Applying for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – IMM 5256)

Use this guide to apply for: visitor visa, transit visa, super visa

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Before you apply
• Step 1. Gather documents
• Step 2. Complete the application
• Step 3. Pay the fees
• Step 4. Submit the application
• What happens next?
• Need Help?
• Income Table
• Temporary Resident Visa application photograph specifications

This is not a legal document. For legal information, refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations or the Citizenship Act and Regulations, as applicable.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Overview

Application package

This application package has:

• an instruction guide, and
• the forms you need to fill out.

The instruction guide:

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

Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.

The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application.

Symbols used in this guide

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

What you must do to have your application processed.

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

Where to get more information.

Before you apply

Who may use this application guide?

Use this application guide if you wish to apply for a temporary resident visa from outside Canada.

Who are Visitors?

Visitors are persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and are legally authorized to enter Canada to:

• visit Canada on holiday (vacation),
• visit family,
• conduct business, etc.

Visitors are restricted in length of stay and subject to various conditions.

Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa?

Persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may require a visa to enter Canada. The requirement for a visa also applies to temporary residents who are transiting in Canada. Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa.

If you do not require a visa to enter Canada, you may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Find out if you need an eTA.

What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, a student, or a worker).

Important information: You must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before your departure. You cannot obtain one upon arrival in Canada.

What are the requirements you must meet for a TRV?

You must show the officer that you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay.

You must also:

• satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay,
• show that you have enough money to maintain yourself and your family members in Canada and to return home,
• not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so,
• be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity,
• not be a risk to the security of Canada,
• provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish your admissibility, and
• be in good health (complete a medical examination if required).

What if I was previously granted permanent resident status?

If you have ever been granted permanent residence or landed immigrant status in Canada, you may still be a permanent resident. CIC cannot issue you a TRV if you are a permanent resident.

You may instead want to apply for Travel Document (Permanent Resident Abroad). If you meet the requirements for a travel document, you can return to Canada as a permanent resident.

If you no longer want to be a permanent resident, or if you know you do not meet the requirements to keep your permanent resident status, you can voluntarily give up (renounce) your permanent resident status in order to apply for a TRV.

Voluntary Renunciation of PR status applications must be sent in a separate envelope by mail to the CIC visa office.

We recommend that you apply for Voluntary Renunciation of your PR status first, and apply for your TRV once you receive the approval of your Voluntary Renunciation.

Entry to Canada

Important information: Entry to Canada is a privilege, not a right. You must meet the necessary requirements and you may need a Temporary Resident Visa.

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 sex) 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 (opposite or same sex), 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

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

They must be:

• under the age of 19 and not have a spouse or common-law partner, or
• 19 years of age or older and unable to be financially self-sufficient since before the age of 19 due to a physical or mental condition.

Dependent child of a dependent child

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

Do I have to apply separately for my family members?

Family members must complete their own application forms. However, you may submit your applications together online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and use one payment receipt for the total amount.

Your spouse or common-law partner and children must meet all of the requirements for temporary residence in Canada.

Are there medical requirements?

If you plan to visit or study for six months or less:

You usually do not need a medical exam.

If you plan to visit or study for more than six months:

You will need a medical exam if you:

• have lived temporarily for six or more months in a row
  • in any of these countries or territories
  • in the one year immediately before the date you want to enter Canada. (This applies even if you are a citizen of a country that does not need a visa to enter Canada.)

You and your family members may need a medical exam to come to Canada. Find out more by checking the Medical examination requirements for temporary residents.

You may either:

• have an upfront medical exam by contacting a Panel Physician; or
• wait until your application is reviewed and medical instructions are given to you by the visa office.

Get the instructions to complete the medical exam.

When medical results are submitted up front, routine cases benefit from faster processing since we do not have to ask for them at a later date. This is done at your own cost and does not influence the final decision on your application. If you have an upfront medical exam, you must submit proof that you completed the medical exam with your application. Failure to do so may result in processing delays.

Are there biometric requirements?

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

All family members who need their fingerprints and photograph taken and who are applying together should go to the same biometric collection service point.

Find out if you need to give biometrics.

