Applying for Permanent Residence Online

Applying for permanent residence online begins with identifying the immigration program and the account that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires for that program. There is no single portal for every permanent-residence application. Using the wrong account or relying on instructions for a different program can delay preparation or cause an applicant to miss important requirements.

Which account should I use?

IRCC says its Permanent Residence (PR) Portal is used for most permanent-residence programs, as well as PR card and permanent-resident travel-document applications. Express Entry follows a different route: invited applicants complete their permanent-residence application in the IRCC secure account. The correct route depends on the program and, in some cases, the stage of the application.

IRCC’s account selector and the current application guide for your particular program should be checked before creating or using an account. Do not assume that a portal used for an earlier application is the right one for a new application.

What if I use an authorized representative?

IRCC provides different accounts for authorized paid representatives. Its representative account guide directs representatives to the PR Portal for non-Express Entry permanent-residence applications, while Express Entry work uses the Authorized Paid Representatives portal. An applicant and representative should confirm which account will be used, who will receive IRCC correspondence, and how requests for documents will be communicated. The precise workflow depends on the program and the current IRCC instructions.

Before submitting an application

1. Confirm the immigration program and read its current IRCC eligibility and application instructions.

2. Use the account and document checklist identified by IRCC for that program.

3. Check the applicable deadline, fee, signature, translation, and document requirements in the current instructions rather than in an older article or saved checklist.

4. Keep a copy of what is submitted and monitor the account or correspondence channel IRCC identifies for that application.

IRCC describes alternate-format application packages for people who cannot apply online and require an accommodation, including for a disability. The availability and request process should be checked directly with IRCC.

The account choice is only one part of an application. Program eligibility, supporting evidence, admissibility, and any deadlines require separate attention. For advice about a particular case, see our Immigration practice area or contact our office.