Citizenship and

Immigration Canada

Citoyennet et
Immigration Canada

IMMIGRATION

Canada

Table of Contents
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Will You Qualify? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Funds Required to Settle in Canada . . . . 5
Self-Assessment Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . 6
Working in Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Application for
Permanent Residence

Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Medical and Security Requirements. . . . 16
How to Apply to Immigrate to Canada . . 17
How to Complete the Forms. . . . . . . . . . 18
The Application Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
What Happens Next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Federal Skilled Worker

Class

Forms:
Application for Permanent Residence in
Canada (IMM 0008)
Schedule 1: Background/Declaration
Schedule 3: Economic Classes - Skilled
Workers
Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Visa office-specific instructions*:

Appendix A
Checklist
Appendix B
Obtaining Police Certificates and Clearances
Appendix C
Photo Specifications
Appendix D
Medical Instructions
*Visa office-specific appendices contain your
local requirements. Instructions can be found
on our Web site at www.cic.gc.ca/skilled.

This application is made available free by

Citizenship and Immigration Canada and
is not to be sold to applicants.
Cette trousse est galement
disponible en franais

IMM EG7000 (09-2005)

Contact Information
Web site
For more information on the programs offered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, visit our Web site
at www.cic.gc.ca. For some types of applications you can inform us of a change of address and find out what
is happening with your application through on-line services on the Web site.

Within Canada
If you are in Canada, you can also phone our Call Centre. An automated telephone service is available
seven days a week, 24 hours a day and is easy to use if you have a touch-tone phone. You can listen to
pre-recorded information on many programs, order application forms, and for some types of applications
the automated service can even update you on the status of your case.
When you call, have a pen and paper ready to record the information you need. Listen carefully to the
instructions and press the number for the selection you want. At any time during your call, you may press
* (the star key) to repeat a message, 9 to return to the main menu, 0 to speak to an agent, or 8 to end your
call. If you have a rotary phone, wait for an agent to answer you.
If you need to speak to an agent, you must call Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time.

From anywhere in Canada, call

1-888-242-2100 (toll-free)

Using a text telephone?

Call our TTY service from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time at: 1-888-576-8502
(toll-free).

Outside Canada
If you are outside Canada, you can contact a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate. Consult our
Web site for addresses, phone numbers and Web site addresses of our visa offices.

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.

Federal Skilled Workers

Overview
The Federal Skilled Worker Class
Immigrants have always helped to make Canadas economy strong and prosperous. To continue this
tradition, Canada encourages skilled worker applications for permanent residence from people with skills,
education and work experience that will contribute to the Canadian economy.
This package is for people who wish to come to Canada as skilled workers. It provides information on:

the selection criteria and point system

how to assess your chances of qualifying
how to apply for permanent resident status as a skilled worker
all necessary forms and instructions

Other classes
This guide is only for applicants in the Federal Skilled Worker Class. If you think you may qualify to apply
under a different class, consult the chart below.
If:

Consult the guide:

You have been selected by the province of Quebec

Guide for Quebec Skilled Workers

You have been nominated by a province under the

Provincial Nominee Program

Guide for Provincial Nominees

You are interested in immigrating to Canada as an

investor, entrepreneur or self-employed person

Guide for Business Class Applicants

A relative such as a parent, spouse or common-law

partner would like to sponsor your application for
permanent residence

Guide for Family Class Applicants

Staying informed
Selection criteria and other information for skilled worker applicants can sometimes change. Note that:

Applications will be processed according to the rules and regulations in effect at the time
of assessment. These may change at any time.
Our Web site contains the most up-to-date news, selection criteria and applications. Check
periodically to make sure you have the most current information.

Federal Skilled Workers

Will You Qualify?

Definition
Skilled workers are people who may become permanent residents based on their ability to become
economically established in Canada.

Minimum requirement
For your application to be considered, you must meet the minimum requirement of at least one year of
full-time (or full-time equivalent), paid work experience. This experience must:

have occurred in the past 10 years

be in Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupation Classification (NOC).

The National Occupation Classification (NOC)

The NOC is a classification system of occupations in Canada. It describes the duties, skills, aptitudes and
work settings typical of jobs in the Canadian labour market.

Determining your NOC category

Follow these steps to determine if your work experience is in an occupation that meets the minimum
requirement to apply as a skilled worker:
STEP 1.

Go to our Web site at www.cic.gc.ca/skilled.

STEP 2.

Scroll down the page and click on the heading, Will You Qualify as a Skilled Worker?,
then click on Minimum Work Experience Requirement.

STEP 3.

Follow the instructions to see if your work experience qualifies you to immigrate under
the Skilled Worker Class.

STEP 4.

If you have experience in more than one occupation during the past 10 years, repeat the
search to determine if you meet the minimum requirement to apply as a skilled worker.
Work experience in several occupations may also be used, if it adds up to one full year.

STEP 5.

Check the list of restricted occupations. If your work experience is in a restricted

occupation, then it cannot be used to earn points to qualify for the skilled worker class.
(At the time of printing there were no restricted occupations in Canada; however, you
should check our Web site to see the current list.)

