IMM 5713E – Use of A Family Member Representative for Online Applications

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province/State: Federal

What is an IMM 5713E – Use of A Family Member Representative for Online Applications?

IMM 5713E is a federal immigration form. It lets you authorize a family member to act for you on an online immigration application. With this authorization, your family member can prepare, submit, and manage your application in the online system. They can also receive messages about your file and respond as needed.

This form focuses on family help, not paid help. It is meant for close family acting without payment. It does not cover lawyers, consultants, or friends. It does not grant broad legal authority. It only allows your named family member to manage your online application and receive information about it.

Who typically uses this form?

You will use it if you need a spouse, partner, parent, guardian, adult child, or sibling to handle your online application. Minors use it when a parent or guardian needs to submit the application. Adults may also use it if they lack reliable internet access, have limited digital skills, or simply prefer a trusted family member to manage their file.

Why might you need this form?

The department will not release your personal immigration information to someone else without your consent. The department also needs proof that you permit your family member to submit and manage your online application. IMM 5713E is that proof. Without it, your family member may be unable to complete tasks, respond to messages, or receive updates about your case.

Typical usage scenarios

• Your spouse prepares and submits your work permit application online while you gather documents.
• Your parent submits a study permit application for you because you are a minor.
• Your adult child creates and manages an online visitor visa application for an elderly parent.
• One family member submits multiple online applications for the whole family traveling together.
• A sibling living in Canada submits your application because you are overseas with limited internet access.

IMM 5713E does not replace the declarations you must complete in the online portal. It sits alongside your application and serves as your consent. It signals to the department that you authorize the specific family member to act for you on that online file.

When Would You Use an IMM 5713E – Use of A Family Member Representative for Online Applications?

Use this form when a family member, not you, will log in, upload documents, submit the application, receive messages, and respond to requests. If you plan to do those tasks yourself, you do not need this form. If you will receive paid immigration advice or representation, this form is not appropriate. Paid representation follows a different authorization process.

If you are a parent or legal guardian filing for your minor child, plan to include IMM 5713E for each child. The form records your authority and allows you to receive all messages for your child’s file. It also confirms you are responsible for responding to requests on time.

If you are an adult who prefers that a spouse, partner, or sibling handle your application, use this form. It lets your family member interact with the department on your behalf. They can upload documents, pay fees, and answer messages that arrive in the online account.

If your family is applying together, one person may coordinate the online submissions. In this case, each family member who is not the person submitting should complete their own IMM 5713E, naming the coordinator. That wa,y the department recognizes the coordinator’s role for each individual file.

Some people use IMM 5713E because they face practical barriers. You may lack reliable internet access or a secure email address. You may be in a different time zone than the department and want a family member to monitor messages. You may be traveling and unable to check the online account regularly. In all these cases, the form authorizes your family member to step in and manage the timeline.

In contrast, you do not need IMM 5713E if a family member only helps you gather documents while you still submit the application yourself. You also do not need it if you allow someone to sit with you while you complete the online forms in your own account. The form becomes necessary only when your family member acts as the submitter and point of contact.

Legal Characteristics of the IMM 5713E – Use of A Family Member Representative for Online Applications

IMM 5713E is a consent and authorization document. It tells the department that you allow a named family member to act for you on your online application. The department relies on this written consent to share your personal information and accept submissions from your family member.

Is it legally binding?

Within the department’s process, yes. When you sign, you authorize disclosure of your information to the named family member. You also authorize that person to act for you in the online system. The department treats the family member as an authorized contact for that application. The department can refuse to share information with a family member if no valid authorization exists.

What ensures enforceability?

Clear identity details and signatures. The form requires your legal name, date of birth, and other identifiers. It also captures the family member’s full details and relationship to you. Both parties sign and date the form. The department uses these details to verify consent and apply it to the right application. If the form is incomplete, unsigned, or inconsistent with your application, the department can refuse to accept it.

This authorization is limited. It does not grant a power of attorney. It does not permit the family member to act outside your online application. It does not allow the family member to receive confidential information about unrelated matters. It does not let a non-family member act for payment. It is specific to your online application file and related communication.

Duration is practical, not indefinite. The authorization typically lasts for the life of the application it accompanies. Once a decision is made, the consent no longer serves a purpose for that file. You can also revoke the authorization before a decision. You revoke by submitting a signed withdrawal or by naming a new family member in a new authorization form.