Important information

You must not have your biometric fingerprints and photo taken before you submit your application. You can have your biometrics collected:

• after you
  • submit your application;
  • pay your application and biometric fees; and
  • get a biometric instruction letter which will direct you to a list of points of service you may choose from;

  or

• at the same time as you are submitting your application in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Can I work or study during my stay in Canada?

Visitors are not allowed to work or study in Canada unless they are authorized to do so under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. In many cases, a work or study permit will be required.

A temporary resident may also take a program of study up to six months duration without having to obtain a study permit.

Information about the parent and grandparent super visa

About the super visa

On November 4, 2011, CIC announced a temporary pause on all new sponsorship applications for the parents and grandparents category. With the introduction of this pause, CIC implemented a long-term Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for applicants seeking to visit their child or grandchild who is either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

The single or multiple-entry super visa allows visitors to stay for a period of up to two years.

Important information: Applicants who do not require a visa must also submit an application to the visa office.

Who may apply for a super visa?

To apply for the super visa you must either be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.

What must I do to obtain a super visa?

In order to obtain a super visa, you will need to apply at a visa office and provide:

• a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild residing in Canada. You must also include your host child or host grandchild’s family composition (dependants, including spouse, children or other relatives that are financially dependent on your host child or host grandchild).
• one of the following documents to prove that your child or grandchild meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum:
  • Most recent copy of the Notice of Assessment. If you do not have a paper copy of your Notice of Assessment on file, you can view (and print) your tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the CRA's My Account online service. To register or login, visit My Account.
  • Most recent copy of the T4 or T1
  • Original letter from employer stating title, job description and salary
  • Employment insurance pay stubs
  • If self-employed, a letter from an accountant confirming annual income
  • Proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)
• evidence of the parent or grandparent relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident you wish to visit (e.g. birth certificate, baptismal certificate or other official documents naming you as parent or grandparent)
• proof that you have private medical insurance valid for a minimum of one year from a Canadian insurance company and that:
  • covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation,
  • provides a minimum coverage of $100 000, and
  • is valid for each entry to Canada and be available for review by a port of entry officer.

You may be required to appear in person to have your biometric fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point.

You will be required to undergo a medical examination.

What must my child or grandchild do to meet the LICO minimum?

You child or grandchild’s income must meet or exceed the minimum necessary cut off, as identified annually in the Income Table.

In the letter of invitation they must calculate their family size. This factor determines the amount of income required to provide care and support for you and your spouse, if applicable. They may use the table below to calculate the family size:

1. Your child or grandchild counts:
   • Themselves;
   • Their spouse or common-law partner;
   • Their dependent children;
   • any person they may have sponsored previously and for whom the sponsorship agreement and undertaking are still in effect.
2. They count the number of persons they will be supporting:
   • You, and
   • Your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.
3. They add the number of persons covered by steps 1 and 2. The total represents his family size.
4. They look at the LICO in the Income Table in this guide to determine if they meet the minimum required for their family size.
5. To demonstrate that they meet the minimum income required, your child or grandchild may include one of the documents listed in the Document Checklist (IMM 5484).

If your child or grandchild does not meet the LICO minimum, their spouse or common-law partner can assist by also providing a letter of invitation with one of the documents listed in the Document Checklist (IMM 5484).

Step 1. Gather documents

What documents are required?

If you are outside of Canada, use the Document Checklist (IMM 5484) to assist you in gathering the required documents to submit your application.

Some visa offices may require additional supporting documents specific to your country. For further information on these requirements, consult the List of countries and corresponding Canadian visa offices.

If you are inside Canada, you must use the Document checklist – Applicants in Canada (IMM 5721) to gather the documents required to submit your application to the Case Processing Centre – Ottawa (CPC-O).

Important information: If you do not provide all the requested information or documents, the processing of your application could be delayed.

Minors travelling alone

Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with a person other than their parents or legal guardians should have a letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, signed by both parents or legal guardians. It should also include the name of the adult who will be responsible for the children in Canada.

Minors travelling with only one parent or legal guardian should have a letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, from the non accompanying parent or guardian.

Translation of documents

Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by:

• the English or French translation; and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation; and
• a certified copy of the original document.

