Do I need to list family members who are not coming to Canada?

Generally yes. IRCC typically asks for details of immediate family members regardless of whether they are accompanying you, so review the current form instructions carefully.

What counts as immediate family on IMM 5645?

It generally covers parents, spouse or partner, children and siblings, though you should follow the current form's specific instructions for exact scope.

Why does IRCC need this level of family detail?

It supports identity verification, admissibility screening and consistency checks against other documents submitted with your application.

Is IMM 5645 used for temporary resident applications?

It is primarily associated with certain permanent residence application packages; confirm current requirements for your specific application type.

IMM 5645: Family Information Form

Last updated August 3, 2026 · Reviewed by Immigration Content Lead · Review cadence 90 days

Quick answer

IMM 5645 is the Family Information form used to record details of an applicant's immediate family members, including parents, spouse, children and siblings, regardless of whether they are immigrating together. IRCC uses it to build a complete family picture as part of identity verification and admissibility screening.

Key takeaways

IMM 5645 records details of immediate family members, whether or not they are part of the application.
It supports identity verification and background screening across several application types.
Family members not accompanying the applicant are still generally listed on this form.
It is often submitted alongside IMM 0008 and other program-specific forms.
Errors, omissions or inconsistencies about family members are a common cause of follow-up requests.
Always use the current version downloaded directly from canada.ca.

Purpose

IMM 5645 collects structured information about an applicant's immediate family, generally including parents, spouse or partner, children and siblings, along with basic details such as dates of birth and current location. This form gives IRCC a consistent family record used for identity verification, admissibility screening, and cross-checking against other documents in the application.

This guide covers the form's purpose only and does not reproduce its content. Use the current version from the official IRCC page.

When to use it

IMM 5645 is generally required as part of several permanent residence application packages, where a complete family picture supports both identity verification and program eligibility assessment.

Used in permanent residence applications where family details support eligibility and background review.
Typically submitted alongside IMM 0008 and other program-specific forms.
Family members not accompanying the applicant to Canada are still generally required to be listed.

Required information

Applicants should gather full names, dates of birth, current addresses or last known locations, and relationship details for parents, spouse or partner, children and siblings before completing the form. Always download the current version of this form directly from the official IRCC form page before completing it, since IRCC rejects older versions and applications submitted on outdated forms can be returned unprocessed.

Preparation tips

Compile a complete family list, including deceased or estranged family members where the current form asks for them.
Download the current version from the official IRCC page rather than reusing an old copy.
Keep family details consistent with what is declared on other forms in the same application.
Confirm current addresses or last known locations as accurately as possible for each family member listed.

Common mistakes

Omitting family members who are not immigrating, believing they do not need to be listed.
Providing inconsistent family details compared with other forms in the same application package.
Leaving fields blank rather than following the current form's instructions for unknown or deceased family members.
Using an outdated version of the form rather than the current one from canada.ca.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to list family members who are not coming to Canada?: Generally yes. IRCC typically asks for details of immediate family members regardless of whether they are accompanying you, so review the current form instructions carefully.
What counts as immediate family on IMM 5645?: It generally covers parents, spouse or partner, children and siblings, though you should follow the current form's specific instructions for exact scope.
Why does IRCC need this level of family detail?: It supports identity verification, admissibility screening and consistency checks against other documents submitted with your application.
Is IMM 5645 used for temporary resident applications?: It is primarily associated with certain permanent residence application packages; confirm current requirements for your specific application type.

Official sources

IRCC – Application forms and guides

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.