Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province/State: Federal

What is an Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)?

The Additional Family Information (IMM 5406) is a federal immigration form. You use it to list detailed information about your close family. It captures your spouse or partner, parents, all children, and all brothers and sisters. You list them whether they are coming to Canada or not. You also include people who are deceased.

You complete this form to support an immigration application. It helps authorities confirm family relationships. It also helps with identity checks and background screening. It is a standard part of many permanent residence files. It can also appear in some temporary residence and protection cases.

Who typically uses this form?

The principal applicant uses it. So does a spouse or common‑law partner who is 18 or older. Each dependent child who is 18 or older also completes their own copy. If you are the only adult applicant, you still complete it. You list all family members, even if you are estranged or not in contact.

Why would you need this form?

You need it to give a full snapshot of your immediate family. Authorities use this to verify your personal history. They compare it with other forms and documents. The details help identify name variations and family ties. This reduces identity confusion. It also supports security and admissibility screening. If you leave a person out, you risk delay or refusal. The form also protects future sponsorship options. If you fail to declare a family member now, you may not be able to sponsor them later.

You will most often see IMM 5406 in permanent residence applications. This includes economic streams and family sponsorship. Refugee resettlement and protected person cases also use it. You may also get a request for this form during a work or study application. That happens when authorities need more family details. The form itself has no fee. It is short, but it demands accuracy and completeness. You should gather key documents before you start. This includes passports, birth certificates, and marriage records.

Typical usage scenarios

You apply for permanent residence through an economic program. You include your spouse and two children. You complete IMM 5406 for yourself. Your spouse completes one as well. Your 19‑year‑old child completes one too. Your 14‑year‑old child has not completed a copy. Another scenario is a spousal sponsorship. You are the sponsor’s spouse and the principal applicant. You complete IMM 5406 to list your parents and all siblings. You also list your child from a prior relationship. A third scenario is a study permit file with added context. You apply with a spouse, and the authorities request IMM 5406. You submit this to clarify family members and addresses.

The form structure is simple. It has a section for your spouse or partner, your mother, and your father. It has a section for all children. It has a section for all brothers and sisters. It ends with a signature and date. It also asks for names in your native language. You write those in the original script, if applicable. You enter dates, birthplaces, and present addresses. You must answer every line. Use “N/A” where a field does not apply. If a person is deceased, write “Deceased” and include the date of death if known. If you do not know an exact date, explain with “Unknown” and provide an approximate year if you can.

When Would You Use an Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)?

You use IMM 5406 when you submit most permanent residence applications. This includes economic pathways. It includes family class sponsorships. It includes protected persons and resettlement streams. If the application kit lists IMM 5406, you must submit it. If you apply online and get a document request for it, you must upload it.

Here is how it appears in practice. You receive an Invitation to apply for permanent residence. Your document checklist includes IMM 5406. You complete it and upload it with your forms. Your spouse, who is 18 or older, also completes one. If you have an 18‑year‑old dependent child, they complete their own as well. Another example is a provincial nomination permanent residence file. The federal stage requires IMM 5406. You submit it with the other federal forms. A spousal sponsorship often includes it. You, the sponsored person, complete IMM 5406 as part of the package. This helps confirm your family relationships. It also ensures all your dependants are declared.

You may also use IMM 5406 during some temporary resident applications. This occurs when authorities need more details on your family. For example, you apply for a work permit and include a spouse. You may receive a message asking for IMM 5406. You then complete it and upload it by the deadline. If the form does not appear in your initial checklist, do not submit it on your own. Submit it only when requested for temporary cases.

You also use it when a change happens. If you marry after you apply for permanent residence, tell the authorities. You will often need to submit a new IMM 5406. You will also provide marriage records and updated forms. The same applies if you have a child after you apply. You update your file with a revised IMM 5406 listing the child. This keeps your family declaration accurate. It also avoids problems at the final stage.

