Guide 5527 - Application for Permanent Residence, Temporary Resident Permit Holder

As of October 14, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online. If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

• paper
• braille
• large print

To request another format:

1. Open a new email
2. In the subject line of your email, include:
   • the format you need (paper, braille, or large print), and
   • the application package you want
3. In the body of your email, include
   • your full name (principal applicant) as shown on your passport
   • the full name of your sponsor, if you’re being sponsored by a family member
   • a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
   • if you want the application in English or French
   • how we should send it to you (by email or regular mail)
     • Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This option will save you the time it would take to mail it to you.
     • Include your mailing address if you want it mailed to you.
4. Send your email to: IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

We will only reply to requests for alternative formats. We won't reply to any other emails.

After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.

To submit your application

• fill out and sign any paper forms
• return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions

For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).

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
• Appendix A: Request for Police Certificates/Clearances and Authorization for Release of Information
• Appendix B: Fingerprint Request Letter
• Appendix C: Photo Specifications

This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.

For legal information, consult the following documents:

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

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.

For an application to be considered complete, the principal applicant must fill out the forms listed below and must submit them all in the Permanent Residence Online Application Portal for the principal applicant and each of their dependants. Incomplete applications will be returned.

The forms include 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:

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

Where to get more information.

Note: Tips that will help you with this application.

Before You Apply

Permanent Residence under the Permit Holder Class

A permit holder is someone who holds a valid temporary resident permit (formerly called a Minister’s permit).

Note: A temporary resident visa, a work permit or a study permit is not a temporary resident permit.

Who may apply?

You may apply for permanent residence under the permit holder class if:

• You were considered inadmissible to Canada because of health issues, and
  • You have a valid temporary resident permit,
  • You have resided continuously in Canada as a permit holder for at least three (3) years,
  • You continue to be inadmissible for those health issues, and
  • You are not inadmissible for any other reason.
  • You or your family members have not become inadmissible for other reasons since you were issued the temporary resident permit(s).
  • The reason for inadmissibility is not because of security reasons, human rights violations, serious criminality or organized crime,
  • You have a valid temporary resident permit,
  • You have resided continuously in Canada as a permit holder for at least five (5) years,
  • You continue to be inadmissible for the same reasons that existed when your temporary resident permit was issued, and
  • You or your family members have not become inadmissible on any other grounds since the issue of your temporary resident permit(s).

  Break in your continuous residence

  You may not be eligible for permanent residence if, since being on a temporary residence permit:

  • you left Canada and your permit did not authorize re-entry, or
  • you did not extend your permit status prior to its expiry date.

  Criminal convictions

  Any new inadmissibility, such as a criminal conviction, will be evaluated by an officer who will decide whether to issue a new permit or to request that you leave Canada.

  Family member definitions

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

  Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are not considered as valid spousal relationships under the Regulations nor are polygamous marriages. For more information, consult our policy on the legality of a marriage.

  Common-law partner

  Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (any gender), and has done so continuously for a period of at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people.

  This can be shown with evidence that the couple share the same home, support each other financially and emotionally, have children together, or present themselves in public as a couple.

  Common-law partners who have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year, but are unable to live together or appear in public together because of legal restrictions in their home country or who have been separated for reasons beyond their control (for example, civil war or armed conflict) may still qualify and should be included on the application.

  Dependent children

  We assess your child’s eligibility as a dependant based on how old they were at a specific point in time, called the "lock-in date". This is usually the date we received your application. To see if your child qualifies as a dependant, we consider the age of your child on the lock-in date, even though your child’s age may change during processing.

  Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be considered a dependent child if that child meets the requirements below on the lock-in date:

  • They’re under 22 years old, and
  • They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner

  Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:

  • They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
  • They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition

  With the exception of age, dependants must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.

  If your child’s age was locked in on or before October 23, 2017, a previous definition of dependent children may apply.

  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.

  Family members inside Canada

  Your family members inside Canada cannot be processed for permanent residence as part of your application, and will also need to undergo an immigration medical examination and pass criminal and security clearances in order for your application to move forward. They may submit their own application if they qualify under the permit holder class regardless of age (see section ‘Who may apply’).

  Family members outside Canada

  Your family members outside of Canada cannot be processed for permanent residence as part of your application, and will also need to undergo an immigration medical examination and pass criminal and security clearances. However, you may be able to sponsor them once you become a permanent resident.