Guide for Convention Refugees and Humanitarian-Protected Persons Abroad (IMM 6000)

This guide explains the application process for refugees seeking to resettle in Canada. It includes an instruction guide and the forms you need to fill out.

Use this guide if you are a refugee currently residing abroad and are being sponsored by a sponsorship group in Canada or being referred for resettlement by a referral partner. Read this guide completely before you fill out your forms.

You can also request this publication in another format.

Symbols used in this guide

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

Steps to resettle in Canada as a refugee

• Step 1: Make sure you meet the requirements to come to Canada as a refugee
• Step 2: Use the document checklist and gather your documents
• Step 3: Fill in your forms
• Step 4: Submit the Application
• What Happens Next?
• Other information

Step 1: Make sure you meet the requirements to come to Canada as a refugee

As the Principal Applicant (PA), you and your family members must meet the following requirements:

1. be referred by a:
   • refugee referral organization under the Government-assisted refugees program (GAR); or
   • a private sponsor under the Private sponsorship of refugees program (PSR);
2. meet the definition of Convention Refugee Abroad Class or Country of Asylum Class (Humanitarian-Protected Persons Abroad);
3. show that you have no durable solution; and
4. pass medical, security and criminality checks.

1. Be referred by a refugee referral organization or by private sponsors

If you do not have a private sponsor or have not been referred by a designated referral organization, at this point, you are not eligible for resettlement as a refugee to Canada and this guide does not apply to you.

If you have a private sponsor in Canada, they should have contacted you to complete the forms included in this guide. If you have been referred to the Government-Assisted Refugee program, the referral organization will advise you regarding the application forms to be completed.

 If you intend to live in Quebec

Do not use this application if your sponsors are residing in Quebec unless your sponsors have been instructed to do so by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). For more information on this process, contact the Quebec provincial authorities. Note that all sponsorship applications for sponsors residing in Quebec must be approved by MIFI before an IRCC migration officer can process your application for permanent residence.

2. Meet the definition of Convention Refugee Abroad Class or Country of Asylum Class (Humanitarian-Protected Persons Abroad)

Convention Refugees Abroad Class

The word “Convention” refers to the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

• You are a Convention Refugee Abroad if you:
  • are afraid of persecution because of your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and
    • are outside Canada;
    • are outside your country of nationality and unable or, because of your fear, unwilling to obtain the protection of your country; or
    • if you have no country of nationality, are outside your country of former habitual residence (home country) and unable or, because of your fear, unwilling to return to that country.

Country of Asylum Class (Humanitarian-Protected Persons Abroad)

The Country of Asylum Class is Canada’s response to the resettlement needs of people in refugee-like situations who do not qualify as Convention Refugees.

• You are a member of the Country of Asylum Class if you:
  • are seriously and personally affected by civil or armed conflict or a massive violation of human rights in your country of nationality or habitual residence (home country); and
    • are outside Canada;
    • are outside your country of nationality and unable or, because of your fear, unwilling to obtain the protection of your country; or
    • if you have no country of nationality, are outside your country of former habitual residence (home country) and unable or, because of your fear, unwilling to return to that country.

3. Show that you have no durable solution

Durable solutions

When considering an application for resettlement in Canada, a Migration Officer must be satisfied that there is no reasonable prospect, within a reasonable period of time, for the refugee applicant to obtain another durable solution.

There are three types of durable solutions:

Voluntary repatriation

Voluntary repatriation occurs when refugees voluntarily return to their country of nationality or habitual residence. For voluntary repatriation to be possible, the situation in the country of origin must have changed in a lasting and meaningful way that enables the refugees to return safely.

Local integration

Local integration is a long-lasting solution to a refugee’s situation. It is more than the granting of safe conditions of asylum. Local integration allows refugees to participate broadly in the host society.

Resettlement in a country other than Canada

An offer of resettlement to a country (other than Canada).

4. Pass medical, security and criminality checks

You and your family members included in your application must do a medical exam by a doctor chosen by the IRCC office overseas. IRCC will also perform background and security checks for all applicants who wish to immigrate to Canada. This includes checks into any past criminal behaviour, violations, infractions, etc. We will not contact organizations or individuals if it puts you or your family in danger.

