Applicants must report changes that affect their file
IRCC published a centralized application-update guide dated September 3, 2026. A person with an application in progress must report a change that affects the information or eligibility in the file and include proof of the change.
The examples include changes in employment, education or language ability; marriage, separation or divorce; a birth or adoption; the death of an applicant, sponsor or listed family member; a new passport; a significant health change; criminal charges or convictions; a legal name change; and a change in country or territory of residence.
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 the request description, they should choose the option to add documents supporting or completing the application, explain what is being submitted and why, and upload the relevant document or proof.
IRCC warns that these updates will not appear in the applicant's online account. Contact-information changes have a separate process, and documents that IRCC specifically requested must be submitted through the instructions provided with that request.
Some applications have separate restrictions or routing
Electronic travel authorization applicants should send new documents only when IRCC asks for them. Email, mail or fax can be used only when an IRCC letter or message says that channel is permitted.
The official guide also lists special web-form routing for several permanent-residence pilots and separate instructions for certain public-policy and risk-assessment files. Applicants in those groups should follow the exact program-specific steps on the live IRCC page rather than selecting a similar category by assumption.
Changing programs requires a new application
The web-form update process does not move an application from one immigration program to another. IRCC says an applicant who chose the wrong program or wants to switch programs must request withdrawal of the original file, submit a new application and pay the new application's fees.
Some or all fees from the withdrawn file may be refundable, depending on how far processing has progressed. Sending an update also does not cure every incomplete application; IRCC may return a file that was missing a required document when it was submitted.
This article is not legal advice. Immigration rules and program instructions can change, and the result depends on the facts of each case.