tugrularas/irccfaq huggingface dataset:
Question: I can’t open my application form in PDF format. What can I do?
Answer: We’re experiencing issues with some of our forms with 2D barcodes:

Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 652 KB)
Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344] (PDF, 478.72 KB)  
Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF, 776.4 KB)

If you’re submitting one of these forms, you need to use version 11.0.09 of Acrobat Reader to fill it out.
 If you’re applying at a visa application centre (VAC), they may ask you to re-fill out the form at their internet kiosks. 

IRCC forms that need to be validated using the “validate” button at the bottom of the form use special encoding. You need a computer with Adobe Reader 10 or higher to use them.
If you have problems opening a PDF on our website, try the following:
For PC users

Find the link of the file you want to save (you may need to go back to the previous page to find it).
Right-click the link.
Select “Save target as” or “Save link as”.
Choose the location on your computer where you would like to save the file.
Select “Save”.
Use Windows Explorer to get to the location where you saved the file.
Right click on the PDF file.
Select “Open with”.
Select “Choose program”.
Select “Adobe Acrobat Reader”.
Make sure to check the box that says, “Always use this program to open these files”.
Select “OK”.

For Mac users

Find the link of the file you want to save (you may need to go back to the previous page to find it).
Press the Control (Ctrl) key and click on the link
When the option menu appears, choose “Download link to disk” or “Download linked file”.
Choose the location on your computer where you would like to store the file. Your computer will start the download once you have selected a location.
Use Spotlight or Finder to look for the downloaded file.

You can get a free copy of Adobe Reader from the Adobe website. It is available for Windows, Mac and Android devices.
Question: While working under a post-graduate work permit to get experience to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, can I switch employers?
Answer: Yes. The post-graduation work permit is an “open” work permit, meaning that you can work for any Canadian employer unless there are restrictions listed on the work permit.  Keep in mind that skilled work experience is needed to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class. Skilled work experience means working in an occupation that is listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) at TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
More information on 2021 NOC codes is available on Employment and Social Development Canada’s website.

Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Question: I graduated a while ago, then earned one-year of work experience and now I am back in school. Can I apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class?
Answer: Yes, as long as you gained skilled work experience of at least one year in an occupation listed under the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) as TEER Category 0, 1, 2 or 3.
Your work experience must have been gained in Canada within the three years before we receive your Canadian Experience Class application. Work experience gained while studying full time on a student permit (for example, experience gained while on co-op) does not count.

Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to  immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express  Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply  for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be  based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Question: I am a native English or French speaker. Why do I need to take a language test for Express Entry?
Answer: Canada assesses everyone using the same standards, no matter their language of origin, nationality or ethnicity.
Every candidate must take a standard test by an objective third party. This is to make sure your language skills are assessed in a fair and unbiased way.
Even someone from an English-speaking country, who speaks English as a first language, needs to take a test. Likewise, someone from a  French-speaking country, who speaks French as a first language, needs to take a  test.
You need to submit third-party language results for all  programs under Express Entry. You will have to include the results of your  test(s) in your Express Entry profile.
Language tests have been required for our skilled immigration programs for many years. Find out more about language testing.
Question: Can I complete an Express Entry profile before I have a year of work experience?
Answer: No, you should not complete an Express Entry profile in this case. If you do not have a full year of experience, the system will not find you eligible.
To meet the minimum criteria for the Express Entry pool, you must be eligible for at least one of the programs under Express Entry.

Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Question: Can I renew my post-graduation work permit?
Answer: No. Post-graduation work permits (PGWP) are a one-time opportunity for international students. Those students must have graduated from a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution.
If you had to renew your passport
You can extend your PGWP with your new passport only if

you were eligible for a PGWP but
you didn’t get the full length because your passport was going to expire

Include this information in a letter of explanation when you apply to extend your PGWP.
If you’re an Express Entry applicant
You may be able to apply for a bridging open work permit if

you’re waiting for a decision on a permanent residence application under Express Entry
your current work permit expires in 4 months or less
you have valid status on your work permit
you’re currently in Canada


Completing an Express Entry profile doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool. The Express Entry pool uses the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Question: Does an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) mean that I can be licensed in a regulated profession?
Answer: No. Getting an ECA to meet the requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program does not mean that your work experience and professional credentials are automatically recognized in Canada. You must still go through the process of getting your license.
Each province or territory in Canada has the power to regulate and license professions. Licensing is generally done through provincial or territorial regulatory bodies.
If you plan to work in a regulated profession, you should contact the regulatory authority in the province where you plan to work to find out more about how to get a license.

Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Question: The employer I work for temporarily in Canada wants to offer me a full-time job. Will I need a new LMIA for Express Entry?
Answer: In most cases, your current employer does not need to re-apply if they already got a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire you.
For example, they do not need to re-apply if:

your work permit is still valid
you still work for the same employer (in a skilled job) as listed on your work permit
you work in a job listed as TEER Category 0, 1, 2 or 3 in the 2021 National Occupational Classification, and
that employer already got an LMIA to hire you before. 

If you are working in Canada on a work permit that does not need an LMIA, your employer doesn’t need to get one to make your job offer valid.
When you create your Express Entry profile, you can show that you have a job offer. If we invite you to apply, you will need to submit a copy of the documents with your application.
But, if you plan to work for a different employer and want job offer points (or a valid job offer for the Federal Skilled Worker or the Federal Skilled Trades programs), your new employer will usually need to apply for a new LMIA (unless the job is exempt).
You must complete an Express Entry profile as the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker.
Question: I am working in Canada on a post-graduation work permit. Do I need a Labour Market Impact Assessment?
Answer: Not necessarily.
If you are working in Canada on a post-graduation work permit, and have a valid job offer, your current employer will need to get an LMIA if:

you need one to meet the program requirements for the FSWP or the FSTP and
your job is not exempt.

If a job is exempt, it means your employer does not need an LMIA to support your job offer.
If you are invited under the Canadian Experience Class, you don’t need an LMIA to meet the program requirements.
But, a valid job offer supported by an LMIA can get you more points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. This can improve your chances of being invited to apply. So in that case, your employer may want to get an LMIA, even though you don’t need it to be eligible.
You must complete an Express Entry profile as the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker.
Question: Is legal assistance available to asylum claimants?
Answer: If you are eligible to make a claim for refugee status,  you may be able to get a lawyer to help you.  Each province and territory  has a legal  aid contact. Please contact them for more information.
You can also find legal aid offices in the area where you live by  looking in the telephone book under Legal Aid. An immigrant-serving organization will also be able to tell you where and how to obtain these services.
Question: Why do I have to give my biometrics (fingerprints and photo) when I apply?
Answer: Biometrics are your fingerprints and photo. Most people have to give biometrics when they apply for any of the following:

a visitor visa
a study permit
a work permit 
a visitor visa, work or study permit extension
a temporary resident permit
permanent residence

We collect your biometrics so we can establish and confirm your identity. This information is also used to help assess your application.
Question: How often will I need to go in person to give my fingerprints and photo?
Answer: How often you need to give your biometrics depends on what you’re applying for.
Temporary residence applicants – Find out when to give biometrics

Permanent residence applicants – Find out when to give biometrics
Question: I cover my head or face for religious or cultural reasons. What will happen when I go to have my photo taken for biometrics?
Answer: When you have your photograph taken, your whole face must be clearly visible.
You may request to have your photo taken by an operator of the same gender and you may ask for a privacy curtain.
Question: What will happen to my fingerprints and photo after they are collected for biometrics?
Answer: After you give your biometrics, your fingerprints and photo will be encrypted and sent electronically to a secure Government of Canada database. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will check your fingerprints against the fingerprint records of

criminals
refugee claimants
deportees
temporary resident applicants

Any matches to existing RCMP records will be analyzed by the visa officer. This information is used to make a final decision on your application.
Domestic law enforcement
We may also share your biometrics information with

other law enforcement agencies in Canada to enforce any Canadian or provincial law or
Canadian government institutions or foreign governments according to Canada's privacy laws