Do not wait to gather information. If you have limited contact with a family member, start early. Reach out to relatives or use past documents. You must list them even if you cannot reach them. Provide as much detail as you can. Explain unknown items clearly. Keep your statements consistent across all forms.

Legal Characteristics of the Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

IMM 5406 is not a contract. It does not create rights or duties between private parties. It is a formal declaration within an immigration process. When you sign it, you certify that the information is true and complete. That certification is legally significant. The form sits within Canada’s immigration laws and rules. False statements can trigger serious consequences. This includes refusal, removal, and a period of inadmissibility for misrepresentation. It can also affect future applications. In some cases, it can block future sponsorship of undeclared family members.

What ensures the form’s enforceability is your signature and the governing law. You confirm that you understand the questions. You confirm that the information is accurate to the best of your knowledge. Authorities can compare your form with other records. They can cross‑check passports and civil certificates. They can compare your details with other forms in your file. If there is a material mismatch, they can ask for clarification. If they find misrepresentation, they can apply enforcement measures.

You must also update your information if your family changes. Marriage, divorce, separation, births, and deaths are material. You should notify authorities as soon as possible. In many cases, you will need to submit an updated IMM 5406. This duty applies until you land as a permanent resident. Keeping your file current helps avoid refusal at the final stage.

Privacy and consent also matter. IMM 5406 collects personal information about you and your family. You should inform your family that their information is being provided. Your application materials generally include consent language. The information can be used to assess your application. It can be shared with domestic and foreign partners for verification as needed. Only provide information you know to be accurate. Do not guess if you can reasonably confirm details. If you cannot confirm, state that clearly and explain.

Translation and identity rules apply. If your family names are not in English or French, you must provide them in your native language script. You should also ensure your supporting records match those names. Where records are not in English or French, certified translations apply. Keep consistency across the entire application. The same name should appear the same way everywhere. If a name differs across documents, explain the reason. Include any legal name change documents.

Record‑keeping supports your legal position. Keep a complete copy of every form you submit. Save proof of delivery and acknowledgment. Keep a note of dates of birth and name spellings used. This helps you answer future queries quickly. It also helps during renewals, extensions, or citizenship processes later.

How to Fill Out an Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

Follow these steps to complete the form correctly the first time.

1) Prepare your information

• Gather your passport, birth certificate, and marriage records.
• Collect details for your spouse or partner, parents, all children, and all siblings.
• Confirm spellings, birth dates, birthplaces, and current addresses.
• List anyone who is deceased and note the date of death if known.
• If you have adopted, step‑, or half‑relations, include them.

2) Complete the applicant identification box

• Enter your full name as shown on your passport.
• Enter your Unique Client Identifier if you have one.
• Enter your date of birth in the format shown on the form.
• Provide your country of birth and current marital status.
• Use the same email and address you use in your main application.

3) Section A: Your spouse or partner, mother, and father

• Spouse or common‑law partner: list their full legal name, birth date, birthplace, and present address.
• If you are not married and have no partner, write “N/A.”
• Mother and father: list each parent’s full legal name, birth date, birthplace, and present address.
• If a parent is deceased, write “Deceased” in the address field and add the date of death if known.
• If you were adopted, list your adoptive parents here. If you know your biological parents’ details, add them as a note in an attached sheet.
• If one parent is unknown, write “Unknown” and explain briefly in an attached note.

4) Names in the native language

• The form asks for names in your native language.
• If your language uses a non‑Latin script, write each person’s name in that script.
• If your native language uses Latin letters, write “N/A” in that box.
• Ensure the English or French spelling matches travel documents.

5) Section B: All children

• List all your children, regardless of age or location.
• Include biological, adopted, and step‑children.
• Include children of your spouse or partner.
• Include children who are married, divorced, or deceased.
• For each child, include full name, relationship, birth date, birthplace, and present address.
• If a child is deceased, state “Deceased” and the date of death if known.
• If a child is not in your custody, list their current address and the custodial parent’s city.
• If contact is limited, give the last known address and note “Last known.”

