IMM 5406 Additional Family Information: Who Fills It and How
In this guide
What is IMM 5406? IMM 5406 is the Additional Family Information form from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It collects details about your family members. If you are applying for Canadian permanent residence, you will probably meet it in the document list, so it helps to know who fills it in and what it asks.
Quick answer
- On paper, the principal applicant, the spouse or common-law partner and any dependent child aged 18 or over complete it, whether or not they are coming to Canada.
- There is a digital version in the Permanent Residence Portal and a PDF for paper applications.
- Answer every question. Write “Not Applicable” (online) or “N/A” (paper) when a section does not apply.
IRCC’s form page does not list which application types require the form. Check the instruction guide for your program.
Who must complete IMM 5406?
| Person | Complete it? |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | Yes |
| Spouse or common-law partner | Yes, whether accompanying you to Canada or not |
| Dependent children aged 18 or over | Yes, whether accompanying you to Canada or not |
What does each section ask?
- Section A: personal details for yourself, your spouse or common-law or conjugal partner (if applicable), and your parent 1 and parent 2. If you are married, you say whether you were physically present at the marriage ceremony.
- Section B: your children, including married, adopted and stepchildren, children adopted by others, and children in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner or other guardian. The paper form says to list all children, even those who are already Canadian permanent residents or citizens.
- Section C: your brothers, sisters, half-siblings and step-siblings.
- Section D (paper): read the statements, then sign and date the declaration.
How do you submit it?
- Online: select the “Complete and return to application” button. This certifies that you understand the questions and that your information is complete, truthful and correct.
- Paper: download the PDF (IMM 5406E), complete it, and sign and date the declaration. IRCC’s page does not say where to send the paper form, so use your program’s application guide.
If you cannot apply online and need accommodations, including for a disability, you can request an alternative format of the form and the application package.
Tips before you fill it in
- Collect full names and dates of birth for parents, siblings and children first.
- Use the same spelling as on passports and civil documents.
- If a relative has died or you have no contact, answer the question and follow the form’s instructions rather than leaving it blank.
- If someone helps you, you may need a Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476).
Common mistakes
- Leaving a section empty instead of writing N/A.
- Forgetting children who are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Leaving out a spouse who is not coming to Canada.
- Forgetting to sign and date the paper declaration.
FAQ
Is IMM 5406 the same as the family information in the main form?
No. It is a separate form for additional family details.
Do I have to list siblings who live abroad?
Section C asks for brothers, sisters, half-siblings and step-siblings. Follow the form’s instructions.
Key takeaways
- Principal applicant, partner and adult dependent children complete it on paper.
- Write N/A rather than leave blanks.
- Always check your program’s guide for the version and where to send it.
Related guides
- IMM 5476 Use of a Representative
- Express Entry explained
- Police clearance certificates for immigration
- Moving abroad checklist
- Your first 90 days in a new country
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Forms change, so use the current version from IRCC.
Sources
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)