All Application Forms FAQ

All the forms that have to be completed for a refugee sponsorship application and information on how to submit the application to IRCC can be found on the RSTP website. Contact us if you have any questions.

It is important that the Principal Applicant include family members in the application, whether they are accompanying them or not. SAHs should have the required additional allocation spots to sponsor any and all relatives listed.

Handwritten forms are not accepted and will be returned by ROC-O.

The ‘validate’ button is to be used when the entered information is final. Click on the ‘validate’ once you have completed the form and want to print, sign it and mail it in. If you have missed any required fields, you will be informed that you must fill them out before you can validate and submit the form. Required fields will have a red border around them. Once validated, a barcode will be created. It contains all of the information you have entered into the form.

The new Global Case Management System (GCMS) helps with data entry by creating barcodes when applicants complete their forms. The barcodes will only appear on the IMM 0008 application form once all required information has been correctly completed and the “Validate” button has been pressed. The barcodes will contain all of the data entered by the applicant, and will be scanned for direct upload into GCMS.

Yes, using the latest version of Adobe Acrobat ReaderDC, it is now possible to save changes when completing the following forms: Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008], the Additional Dependents/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP], Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669], the Schedule 2 Refugees Outside Canada form [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 2] and the Use of a Representative form [IMM 5476].

Yes, changes can be made to the forms. If IRCC is sent an application with mistakes, that was unsaved and issued a barcode, then a new application should be completed, printed and sent to IRCC. This new application should include a copy of the previously submitted application and a note explaining that it is no longer valid/should be disregarded and that the new application is the correct one.

No, it does not affect their credibility.

The Principal Applicant (P.A.) is expected to include the personal information of all his/her children (less than 22 years old), whether they are accompanying the P.A. or not.

For each dependant (to a maximum of 5 dependents), the applicant is to click ‘add dependant’ on the Generic Application Form (IMM0008). If the applicant has more than five (5) dependents, then the “Additional Dependant/Declaration Form (IMM0008DEP)” is to be used for each of the additional dependants. Note that the “Additional Dependent/ Declaration Form” is to be completed and signed by the Principal Applicant – not by the dependants.

The name on the generic application must match the name provided in the Undertaking to Sponsor. On the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM0008), the applicant can provide the correct spelling of their name under the Personal Details section, Question 2; it would also be beneficial to include an explanation of why their name is misspelled in this section.

These terms may be used differently in many countries and could imply different things, or may not be used at all. On the Generic IMM 0008 form, ‘protected person’ means someone who is recognized as a refugee by UNHCR or a state where he or she resides. ‘Refugee claimant’ refers to someone who is seeking asylum in a country other than their country of origin and may be undergoing a refugee status determination process in that country.

The applicant should put his/her photo under “supporting documentation”, and name the file for email as follows: “PA LAST NAME, First Name Refugee-Photos”. One photo must be submitted for each applicant. For more information, please click RSTP’s website on how to submit a sponsorship application via Email.

A dependant can be a spouse or common law partner above the age of 18. A dependent child can either be (a) a child under the age of 22 and single (not married and not in a common-law relationship), (b) older than 22 years of age, but who has been depending on their parents for financial support prior to the age of 22; or (c) They are above the age of 22 but unable to support themselves financially because of a mental or physical condition. For more information, please visit IRCC’s Glossary Website.

The process of declaring non accompanying dependents remains the same. The principal applicant is expected to provide complete personal information of all his/her dependents including those who are in their country of origin. Failing to do so may result in exclusion of those family members who are not mentioned in the form. Question 11, on Form IMM0008DEP, asks for why a family member is not accompanying.

Even if they have not left their country of origin, they should still complete Question 10. They must select their country of residence from the drop down menu. They will also have to identify their status (for example, citizen or permanent resident). The ‘from’ and ‘to’ item requests information about the duration of their stay. They will have to give dates of their stay presumably from their date of birth until the date when the application will be signed.

*Note: An applicant’s spouse (over the age of 18) and dependent children (between the ages 18-22) are also expected to complete Schedule A (IMM5669) and Schedule 2 (IMM0008 SCHEDULE 2) themselves. If they are unable to do so, the Principle Applicant must explain why this was not possible in a cover letter, attached to the application.

Submitting a sponsorship application for a refugee who is in detention is challenging for both Visa Officers and sponsors. Often Visa Officers and UNHCR staff find it difficult to get access to refugees who are detained in the country of asylum. Because of limited access, it may also be difficult to assemble the required applications form. This normally requires having the refugee complete and sign the forms, take photos and obtain and provide supporting documents. As all sponsors will be required to submit application forms, they will need to explain in writing (cover letter) why they cannot submit part of the required application forms or original signatures. They can request that an exemption be made based on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds. The letter should clearly explain the circumstances that prohibit you from doing so; your attempts to comply with the requirements of the law and the outcome(s); the dire situation of the refugee whom you are intending to sponsor; the special protection needs of women and children, if applicable; and any other compelling reasons.

Yes. All applicants must to mention their military services in Question 11. Many applicants are advised to hide their military histories and are told that Canada does not accept people who have done military services or participated in a combat. As a result they may state “none” in the application form. Applicants are expected to disclose their military story to determine admissibility. Withholding such information may raise concerns about credibility. This could lead to a negative decision. The applicant may need to be reassured that their military service does not make one inadmissible.

Yes. ROC-O expects to receive one Settlement Plan per application. In this case, you will need to submit two settlement plans.