| When to apply |
After arriving in Canada as a visitor |
|---|---|
| Cost |
|
| Processing time | Check weekly updates for how long it may take. |
| How to apply |
Complete an online application. |
| Application form |
Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710] Make sure you use the newest version of the form. Log into your IRCC account before starting your application. |
| Application documents |
Additional documents may be needed. A Letter of Explanation is recommended. |
| Applicant spouse documents |
Contact International Student Advising for support if you are transitioning to the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or have a PGWP and your spouse wants to apply for a work permit since there are additional requirements. |
Overview of the application process
Understanding the form
What is a UCI?
UCI stands for “unique client identifier,” also known as “Client ID.” It is an eight- or ten-digit number that appears on your TRV, study permit (and/or work permit, if you have one).
What type of work permit should I select?
Most spouses/partners should select “a work permit with a new employer.”
How do I fill out my mailing address?
A “street no.” is the main number on the outside of a building. Some “street names” also contain numbers.
What is a document number?
A document number appears on official immigration documents, e.g. study permits. It is usually printed in black ink as a letter (an "F" for study permits, “U” for work permits and “C” for Visitor Record) followed by 9 numbers.
How do I fill out the Details of my prospective employer section if I don’t have a job?
Although you do not need a job offer to apply for a spouse/partner work permit, you still must complete this section. You do not need to attach an offer of employment or list a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
How do I fill out the Employment section?
If you do not have a job, you may describe your current situation, such as “accompanying spouse/partner.”
How do I answer Duration of expected employment?
Write “from” today’s date and “to” the expiration date of the spouse/partner’s study permit.
How to answer question 2(c) "Background information: Have you previously applied to enter or remain in Canada?"
If you have applied for a study permit, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), a work permit, or permanent residence, you must report that to IRCC. Check the box "Yes" and write down when you applied for each type of document in the box provided for details.
Do I need to upload proof of a medical exam?
You do not need proof of a medical exam unless:
(1) you lived in certain countries for more than 6 months in the past 12 months, or
(2) you want to work in certain health or education-related occupations.
Do I need to provide biometrics?
If you have not previously provided biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), you will be required to submit them in-person at a designated Service Canada location.
The time it takes to submit your biometrics is not included in the processing time for your work permit and your application will not be processed until biometrics are received. You only need to give biometrics once every 10 years.
U.S. citizens and people who have provided biometrics in the past 10 years and certain other individuals are exempt from providing biometrics.
- Pay the biometrics fee at the same time you submit your work permit application for faster processing.
- Receive your biometrics instruction letter. When you apply online, you will receive the electronic biometrics instruction letter in your IRCC account within 24 hours.
- Book an appointment as soon as possible at a designated Service Canada location.
- Submit your biometrics within 30 days of receiving your biometrics instruction letter.
How can I sign the IMM5710 form?
When applying online, you do not need to provide a handwritten signature. Please type your name in the signature panel, date the document, and validate.
After uploading all your documents in your IRCC account, you will later be asked to electronically sign your application by typing your name.
When you finish filling out the IMM5710 form, click the blue “Validate” button (found on the first or last page). This will highlight any missing information that is required and create an additional page with barcodes.
You can make changes after the application is successfully validated—just remember to validate again. You can edit and validate as many times as you need.
Save the validated form on your computer and upload it to your IRCC account.
Take screenshots as you apply
Sometimes applications are refused because the online tools and systems may not have uploaded required documents completely. You may be able to convince IRCC to change the decision if you have proof showing that your required documents were submitted as part of your application.
From time to time, errors in the transmission of required documents may occur. Keep a record of your actions on government websites in the event you need proof you met the requirements
Take 3 screenshots while completing your application
- The Document Checklist page after all documents have been successfully uploaded
- The Final Submission page after the application has been submitted
- After uploading/submitting any ‘after-the-fact’ documents that an IRCC officer has requested after the original application has been submitted
Save the images to a safe and accessible place on your computer, or in a cloud-based storage.
How to take screenshots
- Snipping Tool instructions for PCs
- Screenshots on a Mac
Tips
- If you see a “Please wait…” message when trying to download an IRCC form, click on the download arrow at the top right to save the file onto your computer. Then open it with Adobe Reader. (If you don’t see the arrow, move your cursor to the top part of the screen and it will appear.)
- If you answer "Yes" to any question in the "Background information" section - other than 2(c) - come see International Student Advising.
- The student must be enrolled in full-time studies at the moment of spouse/partner’s application.
- Work permits for a spouse or common-law partner are usually valid for the same period of time as the student’s study permit.
- The spouse/partner does not need a job offer to apply.
- Need help scanning your documents? Go to the Irving K. Barber Chapman Learning Commons.
After you get your permit
- Apply for or renew your Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
- Apply for or renew your Social Insurance Number (SIN). You need a SIN to work in Canada.
- Apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to re-enter Canada (if applicable).
- Every time you enter Canada, you must be able to provide evidence that you can support yourself financially for the duration of your stay (e.g. proof of a Canadian job offer or signed employment contract, updated bank statements, etc.). If you do not have a job in Canada but are intending to work once you are there, bring proof of your intent to work such as your resume, list of jobs you have applied for, etc.
If your contact information changes after submitting your application, be sure to update it via IRCC’s webform.
The information on this page may change
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
Additional information
International Student Guide
Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC's Vancouver campus.
If you have questions
You can connect with International Student Advising for questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada.