Common questions about eligible family members

Who is the principal applicant?

If there is only one person applying for permanent residence, that person is by default the principal applicant. When a family applies for permanent residence together, one family member must be the principal applicant. The principal applicant is usually the head of family.

Who can be included as family members?

Under the Canadian immigration system, a family includes:

• the principal applicant (PA);
• the PA’s spouse or common-law partner;
• the PA’s dependent child;
• the dependent child of the PA’s dependent child;
• the dependent child of the PA’s spouse/common-law partner; and
• the dependent child of the PA’s spouse/common-law partner’s dependent child.

See subsection 1(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) for the legal definition of the word “family member”.

Additional information about spouses or common-law partners or dependent children is below.

All family members must be declared in the application, even if they are not accompanying the PA to Canada.

What is the difference between an accompanying family member and a non-accompanying family member?

Accompanying family member: A family member who plans to come to Canada at the same time as the PA.

Non-accompanying family member: A family member who has been separated from the family and is not able to, or choose not to, accompany the PA to Canada when the application was processed.

Why do I need to list non-accompanying family members?

Failing to declare a family member may result in the refusal of your application. Declaring family members is also important for family reunification. Under the One Year Window (OYW) provision, the PA can apply to bring their non-accompanying family members to Canada for up to one year after their arrival in Canada, but only if they were declared on the application before the PA left for Canada.

For more information about OYW provision, see the OYW Application Guide (IMM 5578).

Family members

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 (opposite or same gender) in a marriage legally recognized in the country in which it took place, as well as in Canada.

Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are no longer considered as valid spousal relationships under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. For more information, consult Operational Bulletin 613.

 

Common-law partner

Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (different or same 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 normally the date on which your application was received by IRCC. 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.

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.

What does other family members mean?

You cannot include other relative in your application other than those who meet the definition of family member.

If you want to come to Canada with other family members (over age children, siblings, parents, cousins, etc.), these persons require a separate application. They must apply on their own, they must be refugees in their own right and they must meet all statutory requirements.

If other family members are being sponsored, ask your sponsors to list both the PA and the other family members in each other’s Linked/Multiple Sponsorship Undertakings on the Sponsorship Undertaking form. If we know about these linked applications, we will do our best to try and process them at the same time.

Step 2: Use the document checklist and gather your documents

Sign PDF forms using one of the following options:

1. Hand-written Signature: Print your name and sign within the signature box by hand. You will then need to scan the signed document prior to submitting it.
2. Digital signature: There are two options for digitally signing the form:
   1. In the signature box, type your full name exactly as shown on your passport to sign the form; or
   2. (for PC users only) Complete the form and then select “print to PDF”. This will create a new “static PDF” version of the form that can be digitally signed. Once a static PDF version of the form is created you will be unable to make any further changes to the information contained in the form. See the Adobe Acrobat website for further instructions

Forms

1. Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).

   This form is used by a Principal Applicant who wants to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident.

   You or your sponsor can complete this form directly in the PR portal.

   If you apply by mail:

   Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) (PDF, 731 KB)

   Completed, dated and signed only by you, the principal applicant.

2. Additional Dependants / Declaration Form (IMM 0008DEP), if applicable

   This form is not required if you submit your application in the PR portal.

   If you apply by mail:

   It is only used if you have more than 5 dependants listed on the IMM 0008 form.

   Note: this includes non-accompanying family members.

   Additional Dependants / Declaration Form (IMM 0008DEP) (PDF, 434 KB)

   Completed, dated and signed by you, the principal applicant.

3. Schedule A: Background/Declarations (IMM 5669)

   This form is used by IRCC to obtain detailed information regarding your past and your family members’ past such as education, previous addresses, employment, etc.

   You or your sponsor can complete this form directly in the PR portal. Family members are not required to each sign and declare in the portal.

   If you apply by mail:

   Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (opens in a new tab)

   Completed, dated and signed by you, the principal applicant and each of your family members who are 18 years of age or older (including those who are non-accompanying). If a non-accompanying family member cannot submit this form, explain why on a separate piece of paper.