You are not eligible to apply as a skilled worker if:

none of your work experience is listed in Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the NOC;
your experience did not occur within 10 years of the date of application;
your eligible work experience does not add up to one full year; or
your only work experience is in a restricted occupation.

Federal Skilled Workers

Selection system
If your work experience meets the minimum requirements to apply as a skilled worker, your application will
be assessed against two criteria: required funds and selection factors.

Funds Required to Settle in Canada

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

The required funds are equal to or greater than the amount listed below for each family size:

Number of
family members

7+

Funds required

$10,168

$12,659

$15,563

$18,895

$21,431

$24,170

$26,910

Exception

If you have arranged employment as defined in Factor 5, you do not have to meet
these financial requirements.

The minimum required funds may change at any time. Check our Web site to make sure you have the most
recent information.
We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you intend to
live. Bring with you as much money as possible to make your establishment in Canada easier.

Disclosure of funds
You will have to tell a Canadian official if you carry more than $10,000 Canadian in cash funds upon your
entry to Canada. This could be in the form of:

money (coins or bank notes)

securities in bearer form (stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills etc.)
negotiable instruments in bearer form (bankers drafts, cheques, travellers' cheques,
money orders etc.)

Failure to disclose can result in fines and imprisonment.

Federal Skilled Workers

Self-Assessment Worksheet
This worksheet will help you determine your chance of qualifying as a skilled worker. It explains the six
factors on which points are awarded and helps you estimate how many points you may be awarded for each
factor.

How to estimate your points

Read the explanation for each factor, then fill in your score on the worksheet.
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, you must decide which of you will be the principal applicant;
the other person will be considered a family member. Use the self-assessment worksheet to determine which
of you would score the most points. This person should be the principal applicant.
Note: A common-law partner is a person of the same or opposite sex who has lived with you in
a conjugal relationship for a period of at least one year.
A family member is a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child included in your
application.

Factor 1: Education (maximum 25 points)

Points are awarded for earned educational credentials as well as the number of years of full-time or full-time
equivalent study. To be awarded points, you must meet both stated criteria.
Note: Full-time studies: At least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year.
This includes any period of workplace training that forms part of the course.
Full-time equivalent studies: If you completed a program of study on a part-time or
accelerated basis, count the length of time it would have taken to complete the program on
a full-time basis.

Instructions
Use the chart below to determine your points. If you have not completed the number of years of study that
correspond to your highest educational credential, award yourself points based on the number of years of
study.
Examples: If you have a Masters degree but have completed only 16 years of full-time study, award
yourself 22 points. If you have a four-year Bachelor's degree and have completed 14 or more years of study,
award yourself 20 points.

Masters or PhD and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study

25

Two or more university degrees at the Bachelor's level and at least 15 years of
full-time or full-time equivalent study; or
A three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 15 years of
full-time or full-time equivalent study

22

A university degree of two years or more at the Bachelor's level, and at least 14
years of full-time or full-time equivalent study; or
A two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of
full-time or full-time equivalent study

20

A one-year university degree at the Bachelor's level and at least 13 years of

full-time or full-time equivalent study; or
A one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 13 years of
full-time or full-time equivalent study

15

Federal Skilled Workers

 A one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 12 years of

full-time or full-time equivalent study

12

Secondary school (also called high school)

Score

Factor 2: Language ability (maximum 24 points)

Points are awarded for proven ability in reading, writing, listening to and speaking English and/or French.

Instructions
STEP 1.

If you have some abilities in both English and French, decide which of the two you are
more comfortable using; this will be considered your first official language. The other
will be your second official language.

STEP 2.

Determine your points according to your ability to read, write, listen to, and speak these
languages using the criteria in the Canadian Language Benchmarks.

Proficiency levels
The chart below contains basic descriptions of the proficiency levels you will be assessed against. These
descriptions correspond to the Canadian Language Benchmarks and can be viewed in their entirety on our
Web site at www.cic.gc.ca/skilled by following the link to How to Assess Your Language Skills.
Use this reference chart to find the Benchmark that best defines your language ability, or follow the link to
How to Assess Your Language Skills on our Web site for direct links to each level.
Proficiency level

Ability
Speaking

Listening

Reading

HIGH: You communicate

Benchmark 8:
effectively in most social and Pages 68-71
work situations.

Benchmark 8:
Pages 82-83

Benchmark 8:
Pages 94-95

Benchmark 8:
Pages 106-107

MODERATE: You
communicate comfortably in
familiar social and work
situations.

Benchmark 6:
Pages 60-63

Benchmark 6:
Pages 78-79

Benchmark 6:
Pages 90-91

Benchmark 6:
Pages 102-103

BASIC: You can

communicate in predictable
contexts and on familiar
topics.

Benchmark 4:
Pages 1213

Benchmark 4:
Pages 24-25

Benchmark 4:
Pages 36-37

Benchmark 4:
Pages 48-49

NO: You do not meet the

criteria for basic proficiency.

