour market conditions are different in each region of Canada. It is important to research conditions in the area where you want to live.

See the Working in Canada tool for information on the Canadian labour market, job banks, and provincial and territorial labour market 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.

Step 1. Gather Documents

What documents do I need?

Use the Document Checklist [IMM 5498]  to help you gather the necessary documents.

Important information: If you do not provide all the requested information and the documents from the checklist, your application will be returned to you.

Offer of Employment to a Foreign National – Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (IMM 5650)

Your employer must complete this form and send you a copy to include with your application package. You must read and sign the declaration at the bottom of the form.

Note: If your job offer is permanent, your employer must enter “permanent” as the expected duration of employment for box 22 on your Offer of Employment form (IMM 5650).

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.

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.

Convictions / offences outside Canada

If you were convicted of or committed a criminal offence outside Canada, you may overcome this criminal inadmissibility

  • by applying for rehabilitation, or
  • you may be deemed to have been rehabilitated if at least ten years have passed since you completed the sentence imposed upon you, or since you committed the offence, if the offence is one that would, in Canada, be an indictable offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than ten years.

If the offence is one that would, in Canada, be prosecuted summarily, and if you were convicted for two (2) or more such offences, the period for rehabilitation is at least five (5) years after the sentences imposed were served or are to be served.

Convictions / offences in Canada

If you have a criminal conviction in Canada, you must seek a record suspension (formerly a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) before you will be admissible to Canada.

Note: Do not complete the forms in this guide until you have received your record suspension.
You can request a Record Suspension Application Guide or additional 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: suspension@pbc-clcc.gc.ca
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board.html
(The instructional guide and application forms can be downloaded from the website)

In order to be considered for a record suspension under the Criminal Records Act, a specified period of time must pass after the end of the sentence imposed. The sentence may have been payment of a fine, period of probation, or imprisonment.

Note: Once you have a copy of the record suspension, submit a photocopy to a Canadian visa office or Citizenship and Immigration Centre. If you are travelling to Canada carry a copy of the record suspension with you.

If you have had two (2) or more summary convictions in Canada, you may no longer be inadmissible if:

  • at least five (5) years have passed since all sentences imposed were served or to be served,
  • you have had no other convictions.

Step 2. Complete the Application

Filling out the application

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application forms.

The following are the forms that must be filled out and submitted:

For the employer:
  • Offer of Employment to a Foreign National under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program [IMM 5650]

Note: If your job offer is permanent, your employer must enter “permanent” as the expected duration of employment for box 22 on your Offer of Employment form (IMM 5650).

For the applicant:

Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.


Important information

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete it may be returned to you and this will delay the processing of your application.

If you need more space for any section, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application.

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

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

Make sure that

  • you properly validate your answers when filling out this form
  • the 2D barcodes are properly generated

If the 2D barcodes 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.

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:
    • Agri-Food Pilot
    • Atlantic High Skilled Program
    • Atlantic International Graduate Program
    • Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program
    • Home Child Care Provider Pilot
    • Home Support Worker Pilot
    • Rural and Northern Immigration Program
    • Federal Skilled Worker
    • Federal Skilled Trades
    • 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 (select for the Interim Pathway for Caregivers)
    • High Medical Needs Program
    • Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program
    • TR to PR pathway
  • 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
    • Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area
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

Language preference

From the list, select your preferred language for:

  1. correspondence
  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
Question 5

Where do you plan on living in Canada?

From the list select the:

  1. Province/Territory
  2. 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)?

  1. Select the corresponding box
  2. If you selected “Yes”, enter the CSQ number
  3. If you selected “No”, enter the date when you applied for your CSQ (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.

Question 1

Enter your full family name (surname or last name) as shown on your passport, travel document 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 document or identity document. Do not use initials.

If you don’t have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all given names in the family name 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.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, enter “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 1. This could be your birth name, maiden name, married name, nickname, etc. If “Yes,” enter your nickname/alias in the family name(s) and given name(s) fields.

Question 3

If you know your unique client identifier (UCI) number 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 gender (F – Female, M – Male or X – Another gender).

Note: If you choose the X gender identifier and you currently have or have had a Canadian temporary resident document (visa, electronic travel authorization, work permit or study permit) with a gender identifier other than X, you need to complete the Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.79 MB) form and send it with your application.