Translations may be done by a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French and the unofficial language). If the translation is not provided by a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada, the translation must be accompanied by an affidavit swearing to the accuracy of the translation and the language proficiency of the translator.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

In Canada:

• a notary public
• a commissioner of oaths
• a commissioner of taking affidavits

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.

Important information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. Family member is defined as being a: parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law 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 in which 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 members in good standing of one of the provincial or territorial organizations of translators and interpreters of Canada do not 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 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,
• his or her name,
• his or her official position or title, and
• his or her signature.

Who can certify copies?

Persons authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

• a notary public
• a commissioner of oaths
• a commissioner of taking affidavits

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.

Outside Canada:

• a notary public

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Consult your local authorities.

Family members may not certify copies of your documents. Family member is defined as being a: parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Step 2. Complete the application

Filling out the application

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

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)
• Family Information (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707)
• Document Checklist (IMM 5484)
• Document Checklist – Applicants in Canada (IMM 5721), if applicable
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409), if applicable
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable
• Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475), if applicable

Important information: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application is 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”, except for your name (last name and given name[s]). Refer to questions 1 and 2 under “Personal Details” section for further instructions. The application must be signed and dated.

If your application is incomplete it may be rejected 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.

Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by each person applying for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada.

Note

Fill out the form

You must answer all the questions on this form unless instructed otherwise.

Download and fill out the form on a computer.

You also have the option to save your form and fill it out later.

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

Personal Details

Question 1

Full name

Type your family name (surname) exactly as shown on your passport or travel document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all your given names here and leave the given name field blank.

Type all of your given names (first, second, or more) exactly as shown on your passport or travel document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave this field blank. Do not enter “*”, “Not applicable” or “NA”.

Question 2

Nick names or Alias

Check the box to tell us if you have ever used any other name. This could include your birth name, maiden name, married name, nick name, etc.

If you checked “Yes”, type any other family name that you have ever used.

If you checked “Yes”, type any other given name (first, second, or more) that you have ever used.

Question 3

Choose your sex (male, female or unknown).

Question 4

Enter your date of birth. If your entire date of birth is unknown, please use ‘*’ (star sign or asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day, where applicable.

Question 5

Type your city or town of birth.

Choose your country of birth.

Question 6

Choose your country of citizenship. To be a citizen of a country means that you were either born in that country (in most cases) or have been granted citizenship by that country. If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose the country that issued the passport you will be using for this trip.

Question 7

Choose the correct information:

• The name of the country you live in , if you have been lawfully admitted to that country.
• Your immigration status in that country (choose one of the following):
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
• Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “Other” as a status.
• The dates (From – To) you have been living in your country of residence.

Question 8

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

If you checked “Yes”, choose the correct information:

• The name of the country you lived in,
• Your immigration status for the time you were in that country:
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
• Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “Other” as a status.
• The dates (From – To) you were living in that country.

Question 9

Check the box to  tell us if you are applying from the country you live in.

If you checked “No”, choose the correct information:

• The name of the country where you are applying from,
• Your immigration status in that country by choosing one of the following:
  • Citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Visitor
  • Worker
  • Student
  • Other
  • Protected Person
  • Refugee Claimant
• Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “Other” as a status.
• The dates (From – To) that you have been living in that country.

If you are not a citizen of the country where you are applying, you must send proof of your legal status in the country you live in when you submit your application.

Question 10

1. Choose your current marital status:

   Annulled Marriage

   This is a marriage that is legally declared invalid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marital 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 one year.

   Divorced

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

   Legally Separated

   This means that you are married, but are 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. Type the family names and given names of your current spouse or common-law partner.

If you are in a common-law union, you must also fill out the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) form and include it with your application. If you are married, you must send a photocopy of your marriage licence or certificate with your application.

Question 11

Check the box to tell us if you have ever been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “Yes”, enter:

• All family names,
• All given names,
• Date of birth,
• Type of relationship:
  • Common-law, or
  • Married.
• Dates (From – To) for which you were in the relationship with your former spouse or common-law partner.