Do not meet
Benchmark 4

Do not meet
Benchmark 4

Do not meet
Benchmark 4

Do not meet
Benchmark 4

Federal Skilled Workers

Writing

Calculating your language points

First official
language

Read

Write

Listen to

Speak

High proficiency

Moderate proficiency

Basic proficiency (to a

maximum of two points)

No proficiency

Second official
language

Read

Write

Listen to

Speak

High proficiency

Moderate proficiency

Basic proficiency (to a

maximum of two points)

No proficiency

Proof of Language Proficiency

The instructions above are meant to provide you with an informal self-assessment only. If you decide to
apply to immigrate Canada as a skilled worker, you must provide conclusive proof of your language
abilities. There are two ways to provide this proof. Choose one of the options below to establish your
proficiency in English and/or French.
Option 1: Take a language proficiency test from an approved organization
We strongly recommend that you take an official language test if you are claiming skills in a language that
is not your native language.
Steps:

Results:

Make an arrangement for testing and pay test

Test results will be used as conclusive evidence of
costs. A list of approved organizations can be
your language proficiency.
found at www.cic.gc.ca/skilled. Follow the link to You will know exactly how many points you will
How to Assess Your Language Skills.
receive for the language factor before you submit
Submit the assessment results with your
your application. To determine your points, see the
immigration application.
test result equivalency charts that follow.
Your test results must not be more than one year
old at the time that you submit your immigration
application.

Federal Skilled Workers

Option 2: Establish your proficiency levels through a written explanation and supporting
documentation
Steps:

Results:

Gather material that supports your claim. This

should include:
a submission written by you that details your
training in, and use of, English and/or French
official documentation of education in English
and/or French
official documentation of work experience in
English and/or French
Determine what proficiency levels you wish to
claim and indicate these levels clearly in your
submission.
Submit these documents with your immigration
application.

CIC officers will not interview you to assess your

proficiency levels.
Your submission must satisfy the officer that your
language skills meet the benchmarks for the
levels you are claiming.
A CIC officer will review the evidence you include
with your application.
The officer will award points for your language
ability based on what you send with your
application.
You will not know in advance how many points the
CIC officer will give you for your language skills.

Arranging a language test

If you choose Option 1, you must arrange a language test from any of the following approved
organizations. For contact information, refer to our Web site www.cic.gc.ca/skilled and follow the link to
How to Assess Your Language Skills.
English language testing organizations
The University of Cambridge Local Examination
Syndicate, Education Australia, and the British
Council administer the International English
Language Testing System (IELTS).
Note: IELTS has General Training and Academic
options for the reading and writing tests. If you
choose to take an IELTS test, you must take the
General Training option.

French language testing organizations

The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
administers the Test dvaluation de Franais
(TEF).
Note: For immigration purposes, you must submit
results for the following tests:
expression orale
comprhension orale
comprhension crite
expression crite

The University of British Columbias Applied

Research and Evaluation Services (ARES)
administer the Canadian International Language
Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).

Using your test results

Once you have taken a language test from an approved organization, you can determine how many points
you will receive using one of the equivalency charts below:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Level

High

Moderate

Points
(per ability)
First official
language: 4

Test results for each ability

Speaking

Listening

Reading

Writing

(General Training) (General Training)

7.0 9.0

7.0 9.0

7.0 9.0

7.0 9.0

5.0 6.9

5.0 6.9

5.0 6.9

5.0 6.9

Second official
language: 2
Either official
language: 2

Federal Skilled Workers

Basic
No

Either official
language: 1
(maximum of 2)

4.0 4.9

4.0 4.9

4.0 4.9

4.0 4.9

Less than 4.0

Less than 4.0

Less than 4.0

Less than 4.0

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)

Test results for each ability

Points
(per ability)

Level

Speaking

First official
language: 4

Listening

Reading

Writing

4H
5
6

4H
5
6

4H
5
6

4H
5
6

Either official
language: 2

3H
4L

3H
4L

3H
4L

3H
4L

Basic

Either official
language: 1
(maximum of 2)

2H
3L

2H
3L

2H
3L

2H
3L

No

0
1
2L

0
1
2L

0
1
2L

0
1
2L

High

Second official
language: 2
Moderate

Test dvaluation de franais (TEF)

Test results for each ability
Points
(per ability)

Level

High

Moderate

Basic

No

Speaking

Listening

Writing

Reading

(comprhension
orale)

(expression
(comprhension
crite)
crite)

Level 5
Level 6
(349-450 pts)

Level 5
Level 6
(280-360 pts)

Level 5
Level 6
(233-300 pts)

Level 5
Level 6
(349-450 pts)

Either official
language: 2

Level 4
(271-348 pts)

Level 4
(217-279 pts)

Level 4
(181-232 pts)

Level 4
(271-348 pts)

Either official
language: 1
(maximum of 2)

Level 3
(181-270 pts)

Level 3
(145-216 pts)

Level 3
(121-180 pts)

Level 3
(181-270 pts)

Level 0
Level 1
Level 2
(0-180 pts)

Level 0
Level 1
Level 2
(0-144 pts)

Level 0
Level 1
Level 2
(0-120 pts)

Level 0
Level 1
Level 2
(0-180 pts)

First official
language: 4
Second official
language: 2

(expression
orale)

Add your points: Total of speaking + listening + reading + writing = ______ (both languages)

Score

10

Federal Skilled Workers

Factor 3: Work Experience (maximum 21 points)

Calculate your points by adding all of the years of full-time, paid work experience you have that:

occurred within the past 10 years

is not listed as a restricted occupation (follow the link to Will You Qualify? on our Web
site at www.cic.gc.ca/skilled to check)
occurred in occupations listed in Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the NOC (see the
Will You Qualify? section)

Years of experience

4+

Points

15

17

19

21

If your work experience does not meet all of the above conditions, you may not count this experience.