If you’ve never had a Canadian temporary resident document and your foreign travel document or passport does not contain the X gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option), you also need to complete the Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.79 MB) form and send it with your application.

No supporting documents are required.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada who is not yet identified, select U – Unknown.

Question 5

Enter your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 6

From the list, select your eye colour.

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, use “01” to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation saying why you couldn’t include the complete date.

Question 8

Enter your place of birth, including the city or town and 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.

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.
  • Fill in 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

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 (for example, Toronto airport, Lacolle border crossing, seaport Yarmouth).

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 6 months in the past 5 years.

If you checked “Yes,” for each country

  • select the name of the country you lived in
  • select 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
  • fill in the dates (From – To) you were living in that country
Question 13

  1. From the list, choose your current marital status:

    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 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.

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

  3. 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 or 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
  • 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. box
  • Street name, if applicable
  • City or Town
  • From the list, select the Country of your current mailing address
  • Province or State
  • Postal code or zip code
  • District, if applicable

Note: All correspondence will go to this address unless you indicate your email 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 or zip code
  • District, if applicable
Question 3

Enter your telephone number including the country code, area/regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Select the box to tell us if your telephone number is from Canada or the 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.

If you have an extension number, indicate it after your phone number under “Ext.”

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 or the US 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.

Select the box to tell us if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada or the US or Other (any other country).

Question 6

If you have an email address, enter it here (for example, name@provider.net).

Note: By indicating your email address, you are hereby authorizing IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific email.

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 the 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

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.

  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 (for example, 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 a Master’s degree can be earned.
  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 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.”

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.

  1. 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.”

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.

  1. From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English and/or French:
    • English
    • French
    • Both
    • Neither
  2. If you selected “Both,” choose whether you are most at ease in English or French.
  3. Select “Yes” or “No” to tell us whether you have taken a test from a designated testing agency to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Dependant(s)

You must answer each question on behalf of each of your dependants.

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 5 dependants using this form.

If you have more than 5 dependants:

To include everyone in your application, you must complete the following form for each additional family member:

  • Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP]
Important

You must list all family members in your application for permanent 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
  1. From the list, select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:
    • Adopted Child
    • Child
    • Common-Law Partner
    • Grandchild
    • Other
    • Spouse
    • Step-Child
    • Step-Grandchild
  2. Complete if you select “Other.”
Question 11
  1. Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to Canada.
  2. 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 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.

Question 13

Current country of residence

  • From the list, select 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.

  • Indicate one of the following as your dependant’s immigration status 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.
  • Fill in 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”
  • leave the “From” and “To” boxes blank
Question 14

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

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

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 6 months in the past 5 years.

If you checked “Yes,”

  • select the name of the country your dependant lived in from the list
  • select 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
  • fill in the dates (From – To) your dependant was living in that country
Question 16

  1. From the list, select your dependant’s current marital status:

    • Annulled Marriage
    • Common-Law
    • Divorced
    • Legally Separated
    • Married
    • Single
    • Widowed
  2. Enter the date (year, month and day) your dependant was married or entered into their current common-law relationship.
  3. 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 selected “Yes,” give the following details for your dependant’s previous spouse or 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 or common-law partner

Passport

Question 1

Select the box to tell us if your dependant has a valid passport or travel document. If they 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

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

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 have 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 or 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 – 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 a PhD can be earned.
Question 2

Tell us the total number of years of formal education that they have 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.

  1. 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.”

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.

  1. From the list, select if they are able to communicate in English and/or French:
    • English
    • French
    • Both
    • Neither
  2. If you selected “Both,” choose whether they are most at ease in English or French.
  3. Select “Yes” or “No” to tell us whether they 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).

    Barcode

    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

    1. write your name in the space provided.
    2. check the appropriate box to indicate if you agree that the 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
    3. sign, with a handwritten 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 (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 as the ones that you answered for yourself and other dependants on the IMM 0008 form.

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

  1. write your dependant’s name in the space provided
  2. 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
  3. sign and date in the spaces provided

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.

Step 3. Pay the Fees

Calculating your fees

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($575) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.

