How to download a PDF IMM form
This info applies to all IMM forms from the Canadian government website. For example the family information form IMM 5707. One of the many options shown here will work.
All IMM forms are free forms which can be downloaded from the Canadian government website.
You should not pay any fee for an IMM form. Neither to download, not to fill out. If you try to fill out the form via a third-party website, it could be outdated and it could lead to a work permit refusal.
For example the IMM 5707 Family Information form.
Sometimes there are issues with the download of IMM forms and a "Please wait..." error screen appears. Most likely it is because of your computer settings.
Reason 1
Canadian government IMM forms cannot be opened or filled out on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones, etc.). You must open them on your computer. Best used if it is a Windows Computer or Laptop. A Chromebook will not work either.
Forms for applications for Canada (e.g. work permit, study permit, visitor record, etc.) must always be downloaded from the document overview of your application or from canada.ca which is the official website of the government so you can be certain you always download the latest version. Therefore, whenever searching for an IMM form online, make sure to download it from canada.ca to avoid outdated or unofficial versions.
What if I don't have access to a laptop/computer?
If you don’t have access to a computer, you could try to find a library, a coffee shop or a hotel with a business corner that has a computer. Or visit a friend or family member to ask to use the computer.
Some immigration forms can be printed and filled out by hand. One such form is the “Family Information Form IMM 5707“. You can print it, fill it out by hand with a pen, scan it and upload it into the spot. If you don’t have a scanner, you can use one of the many Scanner Apps. I have an iPhone and use the installed “Notes” App.
Press and hold the App, then the “Scan Document” option will appear.
However, please note that some forms, like the IMM 5257 Schedule 1 form, cannot be printed or altered manually. These forms must be filled out and uploaded directly from a laptop or computer. So, for those, make sure you have access to a device that allows you to complete and submit the form online.
Reason 2
You may be using an outdated PDF reader, which could cause issues when opening the forms.
Install the free, latest Adobe Acrobat Reader. You should not pay any fee to download Acrobat Reader. Be cautious of third-party sites offering free downloads, as they may contain hidden viruses or malware that could harm your device. Always ensure you’re downloading software from trusted sources to maintain your security.
Reason 3
One of the most common reasons why an IMM form won’t open is that your computer is attempting to view the PDF directly in the browser. To fix this, you need to take a few steps to first download the file to your computer and then open it from there.
For PC users
- Right-click the link.
- Select “Save target as” or “Save link as”.
- Choose the location on your computer where you would like to save the file.
- Select “Save”.
- Use Windows Explorer to get to the location where you saved the file.
- Right click on the PDF file.
- Select “Open with”.
- Select “Choose program”.
- Select “Adobe Acrobat Reader”.
- Make sure to check the box that says, “Always use this program to open these files”.
- Select “OK”.
For Mac users
- Press the Control (Ctrl) key and click on the link
- When the option menu appears, choose “Download link to disk” or “Download linked file”.
- Choose the location on your computer where you would like to store the file. Your computer will start the download once you have selected a location.
Another option how to download an IMM form
When you are in the error screen, check the top right corner. Many browsers display a download icon (often represented by a down arrow or “save” symbol). Click on that icon, and a popup will appear asking where you’d like to save the file.
Once you confirm the location, the file will automatically download to your computer. You can then find it in your “Downloads” folder. Simply open the file from there to proceed.
Another option - Try this setting in the Chrome Browser
- Open the Chrome Browser (download it if you don’t have it)
- Search the form and click the link.
- The form will be downloaded into the “Downloads” folder on your PC/Laptop.
- Open the file from there.
- If it does not automatically download: Type this exact text in the Chrome browser: chrome://settings/downloads
- Activate the button as shown in the screenshot.
- Open a new tab in the Chrome browser and try to download the form again.
- Now it should work
Another easy trick that is quick and effective!
By now, one of the above options should have worked. If you still are not successful, this last trick will succeed 100%.
- Search for the Form on Google. It should be listed at the top and show the canada.ca website and a PDF beside it.
- Right-click on the link of the form
- Copy the link address
To open your IMM form in Adobe Acrobat Reader, follow these steps:
- Open Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
- In the top left corner, click on “File”, then select “Open” from the dropdown menu.
- In the file selection window, paste the copied link for the form into the field where you need to select the file.
- Click “Open”.
The form will now open in your PDF reader, and you can proceed to fill it out.
Do I have to print and sign the IMM 5707 family information form?
When applying online for a work permit, such as the Working Holiday work permit, you do not need to print and sign the Family Information Form (IMM 5707), even though the form includes a “Signature” section at the bottom.
Instead, simply fill out the form, save it to your computer, and upload it directly into the designated spot within your application. That’s all you need to do!
Rest assured, at the end of the online application process, everything is electronically signed and submitted. So, you don’t have to worry about physically signing anything.
Also, it will not impact the application if you printed and filled out the form manually. No worries.
What about the travel history form IMM5257 – Schedule 1?
The IMM5257 – Schedule 1 form is a more complex form that cannot be altered in any way. You can find some info > here <
Very important!
If a form or document is requested later after you already submitted the application, IRCC will provide an open spot in the GCKey account to upload it.
>> HERE << is the very important instruction on how to upload and submit it. After submitting the document, the status of that document must show “replacement provided”.