4. Schedule 2: Refugees Outside Canada Form (IMM 0008 Schedule 2) (PDF, 2.25 MB). This form is where you and your family members describe what events led you/them to seek protection as a refugee.

   Completed, dated and signed by you, the principal applicant and each of your family members who are 18 years of age or older (including those who are non-accompanying). If a non-accompanying family member cannot submit this form, explain why on a separate piece of paper.

Supporting Documents

1. Proof of Refugee Status – Refugee Status Determination Document

   **For Groups of Five and Community Sponsors only**

   To be sponsored as a refugee by a Group of Five or a Community Sponsor, you, as the PA, must already have been granted refugee status by the UNHCR or the government in your country of residence; whichever is authorized to do so. You must submit a copy of a document showing valid proof of refugee recognition by the UNHCR or a foreign state with your application.

2. Photos

   Provide one (1) photo of yourself and each of your family members taken in the last twelve (12) months. The name and date of birth of the person must be printed clearly on each photo. Follow the instructions provided on the Permanent resident photograph specifications.

3. Identity and Civil Status Documents – when possible

   Copy of birth, marriage, divorce, annulment, separation or death certificates, and national identity card (etc.) must be provided for you and your family members.

4. Children’s information – when possible

   If the child is from a previous relationship, you must provide:

   • proof of custody for children under the age of 18;
   • proof that children may legally travel to Canada; or
   • a statutory declaration that the remaining parent authorizes their child to immigrate to Canada.

5. Background Documents – when possible

   Copy of any document to support your and your family members’ answers to questions in the Schedule A – Background/Declaration form (IMM 5669), such as military records, membership cards or any documents showing your association or involvement in any social, political, vocational or cultural organizations.

6. Travel documents and passports – when possible

   Copy of passports or travel documents for you and your family members. If you live in a country other than your country of nationality, include a copy of your visa/residence permit for that country.

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Step 3: Fill in your forms

It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms.

When filling out all the necessary forms, be complete and accurate. If a section does not apply to you, then, write “Not Applicable” or “N/A”. If you need more space for any section, print out another page with the appropriate section, complete it and submit it with your application.

Note: Some questions from the application forms may not be listed in the Permanent Residence Portal. They are not required questions in order for your application to be completed.

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant

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

Application Details

Question 1

From the list, select Refugee

Question 2

From the list, select Outside Canada - Refugee

Question 3

Write the total number of family members included in your application. This includes yourself and all your family members regardless of whether they plan to accompany you to Canada or not.

Question 4

Language preference

From the list, select your preferred language for:

1. correspondence (all correspondence you will receive from us must be in English or French);
2. interview (if you select English or French, an interpreter will not be required); and
3. interpreter requested (necessary if you do not select English or French for the interview).

Where do you plan to live in Canada?

Question 5

If you are a privately sponsored refugee, you must plan to reside in the same city/community as your sponsor because they will help you integrate into Canadian society.

If you are a government-assisted refugee, you will be destined by IRCC to a location in Canada that is best suited to accommodate you. In the PR portal, you may select a preferred destination within the drop-down selection; however, there is no guarantee that you can be destined to this location.

From the list select the:

1. Province/Territory
2. City/Town

Question 6

If you intend to live in the Province of Quebec a “Certificat de Sélection du Québec” (CSQ) will need to be obtained for you. For government-assisted refugee applicants, select “No”.

Personal Details

The Principal Applicant must answer the following questions:

Personal details

Question 1

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

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

Question 2

Check the box to tell us if you have ever used any other names other than the ones you listed in question 1. This could be your:

• other legal name;
• chosen name;
• birth name;
• maiden name;
• married name;
• nickname, etc.

If you checked “Yes”, tell us your nicknames/alias in the family name and given name(s) fields.

Question 3

If you know your Unique Client Identifier number (UCI), enter it here. This is an 8 or 10 digit number you can find on previous visas or visa refusal letters. If you do not know your UCI, leave this space blank. If this is your first immigration application with us, you will not have a UCI.

Physical characteristics

Question 4

From the list, select your gender as shown on your passport, travel or legal identity document (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, eta, 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) 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) and send it with your application.