Privacy is central. The department will not share your information with another person without your valid consent. IMM 5713E meets this standard when completed and signed properly. You should understand what you are allowing. The family member will see your personal information, including identification, background answers, and results.

If you are a minor, your parent or guardian signs on your behalf. The department relies on that signature to confirm legal authority. The form also allows your parent or guardian to receive your file updates and respond to requests on time.

How to Fill Out an IMM 5713E – Use of A Family Member Representative for Online Applications

Follow these steps to complete IMM 5713E accurately and avoid delays.

1) Confirm this is the right form

• Use this form only if a family member will submit and manage your online application.
• Do not use it for paid representation or for non-family helpers.
• If you will submit your own application, you do not need this form.

2) Gather key information

• Your full legal name as shown on your passport.
• Your date of birth and country of birth.
• Your unique client identifier (if you have one).
• Your current mailing address, phone number, and email.
• The family member’s full legal name, relationship to you, and contact details.
• If you are a minor, your parent or guardian’s details and proof of guardianship if applicable.
• Optional but helpful: proof of relationship (for example, birth certificate or marriage certificate). Keep it on hand if asked.

3) Complete the applicant section

• Enter your name exactly as shown on your passport.
• Use the same date of birth format as your application file.
• If you have a unique client identifier, include it. If you do not, leave it blank.
• List your primary email address. This address must be reliable and secure. The department may share updates using the contact details on file.
• Provide your current mailing address and phone number. Use an address where you can receive mail if needed.

4) Complete the family member representative section

• Enter your family member’s full legal name.
• State your relationship (for example, spouse, common-law partner, parent, guardian, child, or sibling).
• Provide their current email address and phone number. This is where messages may go if the department contacts the representative.
• Include their mailing address. Use an address where they can receive documents.
• If your family member has their own unique client identifier, include it. If not, leave it blank.

5) Read the consent and authorization statements

• Review each statement carefully. Make sure you understand what you authorize:
• Your family member may prepare, submit, and manage your online application.
• The department may share your personal information with a family member.
• You remain responsible for the truth of all information submitted.
• If there are checkboxes or initial boxes, complete each one. Do not leave any required box blank.

6) Sign and date as the applicant

• Adults: Sign and date the form yourself. Use the same signature you use on your identification.
• Minors: a parent or legal guardian must sign and date. If guardianship exists, ensure it is legally recognized.
• Use black or blue ink if you print and sign by hand. Make sure the date is clear and complete.

7) Family member signature

• Your family member must sign and date their declaration. This confirms they accept the role and responsibilities.
• Ensure the family member’s signature and date are legible and match the name provided.

8) Check for consistency

• Names must match passports or legal documents. Avoid nicknames or abbreviations.
• Dates should follow a consistent format. Use the same day-month-year style used in your application.
• Relationship descriptions should be clear. If there is a legal guardianship, use “legal guardian.”

9) Prepare any supporting proof if requested

• The department may ask for proof of relationship. Keep copies ready, such as:
• Marriage certificate for a spouse.
• Birth certificate showing parent-child relationship.
• Legal guardianship order, if applicable.
• Do not upload extra documents unless the application asks for them. Only provide what the system or a message request requires.

10) Save, scan, and name the file

• If you completed the form electronically, save a clear copy.
• If you signed by hand, scan the signed pages in high resolution. Ensure all text and signatures are readable.
• Name the file in a clear way, such as “IMM5713E_[YourLastName]_[YYYY-MM-DD].pdf.”

11) Upload with your online application

• The family member submitting your application should upload the signed form in the appropriate document slot.
• If the system does not have a dedicated slot, include it under optional documents or client information.
• Do not encrypt or lock the file. Make sure it opens on common PDF viewers.

12) Keep copies for your records

• Store a copy of the signed form with your application documents.
• Keep a record of the date you signed and the version you filed.

13) If you need to change or revoke

• If you want to replace your family member representative, complete a new signed form that names the new person. Upload it to your application as soon as possible.
• If you want to revoke without naming a new person, submit a signed letter withdrawing consent. Include your full name, date of birth, file number (if you have one), and the date.
• After revocation, your family member should not continue to submit or respond on your behalf. You or your new representative should take over.