6) Section C: All brothers and sisters

• List every sibling, including half‑siblings and step‑siblings.
• Include siblings who are deceased.
• For each, provide full name, birth date, birthplace, and present address.
• If you have no siblings, write “None” or “N/A” across the lines.

7) Dates, addresses, and accuracy tips

• Use the date format shown on the form. If it asks for year‑month‑day, follow it.
• Use full city names and include the province or state and country.
• For present address, list where the person lives now, not their mailing address.
• Do not leave blanks. Use “N/A” where a field does not apply.
• If you do not know a detail, write “Unknown” and add a short note if helpful.
• Be consistent with your other forms. Cross‑check birth dates and spellings.

8) Handling multiple marriages and complex families

• If you have a current spouse, list them in Section A.
• If you had previous spouses, you still list your current spouse only in Section A.
• You should include children from all relationships in Section B.
• Use an attached sheet if you need to explain prior marriages or name changes.
• For step‑relationships, label the relationship clearly, such as “Step‑daughter.”

9) Additional space and attachments

• If you run out of space, add a separate sheet.
• At the top, write your full name, date of birth, and UCI if you have one.
• Title it “IMM 5406 – Section [letter] continued.”
• Use the same column order as the form.
• Sign and date the attached sheet to confirm its accuracy.

10) Review for consistency and completeness

• Confirm you listed every child and sibling. Many refusals result from omissions.
• Confirm you listed deceased family members.
• Verify all dates and spellings match passports and other forms.
• Ensure native language names match civil documents.
• Check that every adult applicant in your family has completed their own IMM 5406.

11) Sign and date the form

• Sign in the signature box. Use a handwritten signature if the instructions require it.
• Date the form on the day you sign. Do not post‑date or backdate.
• If you apply online and the process uses electronic signatures, follow the portal instructions.
• If a wet signature is required, print, sign in ink, and scan the form.

12) Scan and upload or mail

• If you submit online, scan the form at high resolution. Ensure it is clear and legible.
• Merge any continuation sheets into one PDF with the form.
• Name the file so it is easy to identify, for example, “IMM5406‑[YourLastName].pdf.”
• If you submit by mail, use the checklist order and keep a copy for your records.

13) Common mistakes to avoid

• Do not omit estranged children or siblings. List them even if you are not in contact.
• Do not ignore deceased family members. Include them with death dates if known.
• Do not mix up given names and family names. Follow the passport order.
• Do not use nicknames or initials. Use full legal names.
• Do not leave blanks. Use “N/A” or “Unknown” with a brief note where needed.
• Do not assume step‑ or half‑relations are excluded. They must be listed.

14) If something changes after submission

• Notify authorities if you marry, separate, divorce, have a child, or a family member dies.
• Submit an updated IMM 5406 and any proof documents.
• Keep your copy of the earlier form and note what changed and when.

15) How to handle limited or missing documents

• If you lack a birth certificate for a family member, still list them.
• Use the best information available. Add a note explaining what is missing.
• If you have alternative proof, such as a school record, keep it ready.
• If you are unsure of exact dates, provide the year and add “Approximate.”

Real‑world example: You apply for permanent residence with your spouse and a 20‑year‑old child. You each complete an IMM 5406. You list your spouse and your parents in Section A. You list your 20‑year‑old child and a 12‑year‑old child in Section B. You include your two brothers and one step‑sister in Section C. Your spouse does the same for their family. Your 20‑year‑old child lists their own parents in Section A, their siblings in Section B, and their aunts and uncles are not listed because only siblings are required.

Another example: You are single, with no children. Your parents are deceased. You complete Section A by listing your mother and father as “Deceased,” with dates. You leave the spouse line as “N/A.” Section B shows “None.” Section C lists your one sister and two half‑brothers with their current addresses.