No supporting documents are required.

Question 5

Enter your height in either centimetres or feet and inches.

Question 6

From the list, select your eye color.

Birth information

Question 7

Enter your complete date of birth. If you do not know your complete date of birth, use a “*” (star sign/asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. For example, if you do not know your date and month of birth you can indicate it as 1967/**/**.

Question 8

Enter your place of birth, including the city/ town. From the list, select your country of birth.

Citizenship(s)

Question 9

1. From the list, select your country of citizenship.
2. If you are a citizen of more than one country, select your other countries of citizenship.

Stateless means only persons who are not recognized as a citizen of any country. If you are a citizen of a country, even if you choose not to live there or are afraid of persecution, you are still a citizen of that country and must enter that as your citizenship.

Current country of residence

Question 10

From the list, select your country of residence.

If you are “out-of-status” (have no immigration status in your country of residence):

• for “Status”, select Other;
• for “Other”, type in Out of status;
• in the “From” box, enter when you arrived in your country of residence regardless of when you became out of status; and
• leave the “To” box blank.

Question 11

If you have been to Canada in the past, enter the date of your last entry to Canada.

Enter the place you last entered Canada (example: Toronto airport or Lacolle border crossing).

Question 12

Check the box to tell us if you have lived in any country other than your country of citizenship or your current country of residence for more than six (6) months in the past five (5) years.

If you checked “Yes”, for each country select:

• the name of the country you lived in;
• your immigration status for the time you were in that country; and
• the dates (from – to) you were living in that country.

Marital and relationship status

Question 13

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

   Annulled Marriage

   This is a marriage that is legally declared as not valid.

   Common-Law

   This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for a minimum of one (1) year.

   Divorced

   This means that you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

   Legally Separated

   This means that you are married, but no longer living with your spouse.

   Married

   This means that you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.

   Single

   This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

   Widowed

   This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

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.

Question 14

Check the box to tell us if you have ever been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “Yes”, provide the following details for your previous spouse/common-law partner:

• Family name(s);
• Given name(s);
• Type of relationship:
  • Common-law or
  • Married
• Dates (from – to) you were in the relationship with your previous spouse/common-law partner; and
• Date of birth.

Contact Information

Current Mailing Address

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 have a post office box, provide when possible:
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit number
• Street number (No.)
• Street name
• City/Town
• Country
• Province/State
• Postal code/zip code
• District

Question 2

Check the box to tell us if your residential address (where you live) is the same as your mailing address. If “No”, provide when possible:

• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit number
• Street Number (No.)
• Street Name
• City/Town
• Country
• Province/State
• Postal Code/zip code
• District

Question 3

Check the box to tell us if the telephone number is from Canada/the United States (US) or any other country.

From the list, select the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell/mobile)
• Business (work)

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

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

To ensure your file can be processed in a timely fashion, it is important to us to be able to community directly with you. If your phone number changes, notify IRCC as soon as possible.

Question 4

If you have a second telephone number, enter it here. Providing more methods of contact will help make sure we can contact you with information about your application.

Question 5

If you have a fax number, enter it here.

Question 6

Enter your e-mail address, for example: name@provider.net

Email is our primary method of communication when contacting you regarding your application. It is required for you to provide a personal email address. If you have named a representative (such as an immigration consultant, lawyer, friend or family member), do not provide your representative’s email address in this space. If for exceptional reasons, you cannot provide a personal email address, you must provide a letter of explanation. If you do not provide a personal email address or an explanation as to why you do not have a personal email address, your application will be returned to your sponsors without being processed.

In the Permanent Resident Portal: If the e-mail address for this account is not the Principal Applicant’s, select ‘no’ and enter the Principal Applicant’s e-mail in the box provided. If you do not provide a personal email address for the Principal Applicant or an explanation as to why it cannot be provided, your application will be returned without being processed.

If your e-mail address changes, notify IRCC as soon as possible.

Passport

Question 1

Check the box to tell us if you have a valid passport or travel document. If you don’t have one or cannot obtain one, you must check the “No” box.