Score

Factor 4: Age (maximum 10 points)

Points are given for your age at the time your application is received.
Age

16 or
under

17

18

19

20

21-49

50

51

52

53

54+

Points

10

Score

Factor 5: Arranged employment (maximum 10 points)

Determine your points based on the chart below:
If:
You are currently working in Canada on a
temporary work permit (including sectoral
confirmations).

And:

Points

Your work permit is valid for 12 or more

months after the date you apply for a
permanent resident visa;
10
Your employer has made an offer to give you
a permanent job if your application is
successful.

You are currently working in Canada in a job that Your work permit is valid for 12 or more
months after the date you apply for a
is HRDC confirmation-exempt under an
permanent resident visa;
10
international agreement or a significant benefit

Your employer has made an offer to give you

category (e.g. intra-company transferee).
a permanent job if your application is
successful.

Federal Skilled Workers

11

You do not currently have a work permit and you You have a full-time job offer that has been
confirmed by Human Resources
do not intend to work in Canada before you have
Development Canada (HRDC);
been issued a permanent resident visa.
Your employer has made an offer to give you
a permanent job if your application is
successful.
You meet all required Canadian licensing or
10
regulatory standards associated with the job.
Note:
You cannot arrange for an HRDC
confirmation. Your employer must do this.
HRDC will confirm job offers for occupations
listed in Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of
the NOC.

Score

Factor 6: Adaptability (maximum 10 points)

Points are awarded for certain adaptability elements based on the experience of the principal applicant and/
or his or her spouse or common-law partner.

Instructions
Use the chart below to determine your points. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, points for each
element can be awarded only once, either for you or your spouse or common-law partner.
Adaptability criteria

Points

A. Spouse or common-law partners level of education

Secondary school (high school) diploma or less: 0 points
A one-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or university degree and at least 12 years
of full-time or full-time equivalent studies: 3 points
A diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or university degree of two years or more and at
least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies: 4 points
A Masters or PhD and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies: 5 points
B. Previous study in Canada:
You or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner studied at a post-secondary
institution in Canada for at least two years on a full-time basis. This must have been done after
the age of 17 and with a valid study permit.
C. Previous work in Canada:
You or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner completed a minimum of one year of
full-time work in Canada on a valid work permit.
D. Arranged employment:
You earned points under Factor 5: Arranged Employment.

35

E. Relatives in Canada:
You or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a relative (parent, grandparent,
child, grandchild, child of a parent, sibling, child of a grandparent, aunt/uncle, or grandchild of a
parent, niece or nephew) who lives in Canada and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Score

12

Federal Skilled Workers

Your score
Use this worksheet to calculate your total score. A visa officer will assess your application and will make
the final decision; if there is a difference between the points you give yourself and the points the officer
awards you, the officers assessment will prevail.
Factor

Maximum
points

Education

25

Language proficiency

24

Work experience

21

Age

10

Arranged employment

10

Adaptability

10
Total

Your
score

100

The pass mark

The pass mark was last set on September 18, 2003, at 67 points. To learn the current pass mark, consult our
Web site at www.cic.gc.ca/skilled.

If:

Then:

Your total score is equal to or greater

than the pass mark...

You may qualify for immigration to Canada as a skilled worker.

Read the rest of this guide to decide if you wish to apply under
the Federal Skilled Worker Class.

Your total score is less than the pass

mark...

You are not likely to qualify for immigration to Canada as a

skilled worker. We recommend that you do not apply at this
time;
However, you may apply if you believe there are other factors
that would help you to become economically established in
Canada. Send a detailed letter with your application
explaining these factors. Include any documents that support
your claim.

Federal Skilled Workers

13

Working in Canada
Finding employment in Canada requires planning. You should obtain as much information as possible
before you apply to immigrate. There is no guarantee that you will be able to work in your preferred
occupation.
Although credential assessment and licensing are not requirements of the skilled worker application, you
need to be aware of these issues when considering immigrating to Canada.
Follow the Working in Canada link on our Web site for some helpful sites on regulated and non-regulated
occupations.

