IMM 5257 Schedule 1 Explained (IEC Canada)

This is the Travel History Form, in the IEC world often referred to as the “pain-in-the-ass form.” It’s a common source of frustration because it’s only requested after you’ve submitted your biometrics and a human officer starts reviewing your application. Just when you think you’re almost done, this form is requested, causing unexpected delays.

Why does it happen? Because there’s a gap in your work history or resume, even a small one. The processing officer notices these inconsistencies, and instead of approving your application, they ask for this additional form.

If you followed the step-by-step IEC application guide and tips  > here < you might not need to complete this form.

You can avoid this form by completing your work history section and resume correctly:

  • Include your history without ANY gaps.
  • Go all the way back to your 18th birthday.
  • List all periods of work, study, and unemployment in your work history so there are no missing dates.

If this form is requested, unfortunately, you cannot skip it.

The requested form in the letter will be: IMM5257 – Schedule 1 – Section 8

The letter also:

  • states a period of time that you have to fill out,
  • provides a link to download the form,
  • provides a deadline by which you have to submit the document.

Where can I download IMM 5257 Schedule 1?

Always download the latest version of IMM 5257 Schedule 1 (SCH1) from the official IRCC website or use the link provided in your IRCC request letter. Avoid downloading older versions from third-party websites, as IRCC forms can be updated.

You can find the form by searching “IMM 5257 Schedule 1” on Google or by visiting the IRCC forms page. 

>> Download Link here 

Important information about the IMM 5257 SCH1 form:

  • The form must be the most recent form.
    • Don’t download old versions from third-party websites.
    • Always use the link in your letter or download the form from the official canada.ca website.
    • Since the location of forms is constantly changing, enter IMM5257 Schedule 1 in Google.
    • Or see if > this link< works.
    • If you’re having trouble downloading the form, please follow the steps >here< in this guide.
  • You must complete the form on a computer or laptop.

    • It cannot be filled out by hand, on a mobile phone, or on an iPad.

    • After completing the form, click “Validate” to generate the validation barcodes.

    • To validate the form, you must answer all questions from 1 to 8.

    • If you’re travelling and don’t have access to a computer or laptop, you’ll need to find one (for example in a library).

  • The form
    • cannot be combined with other PDFs into a document.
    • cannot be uploaded by printing it and scanning it.
    • does not need signing.
  • You cannot rename the form when you save it.
    • You must keep the same file name.
    • Save the form with the same name in another location than where it was downloaded.
    • Then upload it from there.

💡 My personal tip for completing IMM 5257 Schedule 1:

Write down your complete timeline on a piece of paper first.

Make sure there are no gaps in the requested time period from your IRCC letter and that all trips are included.

⚠️ This step is important because once you enter your travel history into the form, you cannot insert a missing trip between existing entries later. You would need to adjust your entries again.

Once your timeline is complete, transfer the information to the IMM 5257 Schedule 1 form.

How to fill out the IMM 5257 SCH1 form:

⚠️ Ignore the wording in section 8 of the form:

You must fill out the exact time frame requested in the letter you received. Without any gaps and including the home stays.

  • First, list everything on a piece of paper and make sure the timeline is complete with no gaps for the requested time frame.
  • Then transfer the information to the form.
  • For section 8 of the form, start with the year/month and end with the year/month specified in the letter.
  • Only your travel history is required, you must list all countries you have travelled to.
  • Purpose of travel is usually “visiting”

For this specific form, any trip regardless of the duration, must be listed. Especially the entries where you used a passport are cross-checked with official records, so it’s important your travel history matches what’s in the governments systems.

Example of how the rows under “from to” should look if you have only travelled once:

  • Period at home
  • Period of the trip
  • Period at home

If you only travelled a few days during the same month:

You can list the same month and for the purpose of travel, simply enter “xx days/weeks vacation.”

Below is an example of a travel history between 2023/02 – 2025/06 for a UK participant 

I travelled visiting multiple countries and cities. How should this be entered?

  • If you travelled within a single country and visited multiple cities, make one entry and enter the city where you first arrived.
  • If you also travelled to other countries, create a separate entry for each additional country.

If the rows in the form are not enough, here's what you can do

If you’ve had multiple trips and run out of space, don’t worry. You can add more rows by clicking the “+” button at the bottom right corner of the section 8. You can insert up to 30 additional rows, which should be enough to include your full travel history.