If you do not have a passport or travel document and are unable to obtain one, you must tell us on your forms. In this situation, we will provide you with a travel document so you can be resettled to Canada.

Question 2

If you checked “Yes”, provide your passport or travel document number.

Question 3

From the list, select the country that issued your passport or travel document.

Question 4

Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of your passport or travel document.

National Identity Document

Question 1

Check the box to tell us if you have a valid identity document from any country. If you have more than one, please use the one from your country of origin.

Document Number

Question 2

If you checked “Yes”, provide your identity document number.

Question 3

From the list, select the name of the country that issued your identity document.

Question 4

Enter the issue date of your identity document.

Question 5

Enter the expiry date of your identity document.

US PR card

Question 1

Check the box to tell us if you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States. If you checked “No, move to next section Education/Occupation Detail.

Question 2

If you checked “Yes”, provide your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) number.

Question 3

Enter the expiry date.

Education/Occupation Detail

Education information

Question 1

From the list, select your highest level of education.

None

No education.

Secondary or less

High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.

Trade / Apprenticeship certificate / Diploma

Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.

Non-university certificate / Diploma

Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level.

Post-secondary – No degree

Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.

Bachelor’s degree

Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who completed an undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate.

Post Graduate – No degree

Post Graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (for example, 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. 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.

Occupation information

Question 3

Enter your current occupation. If you are unemployed, write down “unemployed”.

Question 4

Enter your intended occupation in Canada.

Language Details

Native language/mother tongue

Question 1

This question is not used for selection purposes. 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”.

1. If your native language is not English or French, select which one you would most likely use:
   • English
   • French
   • Neither
2. From the list, select whether you are able to communicate in English and/or French:
   • English
   • French
   • Both
   • Neither

Dependent(s) i.e. your family members

All questions in this section are about your family members that meet the IRCC definition (see above). You must include all family members below who are not already permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

Dependent’s Personal Details

Questions 1-9

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

Question 10

From the list, select your dependent’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:

Question 11

1. Check the box to tell us if your dependent will accompany you to Canada.
2. If you answered “No”, explain why your dependent is non-accompanying.

Question 12

From the list, select the type of dependent.

Type A

A dependent child is under the age of 22 and single.

Type C

A dependent child 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. If you select “Type C”, you must include documents that confirm the medical condition of your child.

Questions 13 – 17

Questions about education, occupations and language are the same as the questions you answered for yourself. Please see the previous instructions to help you answer these questions for your dependent(s).

Schedule 2 – Refugees Outside Canada (IMM 0008 Schedule 2)

(This form is available in PDF only)

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant;
• your spouse or common-law partner (whether accompanying you to Canada or not), and;
• your dependent children aged 18 years or older (whether accompanying you to Canada or not).

You can download, save and fill out the form on a computer.

General Application Information

Check the box to tell us if you are:

• the principal applicant; or
• a family member.

Write your:

• Family name
• Given name(s)
• Date of birth.
• Unique Client Identifier (UCI) or file number (if you know).

Parts A and B: Case Narrative & Immigration status and settlement abilities

For parts A & B, read the questions carefully and provide as much information as possible. Providing precise information will make it easier for us to process your application.

Part C: Additional Family information

You must list all family members on this form even if they are not accompanying you to Canada, are deceased, presumed deceased or their whereabouts are unknown.

If the family member is deceased, type “deceased” in the “present address and e-mail address” box.

If the family member’s location is unknown, type “unknown” in the “present address and e-mail address” box.

Question 8

Family information

Provide the following information for yourself, your spouse (if applicable), your mother and father. Enter their:

• name
• relationship
• date of birth
• city/town and country of birth
• marital status
• present address
• e-mail address

Question 9

Children

You must list the following information for all of your children. Enter their:

• name
• their relationship to you (e.g. daughter, son, step-daughter, adopted son)
• date of birth
• city/town and country of birth
• marital status
• present address
• e-mail address

Question 10

Brothers and sisters

Provide the following information for all your brothers and sisters. Enter their:

• name
• relationship to you (sister, brother, step-sister, step-brother, etc.)
• date of birth
• city/town and country of birth
• marital status (including common-law relationships) and
• present address
• e-mail address

Question 11

Relatives in Canada

Provide the following information for all any relatives you have in Canada. Enter their:

• name
• relationship to you (aunt, uncle, brother, sister, cousin, etc.)
• telephone number
• current city and province of residence
• e-mail address

This information is used for government-assisted refugees to help in matching them with a destination in Canada.