Regulated occupations
Twenty percent of people working in Canada work in occupations that are regulated to protect the health
and safety of Canadians. Examples include nurses, engineers, electricians and teachers.
Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies are responsible for establishing entry requirements for individual
occupations; for recognizing prior credentials, training and experience; and for issuing licences required to
practice. The recognition process varies between provinces and territories and between occupations.
Recognition of qualifications and issuance of licenses can generally only be completed once in Canada. The
process can take time. You may be asked to:

provide documentation of qualifications

undergo a language examination (which may differ from those required for immigration)
complete a technical exam (with accompanying fee)
do supervised work

Non-regulated occupations
For non-regulated occupations, there are no set requirements and there is no legal requirement to obtain a
licence. The employer will set the standards and may very well request registration with a professional
association.

Credential assessment
A credential assessment is advice on how qualifications from another country compare to Canadian
qualifications. An assessment does not guarantee that:
a regulatory body will issue you a licence to practice
your credentials will be accepted by a Canadian employer
However, a credential assessment will help you understand the Canadian educational system and assist you
with your job search.
You can have your credentials assessed by one of the provincial evaluation services. Follow the link to

Credential assessment on our Web site for more information.

Labour market information

Job opportunities and labour market conditions are different in each region of Canada. It is important to
research conditions in the area in which you want to live. Follow the Working in Canada link on our Web
site for helpful sites on the Canadian labour market, job banks, and provincial and territorial labour market
information.

14

Federal Skilled Workers

Fees
There are two fees: the processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee.

The processing fee:

is non-refundable whether your application is approved or not;

must be paid when you send your application to the visa office;
must be paid by the principal applicant and each accompanying family member.

The right of permanent residence fee:

is refundable if a permanent resident visa is not issued or used, or if you withdraw your
application;
can be paid at any time during the application process, but must be paid before a
permanent resident visa can be issued. If you do not pay the fee when you submit your
application, the visa office will contact you when it is time to pay;
must be paid by principal applicant and his or her spouse or common-law partner (if
applicable).
The tables below show you how to calculate the amount required in Canadian dollars. You may have the
option of paying in another currency. For information on how to pay your fees, consult Appendix A:
Checklist.

Immigration and right of permanent residence fees

A

PROCESSING FEE

Principal applicant

Number of
People
1

Amount per
Person
x

$550

Amount
Due
$550

Spouse or common-law partner

$550

Each dependent child 22 years and over

$550

$150

Each dependent child under 22 years

Total A
B

RIGHT OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE FEE

Principal applicant

Number of
People
1

Applicants spouse or common-law partner

Applicants dependent children

$
$

Amount per
Person

Amount
Due

$975

$975

$975

Not applicable
Total B

Total A+B

Additional fees
You must also pay for the following for yourself and your family members (if applicable):

medical examinations
police certificates
language assessments

Federal Skilled Workers

15

Medical and Security Requirements

Medical requirements
You and your family members, whether accompanying you or not, must undergo and pass a medical
examination in order to come to Canada. To pass the medical examination you or your family members must
not have a condition that:

is a danger to public health or safety

would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada. Examples of
excessive demand include ongoing hospitalization or institutional care for a physical or
mental illness.

Instructions
Instructions on how to undergo the medical examination will normally be sent to you after you submit your
application to the visa office. For further instruction, see Appendix D.

Exam validity
The medical examination results are valid for 12 months from the date of the first medical examination. If
you are not admitted as a permanent resident during this time, you must undergo another complete medical
examination.

Authorized doctors
Your own doctor cannot do the medical examination. You must see a physician on Canadas list of
Designated Medical Practitioners. Note that the physician is only responsible for conducting a medical
examination; he or she cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.

Security requirements
Police certificates and clearances
You and your family members must provide us with a police certificate issued by the authorities of each
country in which you have lived for six (6) months or more since reaching the age of 18. Certificates must
be originals and issued within the last three months.
If you have been convicted of a criminal offence in Canada, your application cannot be approved unless you
receive a pardon. To avoid the unnecessary payment of processing fees for an immigration application that
will be refused, you should first apply for a pardon to the:
Clemency and Pardons Division
National Parole Board
410 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON, Canada
K1A 0R1
Fax: 1-613-941-4981
Web site: www.npb-cnlc.gc.ca (application forms can be downloaded from the site)
For more information on police certificates, see Appendix B and the police certificates section of the
Checklist.

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How to Apply to Immigrate to Canada

STEP 1.

GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

Collect the documents you need to support your application. These are listed in Appendix A:
Checklist. The Checklist will tell you how many copies of the application form you need, which
documents must be originals and which should be photocopies, and whether a certified
translation in English or French is required.
STEP 2.

PREPARE THE FORMS

This guide provides only one copy of each form. If any of your family members are included in
your application, you will need more than one copy of some forms. Photocopy the following
forms, or download and print the appropriate number from www.cic.gc.ca/skilled:
Application for Permanent Residence in Canada (IMM 0008): Page two of the form asks for
details of your family members. There is space for three family members on the form. If you
have more than three family members, make enough copies for everyone.
Schedule 1: Background/Declaration and Additional Family Information (IMM 5406): You,
your spouse or common-law partner and each dependent child aged 18 or over (whether
accompanying you or not) must complete these forms. Make enough photocopies for everyone.
STEP 3.