If your trips were so many that even with “Add more rows” there are not enough rows, you will need to submit the extra information on a separate form via the IRCC web form.

Steps to proceed:

  • Complete the form (which we call form 1).
    • In the last row, add a note under “Purpose of Travel” stating: “see more rows via webform.”
    • Upload form 1 to your GCKey account and submit it (after submission it must be on “replacement provided”).
  • Complete another form (which is now form 2):
    • In the first row, write: “continued from first form.”
    • Fill in the remaining travel entries.
  • Merge form 1 and form 2 into a single PDF.
  • Submit the merged PDF using the designated webform >> here 
    • Select “International Experience Canada” from the drop-down in the web form, fill in all the necessary input fields and upload the document in the next step.

If you did not travel at all during the period that is requested:

Which means, in the requested time frame you were at home. 

  • You still have to answer “Yes” to question 8, otherwise the rows will not open up.
  • List the entire period requested in the letter
  • Under “country” you enter your home country and under “location” your hometown
  • Unter “purpose of travel” you enter: “Not travelling, in my home country”

I can't remember the trips for some dates

If you can’t remember the exact dates or destinations of your past trips, do your best to find them. 

  • Social Media:
    • Look through old Facebook or Instagram posts, WhatsApp conversations with friends or family 
  • Email account:
    • Search email using keywords like “flight confirmation,” “reservation,” “hotel,” or airline/hotel names.
  • Credit card or bank statements
    • can also help find travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, or restaurants.
  • Ask travel buddies,
    • friends or cousins you travelled with, they might have kept better records.
  • Ask your parents or close family members.
    • You might be surprised by how much they remember about your travels, sometimes even more than you do!

Other places to look:

  • Cloud photo backups
    • (like Google Photos, iCloud, or OneDrive): These often organize pictures by date and location. 
  • Travel and booking apps
    • Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia and other booking platforms have a history of your bookings if you used them.

When you're done with the form: You must submit it!

  • Save it to your PC.
  • Upload it into the provided spot in the document list in the GCKey account.
  • Very important! You have to go through all the steps in the account again with “Next” until the end until the status of the document is set to “Replacement Provided“.

Here is how you can find the upload spot and upload it

  1. Sign in to your account.
  2. Look for your application under View the applications you submitted.
  3. Under the Action column, click Check full application status.
  4. At the top of the page, click View submitted application or upload documents.
  5. Scroll down the page and click Continue.
  6. Under Documents submitted by the client, you can find
    • Document Name: the document we need
    • Instructions: more information on the type of document and how to get it
    • Required by: the latest date by when we need to receive the document
  7. Click Upload file and follow the steps to upload your document to your account.
  8. Make sure the Details column shows the message Uploaded – not submitted to IRCC.
  9. Click Next.
  10. Provide your Signature by entering your Given name(s) and Last name(s).
  11. Answer the Security Question.
  12. Click Sign.
  13. Click Transmit.
  14. The following message should appear on your screen: “Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your application or profile. You have successfully transmitted your additional or replacement document(s).”
  15. After you see the message, you’ll receive an email confirming you’ve added a new document.

How long does it take for IEC approval after submitting IMM 5257 Schedule 1?

There is no fixed processing time after submitting IMM 5257 Schedule 1. Once you submit the form, IRCC will review your application again.

Based on over 10 years of experience helping IEC participants, many receive their approval within a few days after submitting the requested form.

However, every application is different, and some applicants may have to wait longer depending on IRCC’s review process.

Frequently Asked Questions About IMM 5257 Schedule 1 (SCH1)

What is the IMM 5257 Schedule 1 Section 8?

Section 8 of IMM 5257 Schedule 1 is the travel history section. This is the part IEC applicants usually need to complete when IRCC requests additional information. You must list your travel history for the exact period requested in your IRCC letter.

Why did IRCC request IMM 5257 Schedule 1 for my IEC application?

IRCC may request IMM 5257 Schedule 1 when an officer needs additional information before making a decision on your application.

For IEC applications, common reasons include:

  • missing information in your work history,
  • gaps in your timeline,
  • inconsistencies between your application, resume, and supporting documents,
  • additional verification of your background information.

