When do you apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)?

1. When you make an application to CIC for a specific purpose, such as

immigration, entry to Canada, study permit, etc.

IN ORDER FOR AN APPLICATION TO BE ACCEPTED, SUCH APPLICATION MUST

a. Be in writing using the form provided by CIC.

Such forms may be changed from time to time. Before you submit your form, it is critical
to make sure that your form is up-to-dated by checking it on CIC’s website on the day
you are going to submit it.

b. Be signed by the applicant.

You must make sure your signature is on the application form in the exact way the
form requests. In addition, your signature should be the same one that is on your
identification, such as on your driver’s licence or passport.

c. Include all information and documents required by the Immigration Refugee Protection

Regulations, as well as any other evidence required by the Immigration Refugee
Protection Act.

How one prepares all the required information and documents differs from case to
case, and you should make sure that you have included all required information and
documents. You should know that the document checklist in the form may not list all
the information and documents you should include.

d. Include the filing fee payment.

e. Show who the principal applicant is if you are married or in a marriage-kind of
relationship.

2. When you enter into Canada at any border.

When you enter into Canada via airport, sea port or land crossing points, you are in fact
making an application to enter into Canada physically. When you do that, CIC has a full
access and right to examine you at such point, regardless of your immigration status. In
other words, even if you are a Canadian citizen, CIC has a right to ask all relevant questions
to you to verify your citizenship and immigration status in Canada. Any incorrect or
misleading statement you give can get you into trouble. For example, as a citizen of USA,
UK or Republic of Korea, you may enter into Canada without applying for an entry visa in
advance. However, if you have a pending study permit, and decide to answer to CIC that
you are here to study in Canada, CIC will demand the production of your study permit.
Therefore, it is critical that you answer all your questions carefully.

Any applications via forms (#1) or in person (#2) will be stored in CIC's global data base for a
significant time period to be accessed by CIC whenever you apply to CIC in the future. Any
inconsistent information or misleading answers may jeopardize your future applications
without you even knowing. As a result, if you have made any application in the past
and wish to make another application, it is important to keep a copy of all your previous
applications and accompanying documents for such future application. If you do not have
a copy of such past applications, you may be able to obtain them by application to the
Freedom of Information office for a copy.

The material in this article is only for general information. For your

specific situation, please consult a professional before you submit your application.