5. Apply and get a decision
You must apply by mail. Send all forms and documents for you and your family in one envelope. Keep a photocopy of your application for your records, including all signed forms and supporting documents.
Mail your application to:
IRCC – Humanitarian Migration Vancouver
FN/State Care
300-800 Burrard St
Vancouver BC V6Z 0B6
It's best to send your application by registered mail or a courier, so you can confirm IRCC got it. But you can also use regular mail.
After you apply
IRCC will send you an Acknowledgement of Receipt letter. This letter will include your application number.
They may also ask that you do certain things by a deadline. For example, they may ask you to:
- send more documents
- go to a certain location to get your fingerprints and photo taken
- do a medical exam
If you cannot meet a deadline, write to IRCC and ask for more time. Say how much time you'll need, and why you need it.
Update your information
Make sure the information in your application remains correct and up to date. For example, you must tell IRCC right away if you or a included in your application:
- gets married or divorced
- begins or ends a common-law relationship
- has a child
- has a new address or contact information
You must also tell IRCC if a family member dies.
You need to inform IRCC if any information in your application is no longer true. This includes any changes that may affect whether you or a family member qualifies for this pathway. For example, a new criminal charge or conviction.
If this happens, talk to an immigration lawyer right away about how this affects your application and what your options are.
If you do not update IRCC about any changes:
- they may reject your application
- it might cause delays
- you may have problems with your status
- you may be unable to sponsor a family member in the future.
You can update your address with IRCC online. You can send other updates to IRCC by email to IRCC.DNHM-Vexternal-RNMH-Vexterne.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. Write “FN/State Care” in the subject line of your email.
Keep a copy of every update you send.
If IRCC approves your application
IRCC will email you instructions that you need to follow to get your status. They will tell you how to use the Permanent Residence Portal to do this.
If you're approved, learn about how to keep your permanent resident status and if you should apply for Canadian citizenship.
If IRCC refuses your application
IRCC will send you a letter and tell you why they refused your application. If that happens, get legal advice as soon as possible.
Your lawyer might recommend asking a court to cancel the decision. This is called a Judicial Review.
The deadline to start a judicial review is 15 days from when you get IRCC's decision refusing your application. So get legal help right away.
In some cases, a lawyer might suggest asking the officer who made the decision to reconsider their decision.
And you might be able to make a humanitarian and compassionate application to stay in Canada permanently.
