How to Complete IMM Forms

Completing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) forms, such as the IMM series, is a critical step in applying for immigration, permanent residency, or other statuses in Canada. Below is a detailed guide on how to complete these forms accurately and efficiently based on the most recent guidelines available as of April 20, 2025.

Step 1: Downloading the Correct Form

1. Always download the latest version of the form directly from the official IRCC website. This ensures that you are using the most up-to-date version of the form with all required fields and instructions.
   • Visit Canada.ca’s application forms page.
   • Select the specific form you need (e.g., IMM 0008 for permanent residence applications).
2. Ensure that your computer has Adobe Reader or another compatible PDF reader installed to open and fill out the form electronically.
3. Avoid printing blank forms to fill them out manually unless explicitly instructed by IRCC. Electronic completion reduces errors and ensures proper validation.

Step 2: Understanding Key Requirements

Who Must Complete Each Form?

• The principal applicant must always complete their designated sections.
• Dependents included in an application may require additional forms (e.g., IMM 5406 for family information).

Validation with Barcodes

• Forms like IMM 0008 include mandatory barcode pages generated after validation.
• After completing all fields:
  • Click “Validate” at the top or bottom of the form.
  • Ensure that barcodes are generated successfully.
  • Print these barcode pages and include them in your application package.

Step 3: Completing Specific Sections

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

This is one of the most commonly used forms for various immigration programs.

1. Application Details:
   • Question 1: Select your program type (e.g., Family, Economic, Refugee).
   • Question 2: Choose your category under that program (e.g., Federal Skilled Worker under Economic).
   • Question 3: Enter total family members included in your application (including yourself).
2. Personal Details:
   • Provide full legal names as shown on passports or identity documents.
   • If you have aliases or nicknames, disclose them in Question 2.
   • Include your Unique Client Identifier (UCI), if applicable.
3. Contact Information:
   • Provide both mailing and residential addresses if they differ.
   • Include a valid email address to receive updates electronically.
4. Passport Information:
   • Enter details exactly as they appear on your passport.
   • If you do not have a passport due to exceptional circumstances, explain why.
5. Education/Occupation Details:
   • Indicate your highest level of education completed.
   • Specify both current occupation and intended occupation in Canada.

6. Language Proficiency:
   • Declare whether you have taken an approved language test like IELTS or TEF.
7. Dependents Section:
   • Add dependents by clicking “Add Dependent.”
   • For each dependent, provide personal details similar to those required for yourself.

Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

This form collects detailed background information about personal history over the past ten years or since age 18:

1. Disclose all activities without gaps in time (employment, studies, unemployment).
2. List all countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 18.
3. Answer security-related questions honestly (e.g., criminal history).

Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

This form requires details about immediate family members:

1. Include parents, siblings, spouse/common-law partner, and children regardless of whether they are accompanying you to Canada.
2. Provide accurate contact information for each family member listed.

Step 4: Reviewing Your Application

1. Double-check all fields for accuracy before validating the form.
2. Ensure consistency across all submitted documents (e.g., names should match passports exactly).
3. Attach supporting documents as per IRCC’s document checklist relevant to your application type.

Step 5: Submitting Your Application

1. Print validated forms along with barcode pages on white paper using a laser printer.
2. Assemble documents in order as specified by IRCC’s checklist.
3. Submit via mail or online portal depending on instructions provided for your specific program.

Additional Tips

• Use clear block letters if handwriting is required anywhere on supplementary forms.
• Keep copies of everything submitted for future reference.

 Sources:

1. Official IRCC Forms Guide [Canada.ca]
2. Instructions for Completing IMM Forms [Canada.ca]
3. Document Checklist Guidelines [Canada.ca]
4. Submission Procedures [Canada.ca]