COMPLETE THE FORMS

For specific instructions, see the How to Complete the Forms section.
STEP 4.

OBTAIN POLICE CERTIFICATES

You need police certificates from every country in which you or your family members aged 18
years or over have lived for six months or longer since reaching the age of 18. You will find
instructions in Appendix B: Obtaining Police Certificates/Clearances.
STEP 5.

CALCULATE YOUR FEES

Use the instructions in the Fees section to calculate the fees you must send with your application.
Pay the fees according to instructions in the Fee Payment section of Appendix A: Checklist. Do
not mail cash.
STEP 6.

MAKE SURE YOUR APPLICATION IS COMPLETE

Use the Checklist to verify that you have all of the required documents. Note that we may
request additional information at any time during the application process.
STEP 7.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Submit your completed application to the address indicated in the Checklist. Print your name and
address in the top left-hand corner of the envelope.
If you do not fully complete and sign the forms and pay all necessary fees, your application
will be returned to you unprocessed.

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How to Complete the Forms

The following text does not contain instructions for all the boxes on the forms. Most questions are clear;
instructions are provided only when necessary. Note the following:

Print clearly with a black pen or use a typewriter.

Attach a separate sheet of paper if you need more space and indicate the number of the
question you are answering.
You must answer all questions. If you leave any sections blank, your application will be
returned to you and processing will be delayed. If any sections do not apply to you, answer
N/A (Not applicable).
If your application is accepted and information you provide on the forms changes before
you arrive in Canada, you must inform, in writing, the visa office to which you applied.
You must do this even if your visa has already been issued.

WARNING! It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on this form. We may check
to verify your responses. Misrepresentation will result in a two-year ban from entering Canada.

Application for Permanent Residence in Canada (IMM 0008)

To be completed by:
You, as the principal applicant
At the top of this form, you will find three boxes:
Box 1: Category under which you are applying...
Check the Economic class box.
Box 2: How many family members...
Write the total number of people included in your application, including yourself and any family
members, whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not.
Family members include your:

Spouse: A husband or wife of the opposite sex

Common-law partner: A person of the opposite or same sex with whom you have lived
in a conjugal relationship for at least one year
Dependent children: Daughters and sons, including children adopted before the age of
18, who:
are under the age of 22 and do not have a spouse or common-law partner;
have been continuously enrolled as full-time students and financially supported by
their parents since turning 22 (or from the date of becoming a spouse or common-law
partner if this happened before the age of 22); or
have substantially depended on the financial support of their parents since before
turning 22 and are unable to support themselves due to a medical condition.

Box 3: Language you prefer for...

Correspondence: Decide which of English or French you are more comfortable reading and writing,
and check the appropriate box.

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Interview: You may be selected for an interview. Interviews can be conducted in English or French.
You may also be interviewed in another language of your choice; however, you will be responsible for
the cost of hiring an interpreter.
Instructions for filling out the rest of the form are listed below:
1.

Print your full family name (surname) as it appears on your passport or on the official documents
that you will use to obtain your passport. Print all of your given names (first, second or more) as
they appear on your passport or official documents. Do not use initials.

5.

If you are a citizen of more than one country, give details on a separate page.

10.

This section requires you to give details of your past marriages or common-law relationships. If
you have never had a spouse or common-law partner other than your current one, check the No
box and proceed to Question 11. If you have, check the Yes box and provide the details
requested. If you have had more than two previous spouses or common-law partners, give details
on a separate page.

12.

Check the box that best describes the highest level of education you have completed. If you have
not completed secondary school, check the No secondary box.

14.
19.

Secondary education: the level of schooling after elementary and before college,
university, or other formal training. Also called high school.
Trade/Apprenticeship: completed training in an occupation, such as carpentry or auto
mechanics.
Non-university certificate/diploma: training in a profession that requires formal
education but not at the university level (for example, dental technician or engineering
technician).
Bachelors degree: An academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who
complete the undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a
Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
Masters degree: An academic degree awarded by the graduate school of a college or
university. Normally, you must have completed a Bachelors degree before a Masters
degree can be earned.
PhD: the highest university degree, usually based on at least three years graduate study
and a dissertation. Normally, you must have completed a Masters degree before a PhD
can be earned.
This is the address we will use to mail correspondence regarding your application. Print your
address in English and, if applicable, also in your own native script.
Identity cards issued by a foreign national, provincial, municipal or other government, as well as
cards issued by a recognized international agency such as the Red Cross, can be used to identify
yourself. If you have such a card, print the number in the space provided. Photocopy both sides of
the card and attach the photocopy to your application. If you do not have an identity card, print
N/A.

Details of family members

There is space for three family members on this form. If you have more than three family members,
photocopy this page before you start to fill it in so you have enough space for everyone.
Given name(s)
Print all of your family members given names (first, second or more) as they appear on their
passports or official documents. Do not use initials.

