Search of records: How to apply

To apply for a search of citizenship records, you must do the following:

1. Obtain an application kit.
2. Read the guide.
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
5. Mail the application form and documents.

1. Obtain an application kit.

The application you need is the Application for a Search of Citizenship Records.

You can download and print the application kit you need from Find an application form or guide in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.

You can also ask for an application to be mailed to you.

• If you are in Canada, contact the Call Centre (see Contact Us at the top of this page).
• If you are outside Canada, contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area.

2. Read the guide.

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible for a search of citizenship records before you apply.

3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.

The application kit contains instructions. Read those instructions, and be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.

Applying for someone else

If you are applying for someone else, you may need to provide additional documents.

If the person is alive, you can complete the form but the other person must sign and date section 4B so their personal information can be given to you.

If the person has been deceased less than 20 years, you will need to provide the date of death and a proof of death (for example, a death certificate). You will also have to provide proof of your relationship to the deceased person (for example, a marriage certificate, if you were married to the person).

If the person has been deceased for more than 20 years, you can complete the form as the applicant. You will need to provide identification and pay the fee.

4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt

The fee is $75.

You can pay fees:

• at most banks. If you use this method, you must get an original receipt of payment (form IMM 5401) to bring with you when you pay. This form is not available online. You must have it mailed to you. See Order a receipt of payment (IMM 5401) in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
• online through Pay application fees in the Quick Find section on the right-hand of this page. Once you have paid your fees online, you must print a receipt of payment form and include it with your application. Be sure to print the actual receipt, not the “payment confirmation form” page. See Payment of fees on the Internet in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page for more information.

If you live outside Canada and do not want to pay online, or if your credit card is not compatible with the online payment system, you can make your payment directly to the Canadian consular mission (embassy, high commission or consulate) responsible for your area. The consular mission determines an acceptable method (cheque, money order, cash). The application processing fee is payable in Canadian funds only.

5. Mail the application form and documents.

If you live in Canada, mail your completed application form and the required documents to

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Case Processing Centre - Sydney
Search of Records
P.O. Box 10010
Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 7C1

If you live outside Canada, mail your completed application form and the required documents to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area.

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Related Links

• Payment of fees on the Internet
• Order a receipt of payment (IMM 5401)