How to Complete IMM 0008 Generic Application Form

IMM 0008 is arguably the most important form in any Canadian permanent residence application. It is the "Generic Application Form for Canada" and serves as the foundation of your application whether you are applying through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, or other permanent residence streams. Every piece of information you provide on this form feeds into IRCC's assessment of your eligibility and admissibility.

Who Uses IMM 0008?

IMM 0008 is used by applicants in these programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
• Family Class sponsorship (spouse, parent, child)
• Refugee and protected persons in Canada class
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

The specific version of IMM 0008 may vary slightly depending on your program. Always download the version linked in the document checklist for your specific application stream from the IRCC website.

Section-by-Section Guide

Section 1: Personal Details of the Principal Applicant

• Full name: As it appears on your passport. Include family name (surname) and given names. If your passport shows only one name, enter it in the family name field and write "N/A" for given names.
• UCI number: If you have previously applied to IRCC, enter your Unique Client Identifier. If this is your first application, leave it blank.
• Date of birth: YYYY-MM-DD format
• Place of birth: City and country
• Citizenship: List all citizenships you hold. If you are stateless, select "Stateless."
• Current country of residence: Where you are living now
• Marital status: Single, married, common-law, divorced, separated, widowed, or annulled marriage
• Previous marriages: If applicable, provide details of each previous marriage

Section 2: Contact Information

• Current mailing address: Where IRCC should send correspondence
• Phone numbers: Include country code for international numbers
• Email address: Use an email you check regularly. IRCC may send important correspondence here.

Section 3: Passport and Travel Documents

• Enter your passport number, issuing country, issue date, and expiry date
• If you hold multiple passports, list them all
• If your passport will expire before your expected landing in Canada, plan to renew it

Section 4: Education

• List your highest level of education completed
• For each degree, diploma, or certificate, provide the institution name, country, field of study, and dates attended
• If you have a Canadian educational credential assessment (ECA) report, include the report number

Section 5: Language Proficiency

• Indicate your first language and other languages you speak
• For Express Entry programs, you must include your language test results (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF, TCF for French)
• Enter the test type, date, and scores for each skill (reading, writing, listening, speaking)

Section 6: Work History

• List your employment history for the past 10 years
• For each position, include: job title, employer name, city and country, dates (from-to), and a description of your main duties
• This section is especially important for Express Entry, where your work experience directly affects your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
• Use your NOC (National Occupational Classification) code for each job. Find your NOC code on the IRCC NOC finder page

Section 7: Accompanying Family Members

List your spouse/common-law partner and all dependent children who will accompany you to Canada. For each family member, provide:

• Full name, date of birth, country of birth, citizenship
• Relationship to you
• Whether they will accompany you or remain abroad
• Passport details

Even family members who are NOT accompanying you must be declared (mark them as "not accompanying"). Failing to declare a family member is considered misrepresentation and can result in serious consequences, including losing your PR status later.

Section 8: Background Questions

Similar to IMM 5669 Schedule A, this section asks about criminal history, military service, immigration violations, and health conditions. Answer honestly. Provide details for any "yes" answers on a separate sheet.

Section 9: Declaration and Signature

Review all information carefully, then sign and date the form. If submitting electronically, validate the form using the "Validate" button in the PDF, which generates a barcode page. Print this barcode page and include it with your application.

Common Mistakes

1. Using an outdated form version: IRCC updates forms periodically. Always download the latest version from the IRCC website. Using an old version will result in your application being returned.
2. Not validating the PDF: The "Validate" button creates a 2D barcode that contains your application data. If you skip this step, the processing centre cannot scan your form efficiently, which may delay or return your application.
3. Inconsistent information across forms: Information on IMM 0008 must match IMM 5645, IMM 5406, and all other supplementary forms.
4. Leaving fields blank: If a field does not apply, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank. Blank fields can be interpreted as incomplete.
5. Not declaring all family members: This is one of the most serious errors and can be considered misrepresentation under IRPA.

Filing Tips

• Save a copy of the completed PDF before validating (the barcode replaces the visible data)
• Print the form on standard letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches)
• Use black ink if filling in by hand
• Do not staple photos or documents to the form

For step-by-step guidance on related forms, see our articles on IMM 5476 Use of a Representative and IMM 5562 Supplementary Information.

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