Canadian Experience Class:
How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class:

1. Obtain an application package
2. Read the guide
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents
4. Calculate and pay your fees
5. Mail the application form and documents

1. Obtain an application package

The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application package.

2. Read the guide

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class before you apply.

Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep the working copy for your records.

3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents

The application form contains instructions. Read those instructions and provide the required documents. The document checklist in the application kit will tell you what documents to include.

Be sure to use the guide to complete the application.

Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Answers can be typed or handwritten (print clearly in black ink). Applications containing incomplete forms or missing documents will not be processed, but will be returned to you to be completed properly.

4. Calculate and pay your fees

You will have to pay the following fees:

• The processing fee for you and your dependants must be paid when you apply. It is not refundable, even if your application is not approved.
• Wait until your application is processed to pay the Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. It must be paid before Citizenship and Immigration Canada issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is refundable if you cancel your application, if your application is not approved, or if you do not use your visa.

You will also have to pay fees to third parties for:

• your medical examination
• a police certificate, if you need one as part of your criminal and security check, and
• language testing, as needed.

Information on how to pay your processing fee and your Right of Permanent Residence fee is included in the instructions for the visa office where you submit your application. Note that applicants in Canada must submit their applications to CIC’s visa office in Buffalo, U.S.

More information on fees is available in the I Need to … section on the right-hand side of this page.

Applicants in Canada

You may pay by Canadian cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to the “Canadian Consulate General.” Do not enclose cash.

Please submit your application fee in Canadian funds.

Applicants outside Canada

You can find information on fee payment methods on the website of the visa office responsible for your area. Visa offices cannot accept receipts for fees paid in Canada.

See Where to apply.

Note: Personal cheques are not accepted as payment.

5. Mail the application form and documents

Applicants in Canada

Mail your application to CIC’s visa office in Buffalo, United States. The address is included in your application kit.

Applicants outside Canada

Mail your application to the visa office serving your home country.

See Where to apply.

Learn about:

• After applying

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Related Links

• Application kit for Canadian Experience Class
• Order a fees receipt