Quick summary
#Submit it with your main application.
When the official instructions indicate this form is required
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form IMM 5389?)
#By adhering to the checklist and submitting a thorough and accurate application, sponsors can enhance their chances of successfully reuniting with their family members in Canada, as described in the International Experience Canada (IEC) guide.
First page of IMM 5389 form
Source: IMM 5389 online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing time for IMM 5389 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official IRCC processing time tool.
Why this matters
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
- A missing or incorrect checklist item can cause the package to be treated as incomplete.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Often the first step in a multi-stage immigration process
- Approval typically allows the applicant to proceed with additional steps
- May require ongoing obligations after approval
Who uses it
Submit it with your main application.
When it is used
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
- Study-permit — Study schedule
- When supplementing IMM-1344 — IMM 5389 provides additional required information
Failure prevention (What causes Form IMM 5389 rejections?)
#Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient supporting evidence
- Inconsistencies between forms and documents
- Failure to address all eligibility criteria
What you need (What do you need for Form IMM 5389?)
#- The current edition of IMM 5389
- Details matching the main application
- Supporting documents as listed in the checklist
- Required signatures
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved IMM-1344 (Checklist for sponsored adult children)
Checklist (What is the Form IMM 5389 checklist?)
#- Obtain the latest version of the IMM 5389 form along with its instructions directly from the official IRCC website.
- Review the official IMM 5389 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of IMM 5389
- Sign, date, and submit IMM 5389 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#There is no IRCC filing fee for Form IMM 5389.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated IRCC office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the IRCC office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official IRCC website before submitting. For related guidance, see Study Permit.
Examples (What are examples for Form IMM 5389?)
#- Strong application: A sponsor includes a detailed letter explaining the relationship with their adult child, along with evidence of ongoing financial support; the application is processed without delays.
- Strong application: An applicant submits the checklist with all required documents, including a certified copy of their birth certificate and proof of full-time education; the submission is complete and clear.
- Strong application: The sponsor provides a comprehensive package with the checklist, including affidavits from family members confirming the relationship and dependency, ensuring a thorough review by IRCC.
- An applicant in the Study-permit category files IMM 5389 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form IMM 5389?)
#- These forms do not stand alone—they must be filed with the principal application
- Inconsistencies with the main application can result in delays or refusal
- IMM 5389 has no separate filing fee, but it is not optional paperwork — failing to include it when required can delay or jeopardize the underlying case.
- A complete IMM 5389 can still be denied on the merits — issues like “Insufficient supporting evidence” are evaluated by the reviewer even when paperwork is clean.
- Submitting IMM 5389 is the start of the process — applicants should expect follow-up steps such as “Await receipt confirmation from the agency.”
- Filing IMM 5389 is not the same as approval — adjudicators independently review eligibility, evidence, and admissibility before deciding the case.
Edge cases and variations
#- Different checklists may apply based on where you apply (inside vs. outside the country).
- Some sponsorship types require a co-signer or additional financial evaluation.
- If you are asked to submit or update IMM 5389, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat IMM 5389 as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
How to use a document checklist
Use it as a build sheet: create a folder structure that mirrors the checklist sections, then place each required item into the matching folder. Before submitting, reconcile the checklist against your final upload: every required line item should map to a real file you can open.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form IMM 1344: Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking: Supporting form: Checklist for sponsored adult children (Family-based immigration pathway)
- Unlike Form IMM 0002: Document Checklist: Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH): Part of family-based immigration process
What happens after you submit
#- Await receipt confirmation from the agency
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Keep copies of all submitted materials
Verification
#This guide is based on official IRCC instructions for IMM 5389 and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official IRCC website.
Resources
#Free Canada planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form IMM 5389.
See which Canada visas your profile fits before you finalize Form IMM 5389.
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form IMM 5389.
Practice Canada interview questions if your filing route includes one.