Languages

Question 1

1. Choose your native language (mother tongue).
2. If your native language is not English or French, choose the language you would most likely use.
   • Both
   • English
   • French
   • Neither
3. Choose English, French or both as your language of communication:
   • English
   • French
   • Both
   • Neither
4. Check Yes or No to tell us if you have taken a test from a designated testing agency to test your abilities in English or French.

Passport

Question 1

Type your valid passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Question 2

Choose the name of the country that issued your passport or travel document.

Question 3

Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Question 4

Enter the date your passport or travel document will expire.

Contact Information

Question 1

Type your current mailing address (where information should be mailed). Make sure you include the following information:

• Post Office Box (P.O. Box) number, if you have one. If you do not have a post office box number, you must type the street number.
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit,
• Street number (No.). If you did not type in a P.O. Box number, you must type the street number,
• Street name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive, etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
• City or Town
• From the list, choose the Country of your current mailing address.
• Province or State
• Postal code or zip code
• District, if it applies to you.

All correspondence will go to this address unless you give us your e-mail address.

If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business on your behalf, you must give us their email and mailing addresses in this section and fill out the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form.

Question 2

Check the box to tell us if the address you live at is the same as your mailing address. If “No”, type the following information:

• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies to you
• Street Number (No.)
• Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
• City or Town
• Country
• Province or State
• Postal Code or zip code
• District, if it applies to you.

Question 3

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

Choose the type of telephone:

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

Type your telephone number including the country code, area or regional codes, etc.

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

Question 4

Check the correct box to tell us if your other telephone number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

Choose the type of telephone:

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

Type your telephone number including the country code, area or regional codes, etc.

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

Question 5

Check the correct box to tell us if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

If you have one, type your facsimile (fax) number, including country code, area or regional codes, etc.

Question 6

If you have one, type your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net

Note: Make sure you check your email regularly. Any emails sent to you by IRCC will end in:

• “@cic.gc.ca”
• “@canada.ca” or
• “@international.gc.ca”.

Please add these to your “safe senders” list in your email program and check the junk mail folder in case important emails get filtered. If we find that your email address does not work or no longer exists, we will communicate with you by mail. By giving us your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing us to send your correspondence, including file and personal information electronically to this address.

Details of Visit to Canada

Education

Check the box to tell us if you have any post-secondary education (including university, college or apprenticeship training).

Examples of post-secondary education:

Trade or Apprenticeship

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

Non-university certificate or diploma

Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (for example, dental technician or engineering technician).

Bachelor’s degree

Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who finished an undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.

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.

PhD

Highest university degree usually based on at least three years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have finished a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.

If you checked “Yes”, give us full details of your highest level of post-secondary education:

• Enter the dates (year and month) you attended the institution
• Field(s) of study (mechanics, social sciences, medicine, etc.)
• School or Facility name
• City or Town
• Country (choose from the list) and
• Province or State.

Employment (Work or job)

Enter the following information about your employment for the past 10 years. If you are retired, give information about the 10 years before your retirement.

Question 1

Current activity or job

Give details about your current activity or job:

• dates (year and month) you have been working at your current job,
• activity or job, or a brief description of your position. If you do not work, describe what you are currently doing (retired, not working, going to school, etc.),
• name of the company, employer or facility where you work,
• City or Town,
• Country,
• Province or State, if it applies to you

Question 2

Previous activity or job

Give details of your previous activity or job for the past 10 years. If you are retired, include the details about the 10 years before your retirement.

If you need more space, print out another page of the form, fill in this section and submit it with your application.

Background Information

All questions in this section must be answered or the application will be considered incomplete and will be returned.

To complete your form:

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 (page 5 of 5) – see image below. If this application form is completed on a computer and printed, you must place the barcode page on the top of your application (or if applying as a group, each individual application package).

   

   Note: This barcode page will not appear if you fill out your application by hand.

2. If you are 18 years of age or older, you must sign and date in the boxes provided at the bottom of the page.

   If you are less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or a legal guardian.

   Note: By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, accurate, and factual. If you do not sign and date the application form, it will be returned to you.

Family Information (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707)

Who needs to complete this form?

This form must be completed by each person, 18 years of age or older, applying for a Temporary Resident Visa, a study or work permit outside Canada.

Which form needs to be completed?

