Application submissions

On this page

• Language of application forms and letters
• What is a complete application
• Where to submit an application
• Acknowledgment of receipt of the application

Language of application forms and letters

Application forms must be in English or French. Application forms in other languages will not be recognized as official application forms. Other form letters may be in languages other than English or French. Refusal letters for all types of applications must be in English or French.

What is a complete application

An application is complete when it meets the requirements of section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) and includes evidence that the relevant fees have been paid:

• All the questions on the application form are answered.
• Proof of payment has been submitted.
• All required forms are signed.
• All documents have been submitted.

An incomplete application will not be accepted for processing.

Where to submit an application

Section 11 of the IRPR specifies where applicants should submit their applications for permanent or temporary resident visas. The intent is for applications to be directed to the processing office best informed to assess them, thereby improving program integrity and security.

All programs have an application package and guide that tells applicants how and where to send their application. If an application is not made by electronic means, it must be submitted to the address specified by the Minister, including the address specified on the Department’s website for that purpose.

While the IRPR defines where an application must be submitted, they do not stipulate where an application must be processed. To protect program integrity, applications are processed at offices with the appropriate expertise and knowledge.

Information regarding the location of visa offices outside Canada can be found here.

Acknowledgment of receipt of the application

Applicants for permanent residence, or their representative (if applicable), will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of application (AoR) letter by email if they have provided a valid email address. The purpose of the AoR is to confirm that an application has met the requirements to be accepted into processing. The AoR will include the following:

• the applicant’s file number
• the approximate time within which the application should be completed based on the category of application
• other information concerning additional or missing documentation