How to Fill Out IMM 5476 Use of a Representative

Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be complex, and many newcomers choose to hire an immigration representative to help with their application. If you want someone to communicate with IRCC on your behalf, access your file, or represent you in immigration proceedings, you must submit Form IMM 5476, Use of a Representative. This form officially authorizes the person to act for you.

Who Qualifies as a Representative?

There are two categories of representatives in the Canadian immigration system:

Paid Representatives (Must Be Authorized)

If someone charges you money for immigration advice or representation, they must be one of the following:

• Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC): Licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
• Lawyer or paralegal: A member in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society
• Notary in Quebec: A member of the Chambre des notaires du Quebec

Using an unauthorized paid representative (sometimes called a "ghost consultant") is risky. They are not regulated, may give bad advice, and if discovered, it can negatively affect your application. IRCC takes the use of unauthorized representatives very seriously.

Unpaid Representatives

Family members, friends, community organizations, and non-profit settlement agencies can act as your unpaid representative. They do not need to be licensed, but they cannot charge you for immigration advice. Many settlement agencies in BC, such as Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC), offer free help with immigration forms and can be designated as your representative.

What Does a Representative Do?

Once authorized through IMM 5476, your representative can:

• Communicate with IRCC on your behalf (make inquiries, respond to requests)
• Receive correspondence from IRCC about your application
• Access your application file
• Represent you at immigration hearings or interviews
• Submit documents on your behalf

Important: Even with a representative, you are still responsible for the truthfulness and completeness of your application. You must sign all forms yourself. Your representative cannot sign on your behalf (except where specifically authorized by a power of attorney).

How to Complete IMM 5476

Section 1: Applicant Information

1. Enter your full legal name, date of birth, and UCI number
2. Enter your application number or file number if you have one (this may not be available for new applications)
3. Indicate the type of application this relates to (for example, permanent residence, study permit, work permit)

Section 2: Appointing a Representative

1. Check "Yes" to appoint a new representative
2. Enter the representative's full name, organization (if applicable), and mailing address
3. Provide their phone number, fax number (if any), and email address
4. Indicate whether they are paid or unpaid
5. If paid, enter their CICC membership number (for consultants) or law society membership number (for lawyers). You can verify a consultant's license on the CICC online directory

Section 3: Cancelling a Representative

If you want to cancel a previously appointed representative, check the cancellation box and provide the details of the representative you are removing. You do not need to appoint a new representative when cancelling; you can choose to deal with IRCC directly.

Section 4: Declaration

Sign and date the form. Your representative also signs to accept the appointment. Both signatures are required.

When to Submit IMM 5476

Include the completed IMM 5476 with your initial application package. If you appoint a representative after submitting your application, send the form separately through the IRCC online portal or by mail.

You can change or cancel your representative at any time during the processing of your application. Simply submit a new IMM 5476 with the updated information.

Common Mistakes

1. Not verifying the consultant's license: Before hiring anyone, check their credentials on the CICC website. Scams involving unlicensed consultants are unfortunately common.
2. Leaving the form unsigned: Both you and the representative must sign. Missing signatures will result in the form being returned.
3. Not submitting the form at all: If IRCC discovers that someone is acting as your representative without an IMM 5476 on file, it raises concerns about unauthorized representation.
4. Confusing representative with translator: If someone only helps you translate documents, they are not a representative. You do not need IMM 5476 for a translator. However, if that person also communicates with IRCC on your behalf, they are acting as a representative and need the form.

Protecting Yourself from Fraud

• Never hand over original documents to a representative without getting receipts
• Always receive copies of everything submitted on your behalf
• Never sign blank forms for your representative to fill in later
• If a representative guarantees approval, that is a red flag. No one can guarantee the outcome of an immigration application.
• Report suspected fraud to the IRCC fraud reporting page

For related guides, see our articles on IMM 5669 Schedule A, IMM 5645 Family Information, IMM 0008 Generic Application, and our newcomer resources.

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