IMM 5644 Appendix A: proof of residency
Updated
Get a copy of your CRA notice of assessment
IRCC lists your CRA Notice of Assessment for the five years before you apply as one of its own examples of proof of residency. Here is what it is, how many years count as one document, and how to get a copy from CRA.
Why IRCC asks for it
Appendix A of Guide 5445, the instruction guide behind the IMM 5644 checklist, lists "Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment for the five (5) years immediately before the application" as one of its examples of proof that you met the residency obligation.1
CRA’s own definition: "A notice of assessment (NOA) is the summary of the calculated amounts for your income tax and benefit return. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends you these results after receiving your tax return." If CRA later changes your assessed return, it sends a notice of reassessment (NOR) instead.2
Note: One language, based on your filing preference
CRA issues your notice in only one language, based on the preference you gave when you filed.2
How many years, and how many documents
On Appendix A’s list, your five years of Notices of Assessment are one item, not five. Downloaded and combined into one PDF, they count as one of the two supporting documents Appendix A asks for.1
You still need a second, different kind of document: employment records or pay stubs, bank statements, evidence of benefits from a Canadian government program, a rental agreement, or a club membership.1
Important: Missing a notice for one of the five years?
Appendix A’s list is not closed: it also allows "any other documents that prove you met your residency obligation." If you were not required to file for a year, or you can’t retrieve that year’s notice, use a different document from the list for that period instead of leaving a gap.1
IMM 5644 Appendix A: the proof for situations A, B and C too
Getting it online: CRA My Account
CRA’s page on notices puts it plainly: "Sign into your CRA account to view or print your notices. If you do not have an account, you can register for one to easily access current or previous year notices."2
- Select your Individual account.
- Select Tax returns or Mail.
- Select the NOA or NOR you need from the list.2
No account yet? CRA says you can register if you have a Social Insurance Number and "a filed and assessed income tax and benefit return from the current or previous tax year."3
By phone or by mail
CRA’s own words: "If you would like the CRA to mail a paper copy of your notice, you will need to call us to make the request. You can also order alternate formats such as digital audio, electronic text, braille, or large print."2
| Where you are | Number |
|---|---|
| Canada (most of it) | 1-800-959-8281 |
| Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut | 1-866-426-1527 |
| Outside Canada and the United States | 613-940-8495 |
| Teletypewriter (TTY) | 1-800-665-0354 |
Before you call, CRA says it may ask you to verify your identity with your Social Insurance Number, full name, date of birth, complete address, and either an assessed return, a notice of assessment or reassessment, another tax document, or being signed in to My Account.2
If someone else is requesting it for you
CRA’s rule: "To access someone else’s notice, you must be an authorized representative, and they must have a CRA account. Once authorized, you can sign in to access their NOA or NOR." Authorizing a representative with CRA is separate from authorizing one with IRCC.2
Uploading it to your PR card renewal
Upload the copies, never your originals, in the PR Portal slot Proof of Residency in Canada.
Each file must be PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG and 4 MB or less.
PR card renewal documents: every upload slot and a printable checklist
When to get help
A missing or hard-to-find notice is rarely a problem on its own. If your situation is more complicated, for example a shortfall in days or a question about your status, speak to a licensed professional before you apply.
Note: Who can advise you
Only lawyers and paralegals in a Canadian law society, Quebec notaries, and consultants who are members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants can charge you to represent you. prcard.ca explains IRCC’s own instructions; it doesn’t give advice on your case.4
Have your documents? Do the rest of IMM 5644 the same way
The renewal pack asks one question at a time and gives you every IMM 5444 answer in portal order. The interview is free.
Quick answers
How do I get a copy of my CRA notice of assessment?
Online: sign in to your CRA account, select Tax returns or Mail, and pick the notice from the list. If you would rather have a paper copy, call CRA and ask for one, or order it in an alternate format.
How many years of notices of assessment does a PR card renewal need?
Appendix A lists your Notice of Assessment for the five years immediately before your application. Downloaded together, those five years count as one of the two supporting documents Appendix A asks for.
What if I’m missing a notice of assessment for one of the five years?
Appendix A’s list is not closed. Use another document from it for that period, such as a pay stub, a bank statement, or evidence of government benefits.
Can someone else get my notice of assessment for me?
Only an authorized representative with their own CRA account can access someone else’s notice. Authorizing a representative with CRA is a separate step from authorizing one with IRCC.
Is the notice of assessment the only proof of residency IRCC accepts?
No. Appendix A lists employment records or pay stubs, bank statements, government benefit letters, rental agreements and club memberships as other examples, plus any other document that proves you met the residency obligation.
