Operational Bulletin 450 – July 31, 2012
New In-Canada 2D Temporary Resident Application Forms
Summary
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to launch new two-dimensional (2D) bar code application forms. These forms pertain to Temporary Residents (TRs) inside Canada. These forms are:
- The Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5708)
- The Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM 5709) and,
- The Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710)
The CIC aims to launch these new forms with effect from July 31, 2012. These new forms would be applicable to all visitors, international students and temporary foreign workers (TFWs) inside Canada, who:
- Wish to extend their stay or,
- Wish to change their conditions
The authorities would continue to accept the Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada (IMM 1249). However, they would only continue to accept this form until November 01, 2012.
Background
The CIC began modernising its immigration application forms in the autumn of 2010. The CIC aims at providing a modern, integrated immigration system and tools to its internal and external clients and stakeholders. These new in-Canada Temporary Resident (TR) application forms represent the next step in the CIC’s attempts at modernising its immigration application forms.
The Current Status
Temporary Resident (TR) applicants currently use the IMM 1249 form. They use this form when they:
- Wish to extend their stay in Canada on a temporary basis or,
- Wish to change their conditions
The New Forms
The new 2D bar code Temporary Resident (TR) application forms will be available online. This would be the scenario with effect from July 31, 2012. The CIC would however, continue to accept the old IMM 1249 form. This is despite the fact that the old IMM 1249 form would not be obtainable. The CIC would accept the old IMM 1249 forms until November 01, 2012.
In addition, the CIC would update its website to reflect the transition between forms.
The Form Details
The CIC encourages applicants to complete the new forms electronically. This is to enable them to validate the new forms by selecting the “Validate” button present on the form. Doing so would also facilitate the data input into the Global Case Management System (GCMS).
The CIC would also need to increase the awareness levels among is stakeholders and contacts regarding the:
- New application forms
- Corresponding instruction guides and,
- Supporting documentation
Therefore, the CIC would need to inform and request its internal and external partners and shareholders about the new forms. In addition, the CIC would need to request them to remove or dispose of all the older versions of paper forms and guides, which are in their possession at present.
The authorities would need to continue reviewing all the application forms. This is necessary for ensuring:
- Accuracy for the forms and,
- Completion of the forms in all respects
Therefore, offices would need to complete processing the application forms. Thereafter, they would need to continue to retain the entire completed application form.
Note:
- Applicants must note that the new 2D forms i.e. IMM 5708, IMM 5709 and IMM 5710 are not e-applications
- Therefore, applicants would not find these forms available in MyCIC
- Applicants would need to print, sign and submit these applications to the Case Processing Centre, Vegreville (CPC-V)
- They would need to mail these applications at the mailing address and method specified on the CIC web page for the Case Processing Centre, Vegreville (CPC-V)
- However, applicants [who are Temporary Residents (TRs)], who desire to change their conditions or extend their stay as students, visitors or workers could also continue to use online services
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