Practical tips to avoid delays

• Do not leave required fields blank. If a field does not apply, write “N/A.”
• Use the same spelling of names across all forms. Inconsistency can trigger questions.
• Ensure contact details are active. If your email changes, update the application promptly.
• Submit one form per applicant. If one family member is submitting for several people, each person must sign their own form.
• For minors, keep guardianship documents ready. The department may request them at any point.

What this form does not do

• It does not let a non-family person act for you. It is only for family members.
• It does not authorize paid immigration services.
• It does not replace any online declarations required at submission.
• It does not create a general legal authority beyond your online immigration application.

If you follow the steps above, your family member will have the authorization they need to manage your online application. You will have documented consent that the department can rely on. That reduces the risk of missed messages, returned submissions, or privacy barriers that slow your case.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Principal applicant: This is the person whose application is being filed. On this form, you name the principal applicant so the department knows who is authorizing representation.
• Family member representative: This is the relative you authorize to prepare, sign, and submit your online application. On this form, you identify that person and grant them specific permissions.
• Unpaid representative: This is someone who helps you without charging a fee. A family member representative under this form is unpaid. If you pay someone, you must use a different authorization form.
• Paid representative: This is a person you pay to help with your application, like a consultant or lawyer. This form does not authorize paid representatives. A different form is required for that.
• Consent and declaration: This is the section where you confirm you understand the form and agree to it. When you sign, you accept the terms and authorize your family member to act.
• Scope of authorization: This describes what your family member can do. It usually includes completing, signing, submitting, receiving messages, and paying fees as needed.
• UCI (Unique Client Identifier): This is your client number with the department, if you have one. If you know it, include it so your records match your authorization.
• Dependent (or dependant): This is a child or other family member tied to your application as defined by immigration rules. Each adult dependent who wants representation usually needs to sign their own form.
• Minor child: This is a person under the age limit for an adult under immigration rules. A parent or legal guardian signs for a minor on this form.
• Withdraw or cancel authorization: This is how you end your family member’s authority. You can withdraw by submitting the request through your online account or by filing an updated authorization.
• Electronic submission: This means you upload the signed form through your online account. The form supports online applications. It does not replace required steps within the account.
• Validity: This means how long your authorization lasts. It remains in effect until you withdraw it or the application ends.
• Privacy and personal information: This covers how your data is used and shared. By signing, you let the department share your application details with your named family member.
• Interpreter or translator: If you used one, that person only helps you understand. They are not your representative unless you authorize them in the correct way under the rules.

FAQs

Do you need this form if you already use a paid representative?

No. This form is only for unpaid family members. If you hire a professional, use the paid representative authorization form instead. Do not file both for the same role.

Do you have to be living in the same country as your family member?

No. Your family member can be anywhere. They just need access to your application information and the online account tasks allowed by your authorization.

Do you need this form if your family member only helps you draft answers?

If they only help you draft and you submit the application yourself, you may not need it. You need it if your family member will sign, submit, receive messages, or manage tasks in the online account.

Do both spouses need to complete separate forms?

Usually, yes. Each adult who wants a family member to act on their behalf should complete and sign their own form. This helps the department record consent for each person.

Do you need this form for a minor child included in your application?

A parent or legal guardian can sign on behalf of a minor. If your child is under the adult age threshold, you sign for them. Follow the signature block instructions for minors.

Can you name more than one family member as representative?

The form is designed to name one family member. If you want to switch to a different family member, withdraw the first authorization and submit a new form.

How long does the authorization last?

It lasts until you withdraw it, it is replaced, or your application concludes. If you start a new application later, file a new form for that file.

Can you use this form for paper applications?

No. This form is for online applications only. If you plan to file on paper, use the representation process that matches paper filing rules.

Can you submit the form after you file the application?

Yes. You can add or change your representative later. Upload the signed form through your online account under the active application and send a message to flag the update.

Do you have to mail the original form after uploading?

