Fill Out IRCC Form IMM 5604 Online

What is Form IMM 5604 used for

Canada takes the consent of both parents seriously when a minor immigrates, both to protect the child and to prevent international parental abduction. When a child's permanent residence application does not include one parent or legal guardian, IRCC generally asks for a signed declaration from that person consenting to the child immigrating to Canada.

The declaration identifies the child, the applying parent, and the non-accompanying parent or guardian, and records the consent in a form officers can verify. It works alongside custody documents: where a court order governs custody or mobility, that order still controls, and officers may ask for it.

Who completes IMM 5604

The non-accompanying parent or legal guardian completes and signs the declaration for each child it covers, and the applying parent includes it in the child's application package.

• Separated or divorced parents where only one parent is immigrating with the child.
• Cases where one parent remains abroad for work or other reasons while the child immigrates.
• Legal guardians who are not accompanying a child they have guardianship over.
• Sponsorship of a dependent child where the other parent is not part of the application.

How to fill out IMM 5604

Complete the child's and both parents' details accurately, print the form, and have the non-accompanying parent sign it. Follow the checklist for your visa office on witnessing: many offices expect the signature to be witnessed or notarized and ask for a copy of the signing parent's government-issued identification.

• Use names and dates of birth exactly as they appear in passports and on the application forms.
• Complete a separate declaration for each non-accompanying child where the instructions require it.
• Attach a copy of the signing parent's or guardian's photo identification if your checklist asks for one.
• Include any custody orders or agreements that relate to the child's residence and travel.

When consent cannot be obtained

Some families cannot get a signature because the other parent is deceased, has lost parental rights, or cannot be located. In those cases the application needs alternative documents, such as a death certificate, a court order granting sole custody with authority to relocate, or evidence of genuine efforts to locate the parent.

Missing or contested consent is one of the more delicate issues in a child's immigration file, and getting it wrong can delay or derail the application. If the other parent refuses to sign or cannot be found, get advice from a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or a family or immigration lawyer before submitting.