When you arrive in Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency border services officer will use your biometrics to verify that you are the same person the visa was given to.
Find out more about what to expect when you arrive in Canada.
Question: How long will you keep my fingerprints and photo (biometrics)?
Answer: For visitor visa, or study or work permit applications
We’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 15 years from the date you gave your biometrics.
However, if your application is refused based on serious security concerns, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized criminality, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 100th birthday.
For permanent residence applications
If your application is approved
We’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 80th birthday.
If you’re granted Canadian citizenship, we’ll permanently delete your fingerprints and photo.
If your application is refused
If the refusal is based on serious security reasons, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized criminality, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 100th birthday.
If the refusal is based on misrepresentation, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 10 years.
If the refusal is based on health concerns, financial reasons or non-compliance, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 5 years.
If your application is incomplete or if you withdraw or abandon it, we’ll keep your fingerprints and photo for 5 years.
For asylum claimants
We’ll keep your fingerprints and photo until your 100th birthday.
Question: Do I need to give my biometrics to visit Canada if I’m in the United States and I’ve already given my biometrics when I entered the U.S.?
Answer: Yes. If you’re a foreign national (not a U.S. national) visiting or living in the United States, you’ll still need to give your biometrics to Canada. You only need to give your biometrics once you get the letter from us that asks you for it.
In the United States, you can give your biometrics at any of the 135 Application Support Centers.
Question: How do I withdraw my permanent resident card application?
Answer: To withdraw your permanent resident card application, send your request using the web form.
Include the  following information:

your name
your date of birth
your address
the date the application was sent
your client ID number (if available)
a copy of the electronic payment receipt
the reason for the withdrawal

Keep a copy of your withdrawal request for your personal records.
We’ll determine whether your PR card application can be withdrawn based on your circumstances.
We can refuse a withdrawal request if the card has already been processed. If we’ve already started processing your application, you won’t be able to get a refund.
Question: I was told that my permanent resident card was sent to me but I did not get it yet. What should I do?
Answer: If you did not get your PR card before six weeks have passed
If you are waiting for your PR card, but less than six weeks have passed from the  time the card was mailed to you, you must wait until this time has  passed.
If you did not get your PR card after six weeks have passed
If you are waiting for your PR card and six weeks have passed from the  time the card was mailed to you and you did not get it, you must complete a solemn declaration. Mailing instructions are provided at the bottom of the form.
Note: if 180 days have passed since the PR card was mailed, you will have to apply for a PR card, fill in section G (solemn declaration), and include the fee payment.
Find out  how long it may take for you to receive your new card.
Question: I legally changed my name. How do I update my PR card?
Answer: You need to apply for a new PR card to change the name on your card. Make sure you include documents that support the change.
Question: How long must I stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status?
Answer: To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days don’t need to be continuous. Some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days. See can my time abroad count towards my permanent resident status?
To help you track your time in Canada, use a travel journal.
Question: How do I withdraw my application for family sponsorship?
Answer: Send us your request using this Web form.
In the text field, include:

Your name,
Your date of birth,
Your complete address,
The date the application was sent,
Your client ID number (if available),
The type of application (for example, sponsorship of my spouse),
The reason for the withdrawal.

In the Web form, upload:

A copy of the electronic payment receipt,
    or

a copy of both sides of the payment receipt (form IMM 5401).

Note: If your sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident before we get your cancellation request, we can’t cancel your application. You will have to respect your sponsorship obligations.
See also: Will I get my fees back if I withdraw my sponsorship application?
Question: How do I unlink or separate family or group citizenship applications?
Answer: How you unlink applications within a family or group depends on your application. We review and decide on requests to
  unlink applications on a case-by-case basis.
Citizenship applications (grants of citizenship)
You applied for citizenship online

If you haven't submitted your group's applications yet
Follow our instructions
      to leave or remove someone from the group.


