How to Complete IMM 0008 Generic Application Form

What Is IMM 0008?

Quick tip: download the official IMM0008 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download IMM0008 form (official IRCC).

IMM 0008 is the foundational form for most Canadian permanent residence applications. Whether you are applying through Express Entry, family sponsorship, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or other economic immigration streams, IMM 0008 is almost certainly part of your application package. It is the form where IRCC gathers the core information about you as an applicant.

The form is sometimes called the "Generic Application Form for Canada" because it serves as the standard application form across many different immigration programs. It is a multi-page document that covers a wide range of personal information, and the data you enter here must be consistent with all your supporting documents and other application forms.

Who Needs to Complete IMM 0008?

The principal applicant must complete IMM 0008. In addition, if you are including a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children in your application, certain sections of IMM 0008 (or additional copies of the form) must be completed for each family member. Always consult the IRCC document checklist for your specific program to understand exactly who needs to submit this form and which sections apply to each person.

Section-by-Section Guide

Section 1: Personal Details

This section asks for your full legal name (family name and given names), any previous names you have used (maiden name, aliases), date of birth, place of birth (city and country), sex, and marital status. If your country of birth has changed names (for example, if you were born in a country that has since been renamed or reorganized), use the current name of the country.

Your name must match your passport exactly. If there are any discrepancies between your passport and other documents (such as birth certificates or marriage certificates), provide a letter of explanation and supporting documents to clarify.

Section 2: Contact Information

Provide your current mailing address, residential address (if different from mailing address), telephone number, and email address. IRCC will use this information to contact you about your application, so it is critical that these details are accurate and up to date. If you move or change your phone number during processing, update IRCC immediately through your online account or by submitting a change of address form.

If you have a representative, their contact information will be on the IMM 5476 form, but you should still provide your own contact details on IMM 0008.

Section 3: Passport and Travel Document Details

Enter the details of your current passport, including the country of issue, passport number, date of issue, and expiry date. If you have more than one valid passport (for example, if you hold dual nationality), list all of them. You should also note any travel documents you hold, such as refugee travel documents.

Make sure your passport will remain valid for the duration of the processing period and beyond. IRCC recommends that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your expected travel date to Canada. If your passport is expiring soon, consider renewing it before submitting your application.

Section 4: National Identity Document

If your country issues a national identity card or document separate from a passport, provide the details here. This is common in many countries where citizens carry a national ID card. Enter the document number, country of issue, date of issue, and expiry date.

Section 5: Immigration History and Status

This is a detailed section that asks about your immigration history. You need to indicate your current country of residence, your immigration status in that country, and the dates of any previous applications to IRCC. If you have ever applied to visit, study, work, or immigrate to Canada before, disclose it here, regardless of whether the application was approved, refused, or withdrawn.

You must also declare whether you have ever been refused a visa or permit to any country, been ordered to leave any country, or been convicted of a crime anywhere in the world. These questions are similar to those on the IMM 5669 Schedule A, and your answers must be consistent across all forms.

Section 6: Education

List your highest level of education completed, including the name of the institution, the country, the dates of attendance, and the credential received. For Express Entry applications, this information will be cross-referenced with your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Make sure the details match.

Section 7: Language Proficiency

Indicate your proficiency in English and French. If you have taken a language test (such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF), provide the test results, including the test date and scores for each skill (listening, reading, writing, speaking). Language test results are critical for points-based programs like Express Entry, so ensure the scores on this form match your official test results exactly.

Section 8: Family Information

List all your family members, including your spouse or common-law partner, children (including adopted and stepchildren), parents, and siblings. For each family member, provide their full name, date of birth, country of birth, current country of residence, marital status, and relationship to you.

You must list all family members regardless of whether they are accompanying you to Canada. Failing to declare a family member is considered a serious omission and can lead to misrepresentation findings. Even family members who are not included in your application must be listed in this section.

Section 9: Details of Intended Work in Canada

If applicable, provide information about your intended occupation in Canada. This section is particularly relevant for economic immigration programs. Enter your intended occupation, the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, and whether you have a job offer. If you have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an employer-specific job offer, include those details.

Section 10: Declaration and Signature

Review all the information you have entered, then sign and date the form. The declaration confirms that everything is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. For electronic submissions, follow the IRCC portal instructions for digital signatures.

Tips for a Successful IMM 0008 Submission

1. Cross-reference everything. Before submitting, compare the information on IMM 0008 with your passport, language test results, ECA, employment letters, and all other application forms. Every detail must match.

2. Declare all family members. This is one of the most common and most serious mistakes applicants make. List every family member, even those not applying with you. Failing to do so can result in a misrepresentation finding under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

3. Disclose your full immigration history. Previous refusals, deportations, or overstays must be disclosed. IRCC has access to international databases and will likely discover undisclosed information. Being upfront is always the better approach.

4. Use the latest form version. Download IMM 0008 directly from the IRCC forms page. Using an outdated version will result in your application being returned.

5. Save a copy. Keep a copy of your completed IMM 0008 for your records. If IRCC contacts you with questions, you will want to refer back to exactly what you submitted.

How IMM 0008 Connects to Other Forms

IMM 0008 is the central form, but it works alongside several other forms to create your complete application. These typically include:

• IMM 5669 (Schedule A) for background and declaration information
• IMM 5476 if you have a representative
• Biometrics for identity verification
• Program-specific forms depending on your immigration stream

All information across these forms must be consistent. Processing officers review the entire package as a whole, and any discrepancy between forms will be flagged.

After Submitting IMM 0008

Once your application is submitted, IRCC will conduct a completeness check. If your IMM 0008 is incomplete or contains errors, your application may be returned without processing. If it passes the completeness check, it will move to the processing stage, where officers will review your information, verify your documents, and conduct background checks.

Processing times vary by program and country of residence. Check the IRCC processing times page for current estimates.

After receiving permanent residence, you may eventually wish to apply for citizenship. Our guide on how to apply for Canadian citizenship covers that process in detail.

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 IMM0008 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 IMM0008 form (official IRCC)
• IRCC forms and guides library
• IRCC document checklists
• CRA forms and publications
• IRCC processing times