Application $CAN
Your application
Processing fee ($950) and right of permanent residence fee ($575)		 1,525
Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) 950
Include your spouse or partner
Processing fee ($950) and right of permanent residence fee ($575)		 1,525
Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) 950
Include a dependent child 260(per child)

Note: Dependent children are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence fee.

Biometrics fees $CAN
Biometrics (per person) 85
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)

Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place

 170

How to pay the fees for your application

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

  • a valid e-mail address;
  • access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
  • a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® 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.

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

Payment Issues

No fee included or insufficient fees

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.

blue question mark For immigration applications, see section 10 of the IRPR and for citizenship applications, see section 13 of the Citizenship Act 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 (if a receipt is attached to a paper application or uploaded as part of an online application). If you paid directly within an online application (no receipt attached), or if there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.

stop sign

Only online payments are accepted in Canada. If any other forms of payment are received, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return your application.

Additional fees

You will also have to pay fees to third parties for yourself and your family members (if applicable) for:

  • medical examinations
  • police certificates
  • language assessments

Step 4. Mail the Application

Mailing instructions


Note

Follow the instructions below to determine where to submit your application.

  • Put the completed forms, supporting documents required by the CIO and fee payment receipt in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9” x 12”) envelope.
  • Send your completed application to one (1) of the addresses shown below, depending on how it will be mailed.

Regular mail:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your Name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)

Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Centralized Intake Office
PO BOX 8900
Sydney, NS
B1P 0H1
Canada

Or by courier:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your Name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)

Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2
Canada

What Happens Next

The application process

Submission

Completion check: Once you have submitted your application, we will check to make sure:

  • all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted,
  • the application processing fee has been paid, and
  •  all required documents from the document checklist have been submitted.

If your application is missing any of the requested documents, it will be returned to you. Failure to provide supporting documents in certain circumstances may result in the refusal of your application.

Acknowledgment of receipt: If your application is complete, it will be placed into processing. You will be sent a letter or e-mail that:

  • notifies you of this fact and provides you with your IRCC office file number
  • sets out some basic instructions for contact with the IRCC office processing your file
  • gives you a brief outline of future processing steps

Processing

Review for decision

Your application will undergo a detailed review by an IRCC Officer. The Officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection standards.

Medical requirements

You and your family members must undergo an immigration medical exam (IME)in order to become a permanent resident of Canada. You and your family members must not have a health condition that:

  • is a danger to public health or safety, or
  • would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.

Examples of “excessive demand” include ongoing hospitalization or institutional care for a physical or mental illness.

Find out more about immigration medical exams.

Important information: You must inform us immediately of any change in your marital status or your family composition (e.g. marriage, common-law relationship, separation, divorce, birth of a child, adoption of a child, death, etc). Any family member who has not been examined before you become a permanent resident can never be sponsored by you in the future.

Instructions

Information on medical instructions will be provided to you by the IRCC office. When you receive your assessment notice you will also receive medical forms for yourself (and any dependants, if applicable) and instructions on how to access a list of doctors in your area who are authorized to conduct IMEs (see below).

Note: You are not required to have an IME before you submit your application forms.

Exam validity

Medical results are valid for twelve months from the date of the IME. If your application is not finalized during this time, you may be required to do another medical exam.

Authorized doctors

The IME must be performed by a doctor from the IRCC list of Panel Physicians. You cannot choose your family doctor if their name is not on this list. See the list of Panel Physicians to find a doctor in your area.

Note that the doctor is only responsible for conducting the IME and cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.

Permanent resident status

If your application is successful, you and your family members will receive status as permanent residents of Canada. To prepare, see Understanding permanent resident status.

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:

  • submit 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 issue;
  • consultation is needed with other offices in Canada or abroad.

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.

Quality Assurance Program

Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:

  • verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
  • verify that your application has been completed properly.

Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.

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

  • Make sure that you provide the correct number of photos specified in the Checklist.
  • You must provide identical and unaltered photos.
  • 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).

Notes to the photographer

The photos 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 centred 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.
Image described below

The back of one (1) 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.

Features

How-to video

Save Time: Send a Complete Application

Find out if you are eligible

Come to Canada

Page details

Date modified: