tugrularas/irccfaq huggingface dataset:
Question: Why can’t I find all my documents or forms in the Permanent Residence Portal?
Answer: We recently improved the Permanent Residence Portal. It will now only show forms and supporting documents for the program you chose.
You don’t need to

restart your application
fill out any documents or forms again

If you uploaded a document or form and can’t find it, check under Additional Supporting Documents or Additional Application Forms.
There are some forms, like the Document Checklist, that you will need to download from Additional Application Forms and then upload to their new spot before you submit your application.
How can I find other forms and supporting documents in the portal?
Read the guide for the program you’re applying to. It will tell you which forms and documents you may also need to submit, depending on your situation. Make sure you include all of them with your application.
Other forms you may need might not appear under the Application Forms list for your program. You can search for them, using the form title or number, under Additional Application Forms or Additional Supporting Documents.
For example, if you have a common-law partner you can search for either “Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union” or “IMM 5409” to find the form you need.
Question: I can’t complete my IMM 0008 form in the Permanent Residence Portal because my national identity card doesn’t have an expiry date. What should I do?
Answer: If your national identity card doesn’t have an expiry date, follow these steps:

In the Expiry Date (YYYY/MM/DD) field, enter “3000/01/01”.
Click on the Save and Continue button.

The form should now be ready to submit.
Question: I got a new passport but I have a valid visa in my old one. Can I use the visa in my old passport?
Answer: Yes. To travel to Canada using a valid visa in an old passport, you need to bring both

your old passport with the valid visa
    
You may need to explain why your old passport isn’t valid.


your new valid passport or travel document

Even though you can use a valid visa in an old passport, we recommend that you get a new visa in your valid passport to avoid delays at the border.
Question: Can I change the email address for my Permanent Residence Portal account?
Answer: You can’t change the email address you use to sign in to your portal account.
If you have a new email or can’t access your old one, you have 2 options:

If you haven’t submitted your application yet, you can create a new account with your new email through the
    
Permanent Resident Portal
Representative Permanent Resident Portal (if you’re a representative)


If you’ve already submitted your application, you can change the email your account updates are sent to. Contact us through the webform and we’ll send account updates to your new email.
Question: Why can’t I save and continue when completing digital forms in the Permanent Residence Portal?
Answer: If the save and continue button is greyed out, make sure you’ve 

completed all the required fields
only used valid characters

Check the portal instructions to make sure you have all the information you need for the forms.


Valid characters


You can use these characters and accents in the Permanent Residence Portal:

a-z
é, à, è, ù, â, ê, î, ô, û, é, ï, ö, ü, æ, ç, œ
Question: Can a lone parent apply for a study permit for a minor child?
Answer: Lone parents applying for a minor child’s study permit may need to provide extra documents with the child’s study permit application. If you have sole custody of your child
If you are no longer in a relationship with the other parent and have sole custody of your child, we need a document that shows proof of parentage and that proves your decision-making authority.
You must provide

the parent or adoptive parent’s signed government-issued identification
the child’s birth certificate with the name of the parent(s)
if applicable, the court-issued adoption order that has the name of the adoptive parent(s) and
any other legal document that confirms the parent-child relationship

You must also provide all documents that refer to the child’s custody, mobility and access. You must provide 1 of the following:

the court order
another legal document issued by the relevant authorities showing this parent has sole custody


If you have joint custody of your child 
If you and your child’s other parent share decision-making authority, both parents must participate in the study permit application.  
You must provide

a signed consent letter from the non-accompanying parent (certified by a notary)
a signed piece of government-issued identification from the non-accompanying parent
a document that establishes proof of parentage

This must include

both parents’ or adoptive parents’ signed, government-issued identification
the child’s birth certificate with the names of both parents
if applicable, the court-issued adoption order that has the names of both adoptive parents and
any other legal document that confirms the parent-child relationship







If you don’t know where the other parent is If you don’t know where the other parent is and you don’t have sole custody of your child, you must provide

a legal document declaring the parent has sole authority of the child
the parent or adoptive parent’s signed, government-issued identification
the child’s birth certificate with the names of the parent(s)
if applicable, the court-issued adoption order that has the name of the adoptive parent(s) and
any other legal document that confirms the parent-child relationship

If the other parent is deceased
If the other parent is deceased, you must provide

the death certificate of the other parent
the parent or adoptive parent’s signed government-issued identification
the child’s birth certificate with the names of both parents
if applicable, the court-issued adoption order that has the name of both adoptive parents and
any other legal document that confirms the parent-child relationship
Question: I submitted a crisis web form for the Gaza special measures and haven’t received a response. What should I do?
Answer: You should wait for us to contact you.
If there are spaces left under these special measures for extended family members in Gaza

we’ll send you a unique code to complete your application for a temporary resident visa (TRV)

Make sure you check your junk or spam folder for messages.
If you receive a code, make sure you complete your application quickly with all of the required documents and information, as a code doesn’t guarantee you a space.



If you don’t meet the requirements
If your web form submission doesn’t meet the requirements, we’ll email you a letter explaining why it was rejected. If you were unable to apply under the special measures, you may still apply under any of our existing immigration programs.
Question: I submitted a crisis web form and received my unique code. I used this code to complete my application for a TRV under the Gaza special measures and haven’t heard anything. What is the status of my application?
Answer: You can check the status of your application in your IRCC Portal account. You can find your application in the section “View the applications you submitted.”
Processing your application
Processing times are different for each application. Complex applications may take longer to complete. Make sure you submitted your complete application properly using the correct unique code we gave you.
We’ll continue to process your application as long as there are spaces left under the special measures. If your application passes the eligibility stage, we’ll contact you with next steps. Make sure you check your junk or spam folder for messages.
Contact us if you need to update the contact information in your application or if you have other questions.
Question: If I don’t qualify for the special measures for extended family members in Gaza, are there other ways I can come to Canada?
Answer: If you were unable to apply under the special measures for extended family members in Gaza, you may still apply under any of our existing immigration programs.
Question: I have a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or a super visa. Can you help me leave Gaza?
Answer: If you’re in Gaza with a valid TRV or super visa and need help leaving, contact us as soon as possible.
Question: My temporary resident visa (TRV) expired. Can I still come to Canada?
Answer: No, you need valid documentation to come to Canada. If you don’t have a valid TRV, your travel may be delayed or you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.
Before you apply, find out what you need to travel to Canada.
See also: Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
Question: How do I get back my seized passport or travel document?
Answer: It depends on whether you have a permanent residence (PR) application in process or not.
If you have a PR application being processed
Your seized passport or other travel document will be returned to you after you become a permanent resident.
However, if it expires, we’ll return it early so that you can renew it. Then we can finalize your application.
If you do not have a PR application being processed
To get your seized passport or other travel document back, contact us if any of the following applies to you:

You did not get your passport or other travel document back after you became a permanent resident.
You are not a permanent resident.
You are a refugee claimant and you want to leave Canada.
You are a refugee claimant and you need a certified copy of your passport or other travel document.

You can contact us either by

calling 1‑888‑242‑2100
using our web form

Choose the option Update or ask about your application.
Under What would you like to do?, select Other.
Complete all required fields.
Under Tell us about your request, tell us why you need your original passport or other travel document returned to you.



Your request will be sent to the office where your passport or other travel document is being held. That office will contact you and let you know what the next steps are.
Question: How do I get a temporary resident document with the “MOME2023” keyword on it?
Answer: You can request a temporary resident document with the “MOME2023” keyword on it by following these steps:

Submit a request using the crisis situation web form.
Select “I need help with something else and I am impacted by the crisis in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.”
In the “Tell us about your situation” section
        
tell us that you didn’t get a temporary resident document with the “MOME2023” keyword
include the address where you want us to mail your updated document


Upload a copy of the bio page of your passport (or other valid travel document).
Upload a copy of your existing temporary resident document if you got one when you arrived in Canada.

After we verify your information, we’ll mail the temporary resident document to the address you provided.
Once you have your document with the “MOME2023” keyword on it, you can get free settlement services from an IRCC funded service provider organization.
Find an organization near you and bring your document with you to show the service provider.
Question: I need a certificate for the Interim Federal Heath Program (IFHP). How do I get one?
Answer: You must have an IFHP certificate to get temporary health care coverage through the IFHP.
If you need a certificate, you can request one by following these steps:

Submit a request using the crisis situation web
            form.
Select “I need help with something else and I am impacted by the crisis in Israel and the Palestinian
        Territories.”
In the “Tell us about your situation” section
        
tell us that you left Gaza to come to Canada because of the crisis, but you didn’t get an IFHP
                certificate


Upload a copy of the bio page of your passport (or other valid travel document).
Upload a copy of your temporary resident document.

After we verify your information, we’ll send the certificate to the email address you provided.
Make sure to check your junk or spam mail folder.
Question: I came to Canada under the Gaza special measures. I didn’t get a temporary resident document at the port of entry. How do I get one?
Answer: You can request a temporary resident document by following these steps:

Submit a request using the crisis situation web form.
Select “I need help with something else and I am impacted by the crisis in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.”
In the “Tell us about your situation” section
        
tell us that you came to Canada under the Gaza special measures, but you didn’t get a temporary resident
                document at the port of entry
include the address where you want us to mail your document


Upload a copy of the bio page of your passport (or other valid travel document).
Upload a copy of the page in your passport with the entry stamp.
    
If you didn’t get an entry stamp when you entered Canada, tell us in the “Tell us about your situation”
            section.
        



After we verify your information, we’ll mail the temporary resident document to the address you provided.
Question: How can I get a permanent resident card?
Answer: To apply for a permanent resident (PR) card, you must meet the eligibility requirements.
If you have a PR card that is going to expire soon or your card was lost, stolen or destroyed, you can apply to renew or replace your PR card.
New permanent residents will receive their PR cards by mail. You do not need to apply for one.
Question: How can I come to Canada as a visitor, worker or student?
Answer: We have created an online tool called Come to Canada. It will help you figure out whether you can come to Canada as an immigrant, visitor, worker or student.
This tool guides you through some questions and based on your responses and your situation, it then gives you: 

a list of options and
step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

This tool will help you understand the requirements for immigrating to, visiting, studying in or working in Canada. If you are eligible as a visitor, worker or student you can apply online through this tool. You will also have the option to complete a paper application.
Question: How can I determine whether I can apply for permanent residence?
Answer: To find out if you can apply for permanent residency try the Come to Canada tool. It will help you figure out which immigration program will work best for you.
This tool guides you through some questions. Based on your responses and your situation, it will give you

a list of options, and
step-by-step instructions on how to apply

This tool will help you understand the requirements to immigrate to, visit, study in or work in Canada. However, to actually come to Canada, you must still submit the right application forms.
Question: How do I fill out an IRCC application?
Answer: If you are applying on paper:

Answer every question, even if it does not apply to you. If any answer, or the application, is incomplete, we may return or refuse it.
If you do not have an answer to a question, and there are no instructions for it on the form or in the instruction guide, write “not applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided. That shows you have read and filled out the form fully.
If your answer to a question will not fit in the space on a printed form, write your full answer on a separate sheet of paper. Note on the paper the exact form you are using and the letter or number of the question you are answering.
If you want to give us more information, such as details of your case, provide it on a separate sheet of paper.

See more tips on completing forms.
 If you are applying online:

Answer every question on the application form. If an answer, or the application, is incomplete, we may refuse it.
If you do not have an answer to a question, and there are no instructions for it on the form or in the Instruction Guide, write “not applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided. If you do not have a unique client identifier (UCI), leave the space empty.
If you want to give us more information about your case, type your explanation into a new document and save it. Go to the “Optional documents” section of your document checklist in your account, choose “add letter of explanation,” and upload it.
Question: How can I pay my application fees?
Answer: See Pay your fees to learn how you can pay your fees. Your payment options will depend on :

where are you are paying from, and
what you are paying for.
Question: Can my friend or family member handle my immigration or citizenship application for me?
Answer: Yes, if you send a completed Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) with your application. This form is for if you wish to appoint a representative (an immigration or citizenship consultant, lawyer, friend, family member, etc.) to provide advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the immigration or citizenship application process, or in an immigration or citizenship proceeding. 
If you want your spouse, a family member or a friend to check your application status for you, see What should I do if I want my spouse, family member or friend to check on my application for me?
Question: What immigration programs can I apply for?
Answer: We have an online tool called Come to Canada. It helps foreign nationals find out if they may be eligible to apply as immigrants, visitors, workers or students in Canada.
This tool guides you through some questions about your personal and work history. Based on your responses and your situation, it then gives you