Receiving this request does not automatically mean there is a problem with your application. It simply means IRCC needs more information before continuing the review.

I did not leave a gap and received the IMM 5257 Schedule 1 request anyway?

For IEC participants this is very rare. However, not every IMM 5257 Schedule 1 request is caused by missing information or gaps in your work history.

Even if your IEC application and resume are complete, an immigration officer may still request this form for additional clarification.

Possible reasons include:

  • Your travel history needs to be reviewed or confirmed.
    IRCC may want more details about where you travelled, when you travelled, or how long you stayed in a particular country.
  • Your passport information triggered additional verification.
    When you submit your passport copy, IRCC can see entry and exit stamps, visas, and other travel information. If something needs clarification, they may request a detailed travel history.
  • Random or additional background review.
    Sometimes IRCC requests additional information even when everything appears complete.

Does IMM 5257 Schedule 1 mean my IEC application will be refused?

No. A request for IMM 5257 Schedule 1 does not mean your IEC application will be refused. Many IEC applicants receive additional document requests during the processing of their application.

Complete the form carefully, provide accurate information, and submit it before the deadline stated in your IRCC request letter.

Is IMM 5257 Schedule 1 mandatory?

Yes. If IRCC specifically requests IMM 5257 Schedule 1, you must provide it. Ignoring the request or missing the deadline will result in a refusal.

How long do I have to submit IMM 5257 Schedule 1?

The deadline is listed in your IRCC request letter.

Always follow the date provided in your personal request. Do not rely on deadlines mentioned on websites or forums because they may not apply to your application.

Do I need the exact dates for my travel history on IMM 5257 Schedule 1?

No. The IMM 5257 Schedule 1 form only asks for the month and year for the start and end of each period.

You do not need to provide the exact day you travelled. However, the information you provide should still be as accurate as possible and match your passport history and other information submitted with your IEC application.

How far back do I need to list travel history on IMM 5257 Schedule 1?

You must complete the exact time period requested in your IRCC letter.

Do not shorten the period because you think certain trips are not important. Include the entire requested timeframe without gaps.

Do I need to list every trip on IMM 5257 Schedule 1?

Yes. For the requested period, include all travel outside your country of residence, including:

  • holidays,
  • short weekend trips,
  • visits to friends or family,
  • business trips,
  • backpacking trips,
  • trips lasting only a few days.

Even short trips can be relevant because IRCC may compare your information with travel records.

Do I include trips that were only a few days?

Yes. A short vacation should still be included if it falls within the requested period.

For very short trips, you can enter the month and year and explain the duration in the purpose of travel field, for example:

“5 days vacation”

Can IRCC see my travel history without passport stamps?

Yes. Many countries use electronic immigration records. A passport stamp is not the only record of entering or leaving a country.

This is why your travel history should be complete and accurate, even if your passport does not show every trip.

Did you know that five countries share immigration data through the Five Eyes Alliance?

These countries are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These countries share certain immigration information, which can help authorities verify travel and immigration history.

For travel to other countries, IRCC can request access to your travel history as well.

Every time you check in for a flight or enter a country, your passport is scanned. Even if there is no physical stamp, digital immigration records still exist for both entry and exit.

After submitting IMM 5257 Schedule 1, I received a police certificate request

1. You stayed in that country for more than 6 months

In this case, the police certificate should have already been part of your IEC application and should have been uploaded with your documents.

Follow the instructions in your IRCC request letter and provide the required police certificate.

2. You did not stay in that country for more than 6 months

In the police certificate spot, upload an explanation letter instead. As proof you should include:

  • the exact dates you were in the country,
  • proof of your travel, such as flight confirmations or boarding passes.

Merge the explanation letter and your proof into one PDF file and upload it in the place where IRCC requested the police certificate. You can merge all documents with >> Merge PDF

The system will ask for a few details that you will not have in this case. Fill in the missing fields as follows:

  • For “Document Number,” enter 000000.
  • For “Issue Date,” enter today’s date.
  • For “Expiry Date,” select a date one year from today.

After uploading the document, click NEXT and continue through all the steps until the status changes to “Replacement Provided.”

Only after completing these steps has the document been fully submitted to IRCC.

📌 Read >> here about other mistakes IEC participants make that can delay their application or even lead to a refusal.

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