Family class applications: Initial review and file creation
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
On this page
- Application made
- Quebec cases
- Immigration category and GCMS codes for principal applicants
- Subcategory coding: Family class spousal applications
Application made
In the Regulations, “application made” means the date that the application is date stamped as received by the Case Processing Centre. A paper application is date stamped the day it is received in the mailroom at the Case Processing Centre. The date that the Case Processing Centre has received and date stamped an application is proof that an application has been made. An online application submitted via the permanent residence online application portal is date stamped when it is submitted and this can be viewed in the portal dashboard. The date that the application is received in the portal is proof that an application has been made online.
Note: IRCC manages applications to sponsor parents and grandparents in accordance with unique procedures outlined in Intake process for family class applications for parents and grandparents.
Quebec cases
For information about sponsorships for persons residing in Quebec see Sponsorships from persons residing in Quebec.
Immigration category and GCMS codes for principal applicants
| Category of principal applicant | Codes for GCMS |
|---|---|
| Spouse | FC1 |
| Dependent child | FC3 |
| Common-law partner | FCC |
| Conjugal partner | FCE |
| Spouse or common-law partner under the public policy under A25(1) to facilitate processing in accordance with the Regulations of the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class | FCH |
| Parent or grandparent | FC4 |
| Orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild | FC5 |
| Child to be adopted | FC6 |
| Other relative | FC7 |
| Adopted child | FC9 |
Subcategory coding: Family class spousal applications
| Category | Codes for GCMS |
|---|---|
| FC1 or FCC case processed within Canada under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class | CDA |
| FC1 or FCC case processed overseas (including CPC-O) | OVSFootnote * |
| FCH cases processed within Canada under the spousal public policy | PP |