Applicants must report changes that affect their file
IRCC's guide, dated September 3, 2026, explains how to update an application in progress with information IRCC did not request. A change that may affect the information or eligibility in the file must be reported with proof of the change.
Its examples include changes in job situation, education or language skills; marriage, separation or divorce; a birth or adoption; the death of an applicant, sponsor or listed family member; a new passport (an eTA applicant with a new passport must apply for a new eTA); a significant health change; new criminal charges or convictions; a legal name change; and a change in country or territory of residence. The same route can be used to add new supporting documents that were not available when the person applied, add or remove a representative, or correct errors or forgotten information.
Unrequested documents generally go through the IRCC web form
For information or documents IRCC did not request, the guide directs applicants and authorized representatives to the IRCC web form. Under "Tell us about your request," choose the option to add documents that support or complete the application, explain what you are submitting and why, and upload the document or proof.
These updates do not appear in the applicant's online account. Documents that IRCC specifically requested are submitted according to the instructions that came with the request.
Some applications have separate routing
An electronic travel authorization (eTA) applicant should send new documents only if IRCC asks for them. Email, mail or fax may be used only when an IRCC letter or message says that channel is allowed. The guide gives special email subject lines for a few groups, such as the family members of Canadian victims of air disasters, and says only applicants for a pre-removal risk assessment may use Canada Post Connect for this purpose.
It also gives special web-form steps for several permanent residence pilots that are not listed in the form (including the Agri-Food Pilot, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program) and a code for the Sudan permanent residence pathway. People in these groups should follow the exact steps on IRCC's live page rather than choosing a similar category.
Changing programs requires a new application
The web-form process does not move an application from one program to another. An applicant who chose the wrong program or wants to switch must ask to withdraw the original application, submit a new application and pay the new application's fees. Some or all of the fees paid on the original application may be refunded.