Part D: Consent and Declaration

Question 12

1. Tell us if someone helped you complete your application. This includes anyone who helped you answer the questions.

   If you answer “Yes”, write the name of the individual or organization that helped you.

2. Tell us if you paid this person or organization to help you complete your form.

Question 13

Declaration of applicant

Read the declaration, sign and date. If you do not sign, the application will be returned to you.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) - optional

A representative is someone who provides advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process. If you appoint them as your representative by filling out this form, it means that you give your representative permission to do business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). An authorized representative can’t sign forms or declarations for the principal applicant. A representative may be paid or not paid and must be declared. Learn how to appoint a representative.

Note that, for privately-sponsored refugee applications, we strongly recommend that your sponsors be your representatives for your permanent residence application.

Authorized paid representative for the principal applicant in the PR portal

• (For PSR) A paid representative acting on your behalf must be invited to the application by the primary sponsor. Representatives do not have access to personal or financial information of the sponsors.
• A Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476) (opens in a new tab) must also be completed and uploaded.
• The representative will be able to complete the digital forms and upload other forms and documents for you. However they can’t submit the application.

Unpaid representative

Unpaid representatives may act on your behalf or, for PSR applications, they may act on behalf of the primary sponsor.

• An unpaid representative can’t initiate an application. The primary sponsor must first initiate the application and then invite the representative to the application.
• A Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476) (opens in a new tab) must also be completed and uploaded.
• Unpaid representatives must use a personal email address. Invitations cannot be sent to the email address of an authorized paid representative.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR)

Submitting your application in the PR portal:

• Your role and the steps to follow as the PA will differ whether you have access to the portal or not.
• You can’t initiate an application in the portal. The sponsor must initiate and submit the application for you.
• Your sponsor will either:
  • invite you to the portal to participate in the application so you can complete and upload forms and documents yourself.
    • You will be able to complete your forms and upload required and optional supporting documents in the portal.
    • You will not be able to submit the application. Your sponsor will do this when the application is complete.
    • You will not be able to view the sponsors’ documents and information.

    or

  • If you have not been invited to the application in the portal:
    • The primary sponsor will download the declaration and signature page as a PDF and send it to you to be signed.
    • The primary sponsor and/or group members will complete digital forms and upload other forms and documents on your behalf.

Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR)

• After your case is referred by the referral organization, the IRCC office overseas will tell you how to submit your completed forms directly to their office.

What Happens Next?

Phase 1: Assessment of Sponsor (applicable to PSR applications only)

ROC-O will assess your sponsoring group’s application to make sure it is complete and to ensure your sponsors meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). If the application is complete, a case file number (beginning with the letter “G”) will be assigned to your application.

If the sponsorship is approved, you and your sponsors will be informed and your application will be forwarded to the IRCC office overseas responsible for your country of residence. To find out which IRCC office processes applications from your country of residence, see Visa offices outside Canada.

If the sponsorship is refused, the entire application will be refused, you and your sponsors will be informed. We will not process your application further. If you applied by mail, your application will not be returned to you.

Phase 2: Eligibility Assessment

You are eligible when it is determined that you meet:

• the convention refugee class definition; or
• country of asylum class definition

Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Once your application is ready to be assessed, a Migration Officer will review your application to determine if you are eligible.

In addition, we may assess your ability to resettle successfully in Canada. We will consider:

• if you have relatives or a sponsor in the community where you plan to live in Canada
• your ability to speak or learn to speak English and/or French
• your potential for employment based on your education, skills and work experience and
• your resourcefulness and other similar characteristics that will help you adapt to life in Canada.

At this stage, a Migration Officer may determine that enough information is available to make a decision or, they may ask for you and all accompanying family members to come for an interview. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you with the date, time and location and will tell you which documents to bring. You and your accompanying family members must provide biometrics (fingerprint and a live photograph) at interview.