If you already submitted your group's applications
Send us a
      request through our web form.

You applied for citizenship on paper

If you want to unlink or separate your family's applications
Send us a
      request through our web form.
This includes people who applied to become Canadian citizens and are:

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members
adopted children born outside Canada
stateless people born to Canadian parents



If there's a problem with one of the applications in your family or group
We may separate your family's applications if one of the applications in your group gets delayed.
If we do separate the applications, we'll continue to process the other family members' applications. This might
    mean the person whose application is delayed will attend a different citizenship ceremony and become a citizen on a
    different day from the rest of the group.
We'll tell you before we separate your family's applications. We'll also send you a form you can use to ask us to
    process the applications together.
If you want the applications processed together, we'll pause the other applications until all
    applications are ready to be finalized. If citizenship is then granted, all family members will attend the same
    ceremony.

All other citizenship-related applications
This includes:

proof of citizenship (citizenship certificates)
search of citizenship records
renouncing your Canadian citizenship
resuming your Canadian citizenship
becoming a Canadian citizen (citizenship grant) for:
    
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members
adopted children born outside Canada
stateless people born to Canadian parents



To unlink an application from the group, send us a
    request through our web form.
Question: How do I apply to immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee?
Answer: If you want to immigrate to Canada through  the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a Canadian  province or territory has to nominate you.
  The first thing you need to do is apply to  the PNP in the province or territory where you want to settle. To qualify,  you must have the skills, education and work experience you will need to settle  in Canada and support yourself and your family.
  The province or territory will assess if  you will be able to meet their economic or labour market needs, and those of  Canada. They can tell you how long it will take to process your  application.
  After the province or territory approves  your application, your next step is to apply for permanent residence within the time period they set out. The province or territory will let you know whether you must apply  through the Express Entry system or through regular application process:

Nomination  under an Express Entry PNP stream: If you are not already in the Express  Entry pool, you will need  to complete an Express  Entry profile and be  accepted into the pool. You can begin the process by using our Come to Canada tool.
or

Nomination  under a non-Express Entry PNP stream: Permanent resident applicants who were nominated under a non-Express  Entry PNP stream should apply for permanent residence  using the regular  application process

The selection process and conditions to get  a Provincial Nominee Certificate may be different from one province to the  next. Check their websites to find out what you need to do before you apply.
Note: The province of Quebec chooses its  own immigrants. If you  want to live there, contact the Ministère  de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec.
Question: I was nominated by the province to immigrate to Canada, what should I do?
Answer: After the  province or territory approves your application and you have a Provincial  Nominee Certificate, your next step is to apply for permanent residence within  the time period they set out.
The type of nomination issued to you by the  province or territory will determine how you will apply for permanent residence  with us. If you were nominated under a province or territory’s Express Entry  stream, you will need to create an Express  Entry profile, if you do not already have one, and apply for permanent  residence online. The system will guide you through the application process.
  For all other nominations, fill out the forms using the instruction guide to help you. This  guide will also tell you all the documents you need to send with your  forms, and where to send them.
Question: How do I sign my online application?
Answer: IRCC secure account
You have to type in your name and answer a security question to submit your application. This is your electronic signature. Do not print out your application form to sign it.
To sign your online application


Type your name in the boxes.
Your given name and last name must be exactly the same as on your application form. If you’re under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must sign your form for you.



Answer the security question.
This will be one of the four security questions you created when you registered your account. You must answer exactly as you did when you created them.


Online application to become a Canadian citizen
You can sign your application

on the “Review and submit” page
by providing your name and the city where you sign the application
only after you answer all questions and upload all of the required documents

Permanent residence portal
To electronically sign your application

below the section where you upload documents, go to the “Declaration” section
choose “Start,” and answer all questions
read the declaration and type your name into the field (this is your electronic signature)
choose “Complete and return to application”

This will act as an electronic signature for the overall application and all digital forms.
Your first and last names must be exactly the same as on your passport.