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Country of citizenship
If your family member is a citizen of more than one country, give details on a separate page.
Relationship to you
Indicate whether the family member is your spouse, common-law partner, daughter or son.
Will accompany you to Canada
Tell us if your family member will come to Canada with you. He or she must immigrate before the visa
expires, but may arrive in Canada after you.
Education
Indicate the level of education your family member has successfully completed. Use the categories
listed in Question 12.
Photos
Ask a photographer to provide you with a set of photos of yourself and each of your family members
included in your application, whether they will be accompanying you or not. The required number of
photos for each individual is indicated in Appendix A, under Photos.
Photos must comply with specifications given in Appendix C, Photo Specifications. Make sure you
give a copy of these specifications to the photographer.

On the back of one photo (and only one) in each set, write the name and date of birth of the
person appearing in the photo as well as the date the photo was taken.
Enclose each set of photos in separate envelopes. Write the family members name, date of
birth and relationship to you on the corresponding envelope and close the envelope with a
paper clip.
Photos must not be stapled, scratched, bent or bear any ink marks.

Background / Declaration (IMM 0008, Schedule 1)

To be completed by:

20

You
Your spouse or common-law partner (whether accompanying you to Canada or not)
Your dependent children aged 18 or over (whether accompanying you to Canada or not)

1.

Write all of your given names. Do not use initials.

6.

Indicate your current status in the country where you now live (for example, citizen, permanent
resident, visitor, refugee, no legal status, etc.).

10.

Provide details of all secondary and post-secondary education. Begin with the most recent
program completed.

11.

You must account for every month since your 18th birthday. Under Activity, print your
occupation or job title if you were working. If you were not working, enter what you were doing
(for example, unemployed, studying, travelling, etc.). Attach another sheet if necessary.

15.

Give a complete address including the street, town or city, province or region, and country. If there
was no street or street number, explain exactly the location of the house or building. You must
account for every month during the past 10 years. Do not use post office (P.O.) box addresses.

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Declaration
Read the statements carefully. Sign and date in the boxes provided. By signing, you certify that
you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete,
truthful, and correct. If you do not sign, the application will be returned to you.

Economic Classes - Skilled Workers (IMM 0008, Schedule 3)

To be completed by:

You, as the principal applicant

3.

If you have an offer of employment that has been approved by Human Resources Development
Canada, tick the Yes box and give the name of your potential employer. See Factor 5:
Arranged Employment for more information.

5.

Use the instructions under Factor 2: English and French Language Ability to help you
determine your ability in English and French.

10.

Funds refers to money in Canadian dollars, and includes the value of any property you own. It
does not include jewellery, cars or other personal assets.

11.

To Determine your National Occupational Code (NOC), refer to the instructions in the Will You
Qualify? section of this guide.

Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

To be completed by:

You
Your spouse or common-law partner (whether accompanying you to Canada or not)
Your dependent children aged 18 or over (whether accompanying you to Canada or not)

It is very important that you list on this form any other children (even if they are already permanent residents
or Canadian citizens) that you, your spouse or common-law partner or your dependent children might have
who are not included in your Application for Permanent Residence. This includes

married children
adopted children
step-children
any of your children who have been adopted by others
any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, common-law partner or other
guardian
You must answer all questions. If any sections do not apply to you, answer N/A.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Complete this form if you are appointing a representative.
If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they are required to complete their own copy of this
form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.

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21

A representative is someone who has your permission to conduct business on your behalf with Citizenship
and Immigration Canada. When you appoint a representative, you also authorize CIC to share information
from your case file to this person.
You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the services of a
representative or not. If you choose to hire a representative, your application will not be given special
attention nor can you expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome.
The representative you appoint is authorized to represent you only on matters related to the application you
submit with this form. You can appoint only one representative for each application you submit.
There are two types of representatives:
Unpaid representatives

friends and family members who do not charge a fee for their advice and services
organizations that do not charge a fee for providing immigration advice or assistance (such
as a non-governmental or religious organization)
consultants, lawyers and Qubec notaries who do not, and will not, charge a fee to
represent you
Paid representatives
If you want us to conduct business with a representative who is, or will be charging a fee to represent
you, he or she must be authorized. Authorized representatives are:

immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Canadian Society of
Immigration Consultants (CSIC)
lawyers who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law
society and students-at-law under their supervision
notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Qubec and
students-at-law under their supervision
If you appoint a paid representative who is not a member of one of these designated bodies, your
application will be returned. For more information on using a representative, visit our Web site.
Section B.
5.

Your representatives full name

If your representative is a member of CSIC, a law society or the Chambre des notaires du
Qubec, print his or her name as it appears on the organizations membership list.

8.

Your representative's declaration

Your representative must sign to accept responsibility for conducting business on your behalf.

Section D.
10.

Your declaration
By signing, you authorize us to complete your request for yourself and your dependent children
under 18 years of age. If your spouse or common-law partner is included in this request, he or she
must sign in the box provided.

Release of information to other individuals

To authorize CIC to release information from your case file to someone other than a representative, you will
need to complete form Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)
which is available on our Web site at www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/release-info and from Canadian
embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad.

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The person you designate will be able to obtain information on your case file, such as the status of your
application. However, he or she will not be able to conduct business on your behalf with CIC.