No. For online applications, you usually upload the signed form. Always follow the upload and message instructions in your account prompts. Do not mail unless you are told to.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the IMM 5713E – Use of A Family Member Representative for Online Applications

Before signing

• Confirm your helper is a qualifying family member under the form definition.
• Decide the exact tasks you want them to perform online.
• Gather the principal applicant’s full legal name and date of birth.
• Find your UCI and application number if you have them.
• Gather the family member’s full legal name and contact details.
• Confirm who will sign for minors and who has legal custody.
• Confirm that each adult included in the application will sign their own authorization.
• Verify name spellings match passports and identity documents.
• Confirm you are using the latest version of the form.
• Choose the language you will use for communications.
• Check any deadlines or expiry dates in your online account.
• Prepare a clear copy of any ID needed to support names or relationships.
• Plan how you will store the signed form securely.

During signing

• Complete all identity fields for the applicant and the representative.
• Confirm the relationship type exactly as shown on the form.
• Check every date format and ensure there are no blanks.
• Read the consent and declaration language fully.
• Confirm you understand the scope of tasks you are authorizing.
• Make sure signatures match the name on the form.
• Ensure the correct person signs the correct section.
• Sign for minors only if you are the parent or legal guardian.
• Date the form on the day you sign it. Avoid backdating.
• Review for consistency with your online application answers.
• Confirm you are not mixing this with a paid representative role.
• Save a legible, complete copy of the signed form.

After signing

• Upload the form to your active online application in the correct slot.
• Send a brief message in your account confirming the upload and intent.
• Check your account to confirm the form shows as received.
• Tell your family member when they can act and what to do first.
• Update your contact preferences if your representative will receive messages.
• Monitor your account for any return or correction requests.
• If you change your mind, submit a withdrawal request in writing.
• Keep the signed form and upload confirmation for your records.
• Note any timelines for future renewals or new applications.
• If the application closes, file a fresh form for any new application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid IMM 5713E – Use of A Family Member Representative for Online Applications

Authorizing a non-family member

• Don’t name a friend, neighbor, or coworker. The department can refuse the authorization. Your application may face delays until you correct it.

Using this form for a paid representative

• Do not use this form for anyone you pay. The wrong form can void access and delay processing. Use the correct paid representative authorization.

Missing signatures or wrong signer

• Don’t forget to sign, or to have the right adult sign for a minor. An unsigned form has no effect. The department will not accept it and may set deadlines to fix it.

Mismatched names or dates

• Check that names match passports, and that dates are accurate. Errors can block linking and access in your account. You could miss time-sensitive requests.

Outdated or altered form

• Use the latest, unaltered form. Handwritten changes outside the fields, or edits to standard text, can cause rejections. Complete it as provided.

Assuming one form covers everyone

• Each adult who wants representation needs their own signed form. If you rely on one form for all, some family members may be left without authorization.

Vague or incomplete relationship details

• State the exact relationship. Vague labels can trigger requests for clarification. That means more steps and lost time.

No plan to withdraw authorization

• If you forget to withdraw when you switch helpers, both may act. That creates confusion and risk. Submit a withdrawal as soon as you change plans.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form IMM 5713E – Use of A Family Member Representative for Online Applications

File it with your online application

• Upload the signed form under the representative authorization section of your application.
• If there is no specific slot, upload it under optional documents and send a message.
• Confirm the file status shows as uploaded and transmitted.

Tell your family member what to handle

• Agree on who checks messages and how often.
• Outline the first tasks: review drafts, verify uploads, and track deadlines.
• Decide who pays fees and how receipts will be saved.

Monitor your account

• Check messages and status updates regularly.
• Respond quickly to document requests and deadlines.
• Confirm your representative sees the same alerts.

Amend or update the authorization if needed

• To change the representative, withdraw the current authorization in writing.
• File a new signed form for the new family member.
• If a dependent turns 18, have them sign their own authorization.

Handle communication preferences

• Adjust your contact settings so messages go to the right person.
• Keep your email and phone numbers current.
• Make sure your representative’s contact details are up to date.

Store your records

• Save a copy of the signed form and the upload confirmation.
• Keep dated notes of any changes or withdrawals.
• Retain copies of receipts, messages, and submission confirmations.

End of process steps

• When your application concludes, end the representative’s role.
• Remove access by withdrawing authorization if it still appears active.
• For any new application, submit a new authorization form.

Security and access hygiene

• Protect your account passwords and verification details.
• Do not share login credentials beyond what is necessary to act.
• Change your password if you remove a representative.

If the form is rejected or flagged

• Review the reason in your account messages.
• Correct the issue, sign again, and re-upload.
• If timing is tight, send a message confirming your resubmission.