Guide 5781: Applying to Voluntarily Renounce Your Permanent Resident Status

If you wish to apply for a TRV, you must submit your visa application separately from your application to renounce your permanent resident status. TRV applications must be submitted following the existing instructions for submitting TRV applications, while Voluntary Renunciation of PR status applications must be sent in a separate envelope by mail to the IRCC visa office.

If you are applying for an eTA , you will have the option of renouncing your PR status electronically. After you apply for an eTA, you will be provided with detailed instructions on how to renounce. Your renunciation in this context will be completed online through a secure account that you will need to create as part of the eTA application process. Instructions will be sent to you to explain how to do this.

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Can I still renounce my permanent resident status if I’m a protected person?

Yes you can, but you will not lose your protected person status. If you remain in Canada, you can continue to live as a protected person in Canada and you may be eligible for a work or study permit.

If you leave Canada or are already outside of Canada, your protected person status is not a guarantee of re-entry into Canada. You may have to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV), an electronic travel authorization (eTA), a work permit, or a study permit, depending on your country of citizenship and the purpose of your visit and the travel document you will be using.

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Step 1. Gather Documents

What documents are required?

Use the Document Checklist (IMM 5783) (PDF, 301.98 KB) to assist you in gathering the necessary documents.

Important information

Note: If any of the required documents are missing, or photocopies are not clear and legible, your application will be returned to you.

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What do I provide if I changed my name?

Consult the following examples to determine which documents to include with your application:

If you have legally changed your name,

• Submit a copy of the change of name document issued by a Canadian province or territory, or by the appropriate foreign-state authority.

If you have changed your name as a result of marriage, adoption or divorce

• Submit a copy of:
  • the document showing both names and
  • a copy of one document issued by a Canadian province or territory or by an appropriate foreign-state authority.

Examples of documents to include:

• health insurance card,
• driver’s licence or
• an official school record issued by the provincial or territorial department responsible for education showing that exact name.

If you have applied for an amendment to your Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence,

• Submit a copy of the amendment or a letter confirming the change of name.

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Applicants under the age of 18

A clear and legible photocopy of one of the following:

• applicant’s birth certificate showing the applicant’s name, date of birth, place of birth and the names of the parents or adoptive parents.

NOTE: if the names of both parents do not appear on the birth certificate, include also a baptismal certificate, a civil registry document, a school transcript or a national identity card which carries the name of the child and both parents.

• If the child is adopted or under legal guardianship, a copy of the adoption order or legal guardianship documents.
• If the child is under the sole custody of one parent, sole custody should be proven by providing:
  • The birth certificate which indicates the father is unknown;
  • A death certificate of one parent; or
  • A court order or a written agreement granting sole custody
• If one parent has custody under a court order or a written agreement which gives the non-custodial parent the right to be consulted on decisions related to the child, the signatures of both parents are required.

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Step 2. Complete the Application

Filling out the application

Make one photocopy of the original forms once you have filled them out.

Original forms:

Sign the original forms.

NOTE: If the application is for a client under the age of 18, signatures of client and ALL parents or guardians are required.

See Step 4 below for information on where to send your application.

Photocopy:

Keep this set for your personal records.

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

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The following forms must be filled out and submitted for all clients:

• Application to Voluntarily Renounce Permanent Resident Status (IMM 5782) (PDF, 639.41 KB). Additional documents must also be submitted with the completed application form. These are listed in the following checklist:
  • Document Checklist – Renouncing Permanent Resident Status (IMM 5783) (PDF, 301.98 KB)

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

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