You must complete the Family Information form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707) listed in the application package for your country.

Section A

Write the personal details about:

• yourself,
  • If you are married and you were physically present at the marriage, choose “married – physically present” in the marital status box.
  • If you are married and you were not physically present at the marriage, choose “married – not physically present” in the marital status box.
• your spouse or common-law partner, if it applies to you,
  • If you are married and your spouse was physically present at the marriage, choose “married – physically present” in the marital status box.
  • If you are married and your spouse was not physically present at the marriage, choose “married – not physically present” in the marital status box.
• your mother,
• your father.

Include: full name, relationship, date of birth, marital status (married, single, widowed, common-law, divorced, separated, annulled marriage), present address and occupation (job), and if they will come with you to Canada by checking ‘‘Yes’’ or ‘‘No’’.

If a person is deceased, write “deceased” under ‘‘Present address’’, and write the city and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate if that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write ‘‘Not applicable’’ or ‘‘N/A’’.

Section B

Write the personal details about your children. It is very important that you list all of your children even if they are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada. This includes:

• married children;
• adopted children;
• children of your spouse (step-children) or common-law partner;
• any of your children who have been adopted by others; and
• any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner or other guardian.

Write full name, relationship, date of birth, marital status (married, single, widowed, common-law, divorced, separated, annulled marriage), present address and job, and if they will come with you to Canada by checking ‘‘Yes’’ or ‘‘No’’.

If a person is deceased, indicate this under ‘‘Present address’’, and write the city and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate if that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write ‘‘Not applicable’’ or ‘‘N/A’’.

Section C (IMM 5645 only)

Write the personal details about your:

• brothers,
• sisters,
• half-brothers and half-sisters,
• step-brothers and step-sisters.

Write full name, relationship, date of birth, marital status (married, single, widowed, common-law, divorced, separated, annulled marriage), present address and job, and if they will come with you to Canada by checking ‘‘Yes’’ or ‘‘No’’.

If a person is deceased, write this under “Present address”, and write the city and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate if that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write ‘‘Not applicable’’ or ‘‘N/A’’.

Section C (IMM 5707) or D (IMM 5645)

Signature

Sign and date the boxes at the bottom of the page.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Who may use this form?

Fill out this form only if you:

• are appointing a representative;
• need to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or
• are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they must fill out their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.

Who is a representative?

A representative is someone who:

• you have appointed by completing the IMM 5476 form;
• gives advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process; and
• has your consent to conduct business on your behalf with IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.

For more information, see: Use of a Representative.

Step 3. Pay the fees

Fees

Important information: There are two types of fees:

• an application processingfee;
• a biometric fee.

Find out if you are required to provide biometrics.

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid (all fees are in Canadian dollars). The processing fees must be included with your application. If you or your family members are required to provide biometric information, the biometric fee should be paid at the same time and the same way as the processing fee in order to avoid delays in processing your application.

Fees are subject to change at any time.

The fees will not be refunded, regardless of the final decision. For example, being found ineligible for a temporary resident visa is part of the processing; the fees will not be refunded. If you apply again, you will have to pay another processing fee and if applicable, another biometric fee.

Visa-exempt visitors applying for a super visa:

If you are a citizen of a country where you do not require a visa to visit Canada, you do not have to pay any processing fees. However you will have to satisfy all other requirements to obtain a super visa.

Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa.

Online fee payment

You can pay your fees online if you have:

• a valid email address;
• access to a printer (you will need to print the receipt); and
  • a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card or a prepaid credit card; or
  • a Canadian-issued debit card from BMO, Scotia Bank, RBC or TD. You must be enrolled in online banking. Credit cards that are also used as debit cards (e.g. Visa Debit) are not accepted.

Instructions

Follow these instructions to pay using the Internet.

• 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.

Note

Do not exit without printing the receipt!

• Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application. Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

Proof of payment

Use the printed receipt as your proof of payment.

Note

The only acceptable form of payment is online payment. If you send any other form of payment, IRCC will return your application.

You can submit an IMM 5401 payment receipt with your application only if it was date-stamped by a Canadian financial institution before April 1^st, 2016.

Incorrect fee payment

Incorrect fee payments may delay processing.

