How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Valid Immigration Document in Canada With IMM 5009

Which valid immigration documents can you replace?

For the replacement of a current and valid temporary resident document, IRCC's instruction guide lists a visitor record, work permit, study permit and temporary resident permit. The replacement route is intended for documents that have been lost or stolen and are still valid.

This distinction matters because replacing a document is not the same as extending your immigration status. If your permit has expired or is about to expire, you may need a different IRCC application rather than IMM 5009.

What should you do after the document is lost or stolen?

For a lost or stolen valid temporary resident document, record the circumstances and report the incident to police. IMM 5009 asks for the police report number. The current form also provides space to explain the situation if you do not have a police report number.

If you still know the immigration document number, include it on the application. If you do not know the number, IRCC instructs applicants to provide the document's issue and expiry dates. Providing accurate document details helps IRCC identify the record that must be replaced.

What documents do you need for IMM 5009?

IRCC requires the completed application and supporting identification. The instruction guide requires a photocopy of one acceptable government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of a second acceptable government-issued identification document.

Depending on your circumstances, acceptable documents can include relevant passport pages, a government-issued driver's licence, a photo health card, a birth certificate or a marriage certificate. IRCC specifically states that SIN cards, bank cards, credit cards, school identification cards, income tax returns and temporary driver's licences are not accepted for this purpose.

If you use a passport or travel document, copy only the relevant pages showing details such as the passport number, issue and expiry dates, photograph, name, date and place of birth, and any amendments.

What if your supporting document is not in English or French?

You must provide an English or French translation. If the translation is not completed by a Canadian certified translator, IRCC also requires an affidavit from the person who completed the translation. Applicants and specified family members cannot translate the documents themselves.

How much does it cost to replace the document?

The IRCC processing fee is $30 CAD per document. The fee is non-refundable and paying it does not guarantee that IRCC will approve the request.

IRCC states that there is no fee for applicants receiving provincial welfare payments or assistance under the Resettlement Assistance Program when appropriate proof is provided. If you rely on this exemption, include evidence such as a letter from the relevant provincial authority or other proof of assistance.

The fee itself is paid online, but the replacement application is not submitted online. Print the IRCC payment receipt and include a copy in the mailed application.

Where do you submit IMM 5009?

The completed application is sent by mail to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Operations Support Centre in Ottawa.

For regular mail, IRCC lists: Verification of Status (VOS) or Replacement of an Immigration Document, Operations Support Centre (OSC), P.O. Box 8784 STN T CSC, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5J3.

For private courier or registered mail, IRCC lists: Verification of Status (VOS) or Replacement of an Immigration Document, Operations Support Centre (OSC), 365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1.

IRCC recommends using a postal or courier service with a tracking number so you can confirm delivery.

How long does replacement processing take?

IRCC's published service standard for Verification of Status or immigration document replacement is 180 days. This is a service standard rather than a guaranteed completion date, and actual processing times can change.

Make sure your mailing address and email address remain valid throughout processing. If your address changes while the application is pending, notify IRCC. An incomplete application or incorrect fee can cause the package to be returned.

Can you request urgent processing?

IRCC allows urgent processing only in specific situations and requires evidence. Examples in the official guide include certain pension cases where Service Canada has warned that a file will be closed without immigration proof, urgent travel because of a death or serious illness in the family where immigration information is needed to obtain a travel document, and an immediate risk of losing employment or an employment opportunity because proof of immigration information is missing.

If you meet an urgent-processing criterion, IRCC says to write URGENT clearly on the mailing envelope and include the required evidence. Requests without sufficient evidence are placed in the regular processing queue.

What IMM 5009 does not do

IMM 5009 does not extend an expired work permit, study permit or visitor status, and it is not the procedure for correcting an error printed on an immigration document. If the document contains an error rather than being lost or stolen, IRCC uses a separate amendment process.

A Verification of Status document is also different from a replacement valid temporary resident document. A VOS generally confirms historical immigration information and is not a travel document or identity document.

If you are dealing with inadmissibility rather than a missing document, see Helpydo's guide on applying for a Temporary Resident Permit when inadmissible to Canada.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using IMM 5009 to try to renew or extend an expired permit.
• Failing to identify which valid temporary resident document you want replaced.
• Leaving out the police report number or an explanation when the document was lost or stolen.
• Submitting identification that IRCC does not accept for this application.
• Sending original documents when IRCC only asks for photocopies.
• Forgetting the payment receipt or paying the wrong fee.
• Sending an incomplete or unsigned application.
• Using the amendment process and replacement process interchangeably even though they solve different problems.

What happens after you apply?

IRCC reviews the application and supporting documents to confirm your immigration record and whether a replacement can be issued. If the application is incomplete or does not include the correct processing fee, IRCC may return it without processing.

If you provided an email address, IRCC can use it for correspondence about the application. Keep copies of the completed IMM 5009, your payment receipt, supporting documents and postal or courier tracking information for your records.