Questions on Completing an Immigration Application Form

Questions on Immigration Application

Are you working on a temporary or permanent immigration application form and are stuck with some general questions you need answers too? This article will cover common question applicants have when completing their immigration application. Below will discuss:

• How to complete your immigration application
• What is UCI
• I don’t have Surname (last name)
• What dates to put on history section
• What to do when there is not enough space on the forms
• What to do when questions on the form don’t apply to you
• What language your documents should be in
• Do I need to include Use of a Representative Form?
• Can my Family or Friends check my Application Status?
• What happens after application is sent

How to Complete your Immigration Application

When applying through paper:

• Answer all the questions even if it does not apply to you. If any question on the application is incomplete, immigration will return or simply refuse it.
• If the question is not applicable to you than simply write “N/A”, this way the immigration officer knows you have read and filled out the form completely.
• If there is not sufficient space for your answers on the form then use a separate sheet of paper to complete your answers. On this separate sheet you have to put your full name and the exact form you are using and letter or number of the question you are answering.
• If you like to provide additional information about yourself or details of your case, include that on separate sheet of paper.

When applying through Online:

• Completing all the questions on the form

• If the question is not applicable to you than simply write “N/A”, this way the immigration officer knows you have read and filled out the form completely.

• if you do not have UCI “Unique Client Identifier” leave the space empty

• If you like to provide additional information about yourself or details of your case, type it on a separate document and save it. Then go to the “optional documents” section of your document checklist in your account, choose “add letter of explanation,” and upload it.

What is a UCI?

UCI (unique client identifier) also known as client ID (client identification number)is located on top of each document you receive from immigration Canada. The UCI/Client ID looks like this 0000-0000 or 00-0000-0000.

If it is your first time applying then you do not have UCI/Client ID, because you have not submitted your application yet. Once citizenship and immigration Canada receives your application an UCI/Client ID will be created for you. So, if it is your first time applying then indicate “N/A” in the space provided. When applying online it will not allow you to type N/A, so you simply leave it blank.

If you forgot your UCI/Client ID and not sure how to get it then follow the following steps:

• Look for the number on letters that was sent by immigration
• Look at immigration documents you have received from immigration such as your PR card, study or work permit

If you still cannot find it and need to fill out an application form, simply leave the field for UCI/Client ID blank.

I don’t have Surname

Your “surname” is family name also known as your “last name”. The surname must be typed exactly as it is on your passport, travel or any other identity document. You cannot use initials and if you do not have a family name on your passport, travel or identity document, then enter your given name on the surname field and leave the given name field blank. You cannot put N/A in the field.

What Dates do I put on the History Section of my Immigration form?

When completing your immigration form, there are three history fields which include:

• Work history
• Address history
• Education history

Each has “to” section in which you indicate when you finished the activity or moved from that address. If you are still working or studying, or if you still live at that address, write “TODAY” or the date you are signing the application. If you do not know the exact dates, use your best guess.

What to do when there is not enough space on the forms

If there is not enough space on the forms for you to explain your situation, simply attach a separate sheet of paper and give your full answer. Make sure to write the number or question you are answering. With the online application, save your information on a separate document and save it on your desktop then go to the “optional documents” section of your document checklist in your account, choose “add letter of explanation,” and upload it.

What to do when questions on the form don’t apply to you

If a question on a form does not apply to your situation, simply write N/A in the space. This shows you have read it and filled out the form. When applying online, it will not let you type N/A, so just leave the space blank

What Language do my Immigration Documents have to be in?

All immigration documents have to be either in English or French. If your document is not in English or French you must sent it with:

• the English or French translation and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation and
• a certified photocopy of the original document

Do I need to include Use of a Representative Form for my Immigration Application?

If you are submitting your own immigration application then you do no need to include the Use of a Representative form(IMM 5476) with your application.

Can my Family or Friends check my Application Status?

Yes, your friends or family members can check your application status but they must

• fill and submit the Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) form with your application.
• If you have submitted your application ready then you must send the authorization through Web form which will take 5 to 10 business for Citizenship and Immigration Canada to update your file.
• If you want to hire someone to represent you on your behalf then you must complete the “Use of a Representative (IMM5476) form.

What Happens after Immigration Application is Sent?

After an eTA is sent:

When applying for eTA (electronic travel authorization) , you would have to wait for few minutes to a maximum of 72 hours to get a decision on your application. The decision is sent through email, so make sure the email you provide is correct. If you change your email after applying for your eTA then use the Web form to update your information.

The eTA is only valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Make sure to use the same passport for entry into Canada as the eTA is linked to your passport. Entry into Canada is not guaranteed, the immigration officer has the right to refuse you if he/she feels you don’t meet the requirements. Always, carry your eTA or else you will be refused entry into Canada.

After a visitor visa, study or work permit application is sent:

The immigration officer will:

• Review your immigration application and make sure it is complete
• See if you should be allowed to enter or stay in Canada, sometimes they may do a background screening.
• See if qualify to apply for work permit, study permit or visit visa to Canada
• Inform you if require to take a medical examination
• See if you need to go to an interview
• Inform you of the decision on your application depending on how you applied. If you applied online then the decision will be sent through your account, if you applied on paper then you will be sent a letter.

After Permanent Residence application is sent

If you are applying for permanent residence or applying to sponsor a family member the immigration officer will:

• Review your application and make sure it is complete
• Decide if you are eligible to sponsor
• Determine if you are eligible to become a permanent resident of Canada
• Inform you when the application will be processed
• Inform you how to get your medical and police screening done
• Decide if an interview is needed
• Inform you on the decision of the application based on how you applied either online or through mail

After Citizenship Application is sent

For your Canadian citizenship application to be granted, the immigration officer will:

• Review your application and make sure it is complete
• Take your fees and send you letter that they have received your application
• Make sure you meet the requirements to take the Canadian citizenship test
• Schedule an interview with you if you are between 14 and 64 years old
• Inform you decision on your application
• Schedule you take oat of citizenship in person, if your application has been approved

Contact Akrami & Associates

If you have questions about completing your immigration application, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 416-477-2545 for a consultation. At Akrami & Associates we get a lot of calls every day in which an application has been returned or refused. Completing temporary or permanent applications is not an easy process. The immigration officer reviewing your application can return your application for missing documents, incomplete form, incorrect picture size, using an outdated form etc. So make sure to review your application and everything that is enlisted in the document checklist is followed. If you need assistance of an immigration expert than contact us today!!

With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!