A final example: You lost contact with a sibling years ago. You still list that sibling. You provide their full name and the last known city and country. For address, write “Last known: [City, Country]. Current address unknown.” You add a short note on a continuation sheet to explain the gap.

If you follow these steps, you give authorities a clear picture of your family. You also protect your application from avoidable delays. Complete every field with care. Keep your answers consistent. Update the form if anything material changes. That discipline keeps your file strong and your process moving.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Principal applicant means the person who is leading the application. You complete your own form as the principal applicant. Your spouse or partner and each dependent 18 or older also completes a separate copy.
• Accompanying family member means someone who will move with you as part of the same application. Non-accompanying means they are not moving now. You must list both on this form. This is true even if the person will never immigrate.
• Spouse means a person you are legally married to. Common-law partner means a person you have lived with in a marriage-like relationship for a set period. You must list either your spouse or your common-law partner, not both. If you are separated but not divorced, you still list your spouse.
• Dependent child means your child who meets the age and dependency rules. This includes biological and adopted children. You must list every dependent child, whether they are accompanying you or not.
• Stepchild means your spouse’s or partner’s child from another relationship. You must list every stepchild as your family member. A stepparent is your parents’ spouse who is not your biological or adoptive parent. You list stepparents under the parents or siblings sections only if the form asks for them. If not, you do not add stepparents unless the form section includes them.
• Half-sibling means you share one parent with the person. A full sibling means you share both parents. You must list both half-siblings and full siblings. You also list step-siblings if your parent married their parent.
• Adopted child means a child legally adopted by you. Guardianship means you care for a child but are not the legal parent. If a child is adopted, list them as your child. If you have guardianship only, follow the form’s instructions. If the form asks for all children, include the child and note the relationship.
• UCI means your Unique Client Identifier. It is the number assigned to you in past applications. If you have one, include it where the form asks. If you do not have one, leave it blank or mark not applicable.
• Civil status means your current legal relationship status. Examples include single, married, common-law, separated, divorced, or widowed. Your civil status must match your supporting documents. It must also match the status you declare elsewhere in your application.
• Deceased means the person has passed away. You still list parents, children, or siblings who are deceased. Enter “Deceased” and add the date if you know it. Use their last known address if the form requires an address. If not known, see how to use “unknown” or “N/A.”
• N/A and unknown are entries you use when the information does not apply or is not available. Use “N/A” when a question does not apply to that person. Use “Unknown” when you cannot obtain the information after a reasonable effort. Avoid leaving fields blank unless the form instructs you to.

FAQs

Do you need to complete IMM 5406 for each person in your application?

Yes, each person aged 18 or older completes their own form. That includes you, your spouse or partner, and each dependent child 18 or older. Minors do not complete their own forms. You still list minors on the adult forms.

Do you need to list family members who will not immigrate with you?

Yes. You must list all required family members, whether they are accompanying you or not. This includes estranged relatives and those you do not plan to sponsor. Omissions can cause delays or refusals.

Do you include stepchildren, adopted children, half-siblings, and step-siblings?

Yes. You list every child and sibling type that the form requests. Include stepchildren and adopted children. Include half-siblings and step-siblings under siblings. Use the relationship that best describes the link.

Do you list deceased parents or siblings?

Yes. You still list them. Mark them as deceased and include the date if known. If the form asks for a present address, write “Deceased” or the last known address. Add a short note if space allows.

Do you leave fields blank if you do not know the answer?

No. Use “Unknown” if you cannot find the information. Use “N/A” if the question does not apply. Add a short explanation on a separate page if many fields are unknown.

Do you need to translate names or documents?

Enter names in the Latin alphabet as they appear on passports or legal documents. If your supporting documents are not in English or French, provide certified translations as required for the application package. Keep name spellings consistent across all forms.

Do you sign by hand or electronically?

Follow the submission method. If you file online, you will usually e-sign in the portal and upload the completed form. If you file by paper, print, hand-sign, and date where indicated. Never backdate a signature.

