Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt. If there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.
You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.
Additional fees
You will also have to pay fees to third parties for yourself and your family members (if applicable) for:
- medical examinations
- police certificates
- language assessments
- educational credential assessment
Step 4. Submit the Application
Login and upload all forms to the online intake portal. Follow the instructions to submit your application.
What Happens Next
The application process
Submission
Completeness check – Once you have submitted your application, we will check to make sure:
- all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted,
- the application processing fee has been paid, and
- all required documents from the application guide have been submitted.
If your application is missing any of the requested documents, it may be refused. Failure to provide supporting documents in certain circumstances may result in the refusal of your application.
Acknowledgment of receipt – When your application is received you will be sent an email that:
- notifies you of this fact and provides you with your IRCC application number
- sets out some basic instructions for contact with the IRCC office processing your file
- gives you a brief outline of future processing steps
Our dedicated intake portal does not automatically link your application to your online account. We therefore highly recommend you link your application to your online account when you receive your application number to:
- get the most up-to-date case status information
- get online updates for your application
- change your Sign-In Partner or switch to a GCKey
Processing
Review for decision: Your application will undergo a detailed review by an IRCC Officer. The Officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against the public policy requirements.
Permanent resident status
If your application is successful, you and your family members will receive status as permanent residents of Canada. To prepare, see Understanding permanent resident status.
What you can do to help processing
There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast as possible:
- send all documents and information we have asked for with your application
- pay your application and biometric fees (if required)
- provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required)
- tell us if your contact information changes, including:
- mailing address
- telephone numbers
- facsimile number (fax)
- e-mail address
Things that delay processing
The following may delay processing:
- unclear photocopies of documents
- verification of your information and documents
- a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations
- a criminal or security problem
- consultation is needed with other offices in Canada and abroad
Checking application status
You can receive instant email updates and a more detailed, up-to-date case status by creating an online account. Find out how.
Protecting your information
Your personal information is:
- available to IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
- not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.
For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Help Centre.
Quality Assurance Program
Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:
- verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
- verify that your application has been completed properly.
Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.
Appendix A – Photo Specifications
Notes to the applicant
Take this information with you to the photographer
For each family member you must provide either a digital photo or scan and upload the front side of a physical photo.
- Photos may be in colour or in black and white.
- Photos must be original and not altered in any way or taken from an existing photo.
- Photos must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past six (6) months).
Notes to the photographer
The photos must be:
- taken by a commercial photographer;
- 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
- clear, sharp and in focus;
- taken with a neutral facial expression (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling);
- taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows, glare or flash reflections;
- taken straight on, with face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera (i.e. the photos must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the middle of the photo);
- taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background. Photos must reflect and represent natural skin tones and not be altered.