Phase 3: Admissibility Assessment

You are admissible to be resettled to Canada when you pass:

• medical exam;
• security checks; and
• criminality checks.

Once you are found eligible, you, your spouse, and each of your dependent children must have an immigration medical exam done by a doctor chosen by the IRCC office overseas. The doctor will tell you which tests are required. We will provide you with the instructions when the time comes. You must not complete a medical exam until we tell you to. You should not pay for your medical exam. The cost of the medical exam is paid by the Government of Canada. If a doctor asks you to pay money, please report this to the IRCC office overseas. Reporting such an incident will not affect the processing of your application and will help ensure the integrity of the resettlement program.

Before we issue a visa, we do background and security checks for all applicants who wish to immigrate to Canada. This includes checks into any past criminal behaviour, violations, infractions, etc. We will not contact organizations or individuals if it puts you or your family in danger. All applicants are required to disclose any criminal past, including charges, on their General Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) (PDF, 731 KB) and Schedule A - Background/Declaration Form (IMM 5669) (opens in a new tab). If you do not disclose this information, regardless of how serious the charge, infraction or conviction is, your application may be refused.

Phase 4: Final stage

Once you have satisfied the Migration Officer that you are eligible and are not inadmissible, your file can be finalized. If you are privately sponsored, you will be destined to the city and province where your sponsors reside. If you have been referred by a referral partner, IRCC will determine the province and city where you will be resettled. The IRCC office, in cooperation with partners (IOM, UNHCR, etc.) will then arrange for your transportation and inform your sponsor and/or settlement service providers of your arrival. You will be contacted about your travel once arrangements have been made. Depending on your country of nationality and residence, we may ask you to submit your passport or provide you with a travel document. Most countries require that exit permits be obtained prior to departure. Costs, processing times and procedures for exit permits vary greatly. IOM will provide you with more information at this stage.

Things that delay processing

The following may delay processing:

• missing or out of date contact information (phone number, e-mail address)
• you failing to inform us of changes in family composition in a timely manner
• delay by your sponsorship group in adding a new family member to your undertaking
• your application is incomplete or there are gaps or missing information in your application
• there is a criminal, security or medical problem which is identified during the examination
• obtaining exit permits
• you send e-mails/letters without mentioning your file number
• you submit unclear photocopies of documents
• you send documents without a certified English or French translation
• we need to consult with other offices in Canada and overseas
• you do not provide photos that meet specifications

Phase 5: Arrival in Canada

If you are approved to be resettled in Canada, help is available to make your adjustment to life in Canada easier as a newcomer.

After you arrive, you will receive a general orientation to life in Canada that will cover:

• basic life skills
• language training
• housing
• learning about the Canadian transportation system
• educational services
• grocery shopping
• banking
• how to start your search for employment
• other parts of everyday life

Other Information

1. Fees/loans and travel documents

Fees

There are no fees for refugee applications. Sponsors are not allowed to ask you to pay for your own resettlement to Canada or for you to transfer money to Canada for your sponsorship. Sponsorship Agreement Holders are permitted to request for you to reimburse them for up to $250 per application for reasonable processing fees. If you have concerns that a group is asking you to pay money to be sponsored, please contact an IRCC office and they will be able to provide you with information on whether or not this is allowed.

Immigration loans

You may be eligible for financial assistance to cover costs associated with your resettlement to Canada. If you need a loan, ask an IRCC officer for more information.

2. Updating your contact information

• During the application process, you must advise IRCC of any change in your or your family member’s contact information (address phone number, new e-mail address, etc.). We must have up to date contact information for you in order to contact you when required. You can do this by completing the Case Specific Inquiry tool.

3. Checking application status

Once your application has been received and reviewed by IRCC, you can check its status online.

4. Current processing times

Processing times can change. You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.

5. Protecting your information

About your personal information:

• It is available to IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you;
• It is shared with IOM to provide you travel arrangements to come to Canada;
• For government-assisted refugee applicants, it is shared with service provider organizations that provide services under the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP);
• For privately-sponsored refugees, it is shared with your sponsor;
• It is 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 Help Centre.

6. Need help?

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