Do you need to update the form after submitting if your family changes?

Yes. Report events like marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or a death. Use the same channel you used to apply. Submit an updated form and any proof documents as soon as possible.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

Before signing

• Collect passports or national IDs for you and all listed family members.
• Gather birth certificates for all children and siblings.
• Locate marriage, divorce, separation, or death certificates, if applicable.
• Obtain adoption or custody orders for adopted or dependent children, if any.
• Confirm full legal names, including previous names and spelling.
• Verify dates of birth, places of birth, and citizenship.
• Compile current addresses and contact details for each person.
• Note UCIs for anyone who has applied for immigration before.
• Prepare translations of supporting documents if required.
• Draft a short explanation for any unknown details you cannot obtain.
• Plan how you will add extra rows or an extra sheet if you run out of space.

During signing

• Check that every required section is complete for spouse/partner, children, parents, and siblings.
• Confirm you listed non-accompanying family members as well as accompanying ones.
• Ensure names match passports exactly. Avoid nicknames or short forms.
• Verify dates are in the correct format and are consistent across forms.
• Confirm cities and countries of birth and citizenship are correct.
• Review current addresses. Use the last known address if the person is deceased.
• Enter “N/A” where a question does not apply. Use “Unknown” if you cannot find an answer.
• Make sure each adult who must complete the form has done so on their own copy.
• Review signature and date fields. Sign only after final review.
• If adding an extra sheet, label it with the section and question. Include your name and date.

After signing

• Save a final digital copy for your records before uploading or mailing.
• If filing online, upload the form and any extra pages as supporting documents.
• If filing by paper, place the form in the correct package section. Include extra sheets.
• Keep a clean copy of everything you submit, including translations.
• Track your submission in the account or by mail tracking.
• Watch for messages requesting corrections or more details.
• Report any family changes promptly and submit an updated form if needed.
• Store your records securely. Keep them organized by person and document type.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t omit non-accompanying family members.
• Consequence: Your application can be delayed or refused. Omissions can be treated as misrepresentations. List everyone the form requires.
• Don’t use nicknames or inconsistent spellings.
• Consequence: Names that do not match passports cause document checks and delays. Use full legal names exactly as shown on IDs.
• Don’t forget stepchildren, adopted children, or half- and step-siblings.
• Consequence: Incomplete family lists trigger follow-ups or refusals. Include every relationship type requested.
• Don’t leave blanks without “N/A” or “Unknown.”
• Consequence: Blank fields can lead to a return for incompleteness. Use “N/A” when not applicable. Use “Unknown” after a reasonable effort.
• Don’t ignore updates after submission.
• Consequence: Family changes that are not reported can affect eligibility. Report births, marriages, divorces, deaths, and custody changes right away.
• Don’t miss signatures and dates.
• Consequence: Unsigned or undated forms are usually returned. Sign after final review to avoid rework.

9. What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1. Confirm that every required person 18 or older has completed their own IMM 5406. That includes you, your spouse or partner, and any dependent aged 18 or older.
2. Review the family lists across all forms for consistency. Names, dates, and relationships should match.
3. If you used extra pages, label them with your name, the section, and the question. Number the pages if you add several.
4. Prepare translations and any affidavits required by your application package. Attach them to the correct person’s documents.
5. File the form using the channel for your application. Upload the PDF and extra pages online, or include the signed form in a paper package.
6. Keep a full copy set in a safe place. Store digital files with clear names, such as “IMM5406_YourName_Date.pdf.”
7. Monitor your account or mail for messages. Respond to any request for more information by the deadline provided.
8. If your family situation changes, submit updates. Send an updated IMM 5406 and supporting documents through the same channel you used to apply.
9. If you discover an error after filing, correct it in writing. Provide an updated form and a short explanation of the change.
10. Maintain a simple log of what you submitted and when. Note tracking numbers, upload confirmations, and message dates.