You must notify us if your representatives contact information changes or if you

cancel the appointment of a representative.

The Application Process

1. Submission
Each visa office has its own application process; however, there are two universal aspects of the process:
(a)

Completion check: Once you have submitted your application, we will check to determine that
all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted, the application
processing fee has been paid, and that all requested supporting documentation has been provided.
If your application package does not meet these requirements, we will return it to you. No file
will be created or record kept until a complete application has been submitted.

(b)

Acknowledgment of receipt: If your application is complete, we will begin to process it. You
will be sent a letter that:
notifies you of this fact and provides you with your visa office file number
sets out some basic instructions for contact with the visa office
gives you a brief outline as to future processing steps

2. Processing
Review for decision
Your application will undergo a detailed review by a visa officer. The officer will consider all the
information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection standards for
skilled worker immigrants.

Factors that facilitate processing

There are certain things you can do to help ensure that your application is processed as promptly as possible:

make sure that all the documentation and information requested is provided at the time of
initial application submission.
make sure that you notify the visa office promptly of any and all changes to your mailing
address, family situation, or any other information that is important to your application,
such as additional education or work experience.
refrain from making unnecessary inquiries to the Visa Office regarding the status of your
case.

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Factors that may delay processing

The following factors may delay the processing of your application:

unclear photocopies of documents

documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation
verification of information and documents provided
a medical condition that may require additional tests or consultations
a criminal or security problem
family situations such as impending divorce, or custody or maintenance issues
completion of legal adoption
consultation is required with other offices in Canada and abroad
you are not a permanent resident of the country in which you currently live

Processing time
Processing times can vary. If the visa office to which you are submitting your application has a Web site,
you can keep up to date by reviewing it periodically. You can also check the status of your application online
by following the instructions below.

Checking application status

Once we have notified you that your application has been received, you can find out the current status of
your application by logging on to our Web site at www.cic.gc.ca and selecting On-Line Services e-Client
Application Status. Clients who reside in Canada can also call our Call Centre and speak to an agent. The
Web site will only provide information on the status of your application and will not provide all of the details
of your case.

Protecting your application information

We protect your information. It is only available to our employees who need to see it in order to provide
services to you. It is protected from unauthorized access electronically by security software and procedures.
Your application status can only be obtained with your family name, date of birth, country of birth and one
of the five numbers we use to identify an application, namely your:

CIC client number

CIC file number
CIC fee payment receipt number
CIC Record of Landing (form IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (form
IMM 5292) number
Permanent resident card number
We will not disclose any information to anyone else without your written consent. If you give consent or
provide the information above to others, they will be able to obtain the status of your application. We will
not be able to determine when, for what purpose, how often, or to whom information may have been
disclosed.
You can protect your information by not telling anyone your personal information and by keeping
documents with this information in a safe place. Also when you view the status of your application on-line,
you should apply the same precautions that you would use for your other personal Internet transactions.
For more information on the protection of your data, please read the security page and the Frequently Asked
Questions page found at www.cic.gc.ca On-Line Services e-Client Application Status.

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Removing on-line information

You can remove on-line information by logging on to www.cic.gc.ca and selecting On-Line Services
e-Client Application Status. Follow the instructions to access your application status information. Then
select the check box to remove your application status from the Internet. If you reside in Canada you can
also call our Call Centre and ask an agent to do this for you. If you are outside Canada, please contact the
Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.

3. Decision
The officer will make a decision based on:

the number of points that you accumulate in the six factors, based on the documentation
you submit with your application
your ability to meet the Required Funds amount for the size of your family
During the decision-making process, the officer may contact you if:

further documentation is required

a personal interview is required

Confirmation of permanent residence

If your application is successful, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) form
that you and your accompanying family members must bring to the port of entry along with your visa. The
COPR will contain all of your identification information, as well as a photo and your signature.

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What Happens Next?

Employment and settlement services
Settlement services vary between regions and provinces. You can learn about them from:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site: www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomer

Human Resources Canada Centres: www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Some provincial governments or provincial organizations

Permanent resident status

If your application is successful, you and your family members will receive status as permanent residents
of Canada. Some conditions will apply:

You will remain a permanent resident until you become a Canadian citizen, as long as you
spend at least two years of each five year period in Canada.
You may leave and re-enter Canada as often as you wish.

Rights
As permanent residents, you and your family members will have the right to:

live, study and work in Canada for as long as you remain permanent residents
access most social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens (see Limitations)
apply for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport (once you have been a legal
permanent resident for three of the four previous years)

Limitations
There are a few limitations on permanent residents:

You cannot vote in certain elections.

You may be ineligible for certain jobs requiring high-level security clearances.
If you or any of your family members commit a serious crime, you or your family
members risk being deported from Canada.

Obligations
As permanent residents, you will also have the same legal obligations as Canadians, such as paying taxes
and respecting all federal, provincial, and municipal laws.

The Permanent Resident Card

All new permanent residents will be issued a card as part of the arrival process. Cards will be mailed to your
home address soon after you become a permanent resident. For more information on the Permanent
Resident Card, visit our Web site.

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