Payment issue – No fee included

We will return your application.

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

Payment issue – Not enough fees included

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

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

Payment issue – Overpayment

We will:

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

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

Payment issue – No biometric fee included (if you are required)

We will:

• tell you on how much to pay and how to pay.

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

Step 4. Submit the application

Where do I apply?

You may send your application to a Visa Application Center (VAC) that serves your area or apply online.

If I need to give my biometric fingerprints and photo, where do I go?

If you need to give biometric information you must give your fingerprints and photograph at a biometric collection service point. These include:

• Visa Application Centres (VAC);
• US Application Service Centres (ASCs) in the United States; and
• IRCC offices outside Canada in a country where there is no VAC or ASC.

If you use the services of a VAC to submit your application, you must give your biometric information at the same VAC.

Consult the list of biometric collection service points.

Submit the document checklist

Make sure you complete the Document Checklist (IMM 5484) and include it with your application forms and supporting documents.

What should I submit with my application?

Make sure you complete the Document Checklist and include it with your application forms. Make sure you include all the supporting documents listed on the Document Checklist.

If your family members are also applying for TRVs, you can include your whole family's applications in the same envelope.

If you are a permanent resident (PR) overseas, and have decided to renounce (relinquish) your permanent resident status, you must submit your application for PR renunciation in a separate envelope from your Temporary Resident application.

Temporary Resident applications must be submitted through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) while the PR applications must be sent by mail separately to the CIC visa office.

What happens next?

The application process

Submission

Completion check

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

• you have properly completed and submitted all of the required application forms;
• you have paid the application processing fee; and
• you have sent all requested supporting documentation.

If your application package is incomplete:

• we will return it to you;
• we will not create a file; and
• we will not keep a record until you have submitted a complete application.

Note: To avoid processing delays, pay your biometric fees at the same time as your application processing fees, using the same method of payment.

Processing

Review for decision

Your application will undergo a detailed review by an officer. The officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it and will decide if an interview is necessary. If so, you will be informed of the interview date, time and place.

If your application is refused, any original documents, including your passport if submitted with your application, will be returned to you with an explanation of why your application was refused.

If your application is approved, any original documents, including your passport if submitted with your application, will be returned to you with the requested visa.

Visa-exempt visitors applying for a super visa

If your application is approved, your passport and documents will be returned to you with a letter of introduction.

Arrival in Canada

A valid Temporary Resident Visa is not a guarantee of entry into Canada. An officer at the port of entry will decide if you still meet the requirements for admission when you arrive.

If there has been a change in circumstances between the dates of your application for a visa and your arrival in Canada, or if subsequent information is given which was not originally available to the visa office, you may be refused entry.

When you arrive in Canada, the officer at the port of entry will determine whether you may enter Canada and how long you may stay. You must leave Canada on or before the date set by the officer or have your status extended by an officer in Canada. The stamp placed in your passport by a Canadian official is valid for six (6) months unless otherwise amended by an officer.

Parent and Grandparent super visa

The stamp placed in your passport by a Canadian official may be valid up to two (2) years unless otherwise amended by an officer.

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:

• make sure you send all documents and information we have asked for with your application
• 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:

• missing signature on application forms
• unclear photocopies of documents
• documents not sent with a certified English or French translation
• verification of your information and documents
• a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations
• a criminal or security problem
• consultation is needed with other offices in Canada and abroad

For more information

Current processing times

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

Checking application status

You may 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.

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

Protecting your information

Your personal information, including biometric fingerprints and photograph, if given:

• may be shared with other Canadian government institutions as well as foreign governments as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act, and
• will be available to IRCC and CBSA employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you, and
• will not be disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

For more information

You can find more information about the protection of your data by visiting the Help Centre.

Find out more about the protection of your biometric information.

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.

Online services

For more information about the programs offered by IRCC, visit Immigration and Citizenship.

Need help?

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

Income Table

Effective from January 1 to December 31, 2016

Your child or grandchild may use the following income scale to assess their ability to meet the income requirements.

Temporary Resident Visa application photograph specifications

Provide two photos meeting the requirement of the Visa application photograph specifications. On the back of two photos, write your name and date of birth.