a list of options, and
step-by-step instructions on how to apply

The Come to Canada tool is for reference only. No immigration decision will be made based on your answers. If you choose to apply, an immigration officer will consider your complete application based on Canada’s immigration law. Your results from the tool will have no bearing on their decision.
If you may be eligible as a visitor, worker, or student you can apply online. The tool will direct you to your account, where you can create an account and fill out the online application. You may also have the option to complete a paper application.
If you may be eligible to immigrate permanently under Express Entry, you must apply online (unless you cannot because of a disability). The tool will direct you to your account, where you will create an account and can fill out the online application.
If you may be eligible to immigrate permanently under any other program, you must submit a paper application.
Question: What is my client ID?
Answer: Your client ID, also referred to as a UCI, is on all documents you get from us. It is an eight or ten-digit number that looks like this: 0000-0000 or 00-0000-0000.
 If you are applying to us for the first time, you will not yet have a client ID. If you are filling out a form that asks for one, write “Not Applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided.
If you are applying online and the form does not allow you to input “N/A,” leave the space blank.
Question: What is a UCI?
Answer: UCI stands for “unique client identifier.” It is also known as a client identification number (client ID). It’s on official documents you get from us. It has either:

four numbers, a hyphen and four more numbers (Example: 0000-0000) or
two  numbers, a hyphen, four numbers, a hyphen and four more numbers (Example: 00-0000-0000)

If you are applying to us for the first time, you will not yet have a UCI. If you are filling out a form that asks for one, write “Not Applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided.
If you are applying online and the form does not allow you to type “N/A,” leave the space blank.
Question: What do you mean by surname?
Answer: Your surname is your family name. It’s also called your “last name.” When filling out applications, type your surname as it appears on your passport, travel or identity document.
Do not use initials.
If you don’t have a family name on your passport, travel or identity document, enter all your given name(s) in the surname field and leave the given name field blank. Do not enter “Not applicable,” “*” or “NA.”
Question: I don’t know what dates to put in the history section on my immigration form. What do I do?
Answer: There are three history fields on the form: 

work history
address history
education history

Each has a “to” section. This is where you  put when you finished that activity or moved from that address. If  you are still working or studying, or if you still live at that address, write  “today” or the date you are signing the application. If you do not know the  exact dates, use your best guess.
Question: I need more space on the form to explain everything. What should I do?
Answer: It depends on how you're applying:
If you're applying online
If you need more space to complete a section of a PDF form

create a new document with
        
the form number, section name and question number
                
Example: IMM 1295 - Background information - 1. c


your full answer to the question


upload the new document under the appropriate field for the account or portal you're using to apply:
        
IRCC secure account: Client information
IRCC Portal: Additional documents
Permanent residence portal: Supporting documents



The file type can be JPG, JPEG or PDF.
If you're applying on paper
On a separate sheet of paper, write

the form number, section name and question number
        
Example: IMM 1295 - Background information - 1. c)


your full answer to the question

Include this with your application.
Question: What if some of the questions on the application form don’t apply to me?
Answer: You should fill in all spaces on immigration application PDF forms, if possible. If a question does not apply, you should leave it blank.
If you’re applying online and the form doesn’t let you leave the space blank, type “N/A” or “NA.”
For background/Schedule A questions
If you have to leave questions blank on Schedule A, you should include a letter of explanation that says why it doesn’t apply. This is so the officer doing your background check knows you didn’t forget to fill it in. Otherwise, that could delay your application.
Question: What language should my supporting documents be in?
Answer: Unless we tell you otherwise,  all supporting documents  must be in English or French.
If  it is not in English or French, you must send it with:

the English or French translation and
an affidavit from the person who completed the  translation and
a certified photocopy of the original document
Question: If I am not using a representative, do I need to send a blank Use of a Representative form?
Answer: No. If you will not be using an immigration representative, you do not need to include the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) with your application.
Question: What should I do if I want my spouse, family member or friend to check on my application for me?
Answer: If you want your spouse, family member, friend or other person to check your application status for you, but not do business with IRCC on your behalf, you must: 

Fill and submit the Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) form with your application.
If you already submitted your application, send the authorization through this Web form. It will take us 5 to 10 business days to update your file.

Note: If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must submit a Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form.