Guide to IMM 5645 Family Information Form

When you apply for immigration to Canada, whether for permanent residence, a study permit, or a work permit, you will likely need to complete Form IMM 5645: Family Information. This form helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) understand your family background and conduct security and admissibility checks.

The form can seem long and detailed, but it is straightforward once you know what is expected. This guide will walk you through each section.

When Do You Need IMM 5645?

Quick tip: download the official IMM5645 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download IMM5645 form (official IRCC).

IMM 5645 is required for a wide range of immigration applications, including:

• Permanent residence applications (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Family Sponsorship, etc.).
• Study permit applications.
• Work permit applications.
• Refugee and asylum claims.
• Temporary resident visa applications (in some cases).

Check the document checklist for your specific application to confirm whether IMM 5645 is required. You can find application-specific checklists on the IRCC forms and guides page.

Who Must Be Listed on the Form?

You must include information about the following family members, whether or not they are accompanying you to Canada:

• Your spouse or common-law partner (current and any former spouses/partners).
• Your children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren), regardless of age or whether they are dependent on you.
• Your parents (biological or adoptive).
• Your siblings (brothers and sisters, including half-siblings and step-siblings).

You must list all of these individuals even if they are deceased, live in another country, or have no relationship with you. IRCC uses this information for background checks and to assess your family ties.

Before You Start: Information You Need

For each family member, you will need the following information:

• Full legal name (family name and given names).
• Date of birth.
• Country of birth.
• Current country of residence.
• Current address.
• Marital status.
• Relationship to you.
• Whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not.

If a family member has passed away, you still need to list them. Enter "deceased" in the address field and provide the date of death if known.

Step-by-Step Guide to IMM 5645

Section A: Your Personal Information

This section asks for your own details as the principal applicant. Enter the following:

Full name: Your family name and given names as they appear on your passport.

Date of birth: In YYYY-MM-DD format.

UCI (Unique Client Identifier): If you have one from a previous IRCC application, enter it here. If this is your first application, leave it blank.

Your application type: Indicate which immigration program you are applying under.

Section B: Your Spouse or Partner

Provide details about your current spouse or common-law partner. If you are not married or in a common-law relationship, indicate that you are single.

If you were previously married or in a common-law relationship, you must also provide details about your former spouse or partner. Include:

• Their full name, date of birth, and country of birth.
• Date of marriage or start of the common-law relationship.
• Date the relationship ended (divorce, separation, or death).
• Their current address and country of residence.

Being transparent about previous relationships is important. IRCC may verify this information, and inconsistencies can cause problems with your application.

Section C: Your Children

List all of your children, including:

• Biological children.
• Adopted children.
• Stepchildren.
• Children of your current or former spouse/partner, if applicable.

For each child, provide their full name, date of birth, country of birth, current address, marital status, and whether they are accompanying you to Canada.

Children under 22 who are not married or in a common-law relationship are considered dependent children. Even adult children over 22 must be listed on the form, though they are generally not considered dependents.

Section D: Your Parents

Provide information about both of your parents (or adoptive parents). For each parent, include:

• Full legal name.
• Date of birth (or approximate year if exact date is unknown).
• Country of birth.
• Current country of residence and address.
• Marital status.
• Whether they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

If a parent is deceased, list their information and note "deceased" with the date of death. If you do not know a parent's whereabouts, write "unknown" for the address.

Section E: Your Siblings

List all of your brothers and sisters, including:

• Full siblings (same parents).
• Half-siblings (one parent in common).
• Step-siblings (related through marriage of parents).
• Adopted siblings.

For each sibling, provide the same type of information as for your parents: name, date of birth, country of birth, current address, and marital status. If a sibling is deceased, note that with the date of death.

Section F: Declaration

Read the declaration carefully and sign the form. By signing, you certify that all information is truthful and complete. Misrepresentation on an immigration form is a serious offense under Canadian immigration law. It can result in your application being refused, a ban from applying for up to five years, or even criminal charges.

Tips for Completing IMM 5645

• Be thorough: Do not leave out any family members. Even if you are estranged from a sibling or parent, they must be listed.
• Be consistent: Make sure the names, dates, and other details on IMM 5645 match what you have provided on other forms in your application package.
• Use full legal names: Do not use nicknames or shortened names. Use the name as it appears on official documents.
• Double-check dates: Date errors are common and can cause delays. Verify each date of birth and address period before submitting.
• Keep a copy: Make a photocopy or scan of the completed form for your records before mailing it.

Common Mistakes

• Leaving out deceased family members: You must list them even if they have passed away.
• Forgetting former spouses: All previous marriages and common-law relationships must be disclosed.
• Inconsistent information: If your IMM 5645 says something different from your other forms, IRCC will flag it.
• Missing signatures: Always sign and date the form before submitting.

How IMM 5645 Relates to Other Forms

IMM 5645 is usually submitted alongside other forms. Depending on your application, you may also need:

• IMM 5406: Additional Family Information form. Our guide on how to complete IMM 5406 covers this form in detail.
• IMM 1344: If you are applying for a PR card. See our guide on filling out IMM 1344.
• Schedule A (IMM 5669): Background/Declaration form for additional personal history.

Make sure all forms in your application package are consistent with each other. Cross-reference dates, names, and addresses across all forms before submitting.

For more immigration resources, read our guides on applying for Canadian citizenship, sponsoring a family member to Canada, and the complete Express Entry guide.

You can download IMM 5645 from the IRCC application forms page.

WelcomeAide is here to support newcomers navigating important life events in Canada. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for personalized guidance, explore our blog for more newcomer resources, learn about our mission, or discover how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.

Download This Form

Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download IMM5645 form (official IRCC). Always use the latest version.

Related internal guides

• IMM 5257 guide
• IMM 1294 guide
• IMM 1295 guide
• IMM 5409 guide
• IMM 5532 guide

Official external resources

• Download IMM5645 form (official IRCC)
• IRCC forms and guides library
• IRCC document checklists
• CRA forms and publications
• IRCC processing times

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Completing IMM 5645

While the IMM 5645 form seems straightforward, mistakes can lead to processing delays or even the return of your application. Here are crucial points to double-check to ensure a smooth submission:

• Accuracy and Consistency: Ensure all names, dates of birth, and relationships exactly match your official documents (passports, birth certificates). Inconsistencies will raise red flags and require further clarification.
• Completeness:

  Related Resources

  WelcomeAide Resources

  • Settlement Programs — find local support and integration services
  • Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
  • Newcomer Checklist — track key settlement tasks and documents
  • Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers for your next steps in Canada
  • WelcomeAide Blog — browse practical newcomer guides and updates

  Authoritative External Sources

  • Family and Children Benefits
  • EI Maternity and Parental Benefits
  • Canada Child Benefit
  • EI Family Caregiver Benefits
  • Family Law Information from Justice Canada