top of page
Search

IMM 5604: The Declaration From a Non-Accompanying Parent or Guardian, Explained (2026)

IMM 5604 is IRCC's Declaration From Non-accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada. You need it when a permanent residence application includes a child under 18 who is immigrating without both parents or guardians, and the parent or guardian who is not coming must sign it to confirm they do not object.


Skipping this form, or filing a version that is not signed and witnessed the way IRCC requires, is one of the quiet reasons a dependent-child file gets returned or stalled. The declaration is where the non-accompanying parent formally acknowledges that they understand they may be permanently separated from the child, so IRCC treats it as a serious consent document, not a checkbox. Getting it right the first time avoids a request for missing documents that can add months to processing. You can confirm the current version on the official IMM 5604 form page before you start.


A photograph captures a man in a green shirt carefully signing a document with a pen at a wooden desk in an office setting. Seated opposite him, a woman wearing a grey blazer, official lanyard, and holding a notary stamp watches attentively, preparing to certify the document. The background shows blurred office elements like framed certificates and file folders under natural window light.

When do you need form IMM 5604

You need IMM 5604 when a child under 18 will receive a permanent resident visa and is immigrating to Canada without both of their parents or legal guardians. IRCC's official Document Checklist for a dependent child sets the trigger clearly: if there is an applicant under 18 in the application and the child's other parent or legal guardian is not already a co-signer on the sponsorship undertaking, you must show that the other parent has no objection to the child immigrating.


In plain terms, if one parent is immigrating with the child and the other parent is staying behind, the parent staying behind signs IMM 5604. This comes up most often in family sponsorship of a dependent child, but the same rule applies to any permanent residence application that includes a minor immigrating without both parents. Complete one form per child immigrating without both parents or guardians.

Who signs IMM 5604 and how to fill it out

The non-accompanying parent or guardian fills out and signs the form. That includes a former spouse or former common-law partner. It is signed by the parent who is not immigrating with the child, not by the parent who is.

The form itself is short and asks for:

  1. The full name of the non-accompanying parent or guardian who is declaring no objection.

  2. The child's full name and date of birth, exactly as shown on the passport or travel document.

  3. The name and relationship of the parent or guardian the child is immigrating with.

  4. If someone other than that parent or guardian is bringing the child to Canada, that person's name and relationship.

  5. The signature of the non-accompanying parent, signed in front of the witness, plus an emergency contact number and place.

Two requirements catch families off guard. First, IRCC specifies the witness must be a notary public, and the form has to be signed in front of that notary, who adds their stamp. A signature from a friend, a commissioner of oaths, or a lawyer who is not a notary is the kind of small mismatch that gets a form sent back. Second, you must submit the completed declaration together with a photocopy of a valid, legible identity document for the non-accompanying parent, bearing their signature. The form must be printed and signed by hand, so leave time for the notary appointment.

What if the other parent will not sign or cannot be found

This is the situation that most often derails the step, and IRCC's dependent-child checklist addresses it directly. If the other parent is deceased, provide a copy of their death certificate instead of the form. If you are divorced or separated from the other parent, include a copy of any related custody agreements along with the declaration. And if you cannot provide the required documents at all, for example because the other parent's whereabouts are unknown, you must provide a detailed written explanation.


In practice, the files that slow down here are the ones where a separated parent submits IMM 5604 alone and leaves out the custody order that shows they have the authority to bring the child. If your custody situation is anything other than straightforward, treat the custody documents as part of this step, not an afterthought. If one row of this description made you pause, an eligibility check with Ansari Immigration's licensed RCIC is a 30-minute question worth asking before you file.

Why this matters for your immigration application

A dependent child is a family member on your application, and failing to properly document a child, or their other parent's consent, can hold up the whole file. The declaration is also tied to the broader forms in a dependent-child package, such as the sponsorship undertaking and the generic application form, so it is worth building your document set as one coherent package rather than form by form. IMM 5604 shows up most in family sponsorship of a dependent child, but it can appear in any permanent residence application that includes a minor. If you are assembling a sponsorship application, our step-by-step family sponsorship guide walks through how the pieces fit together, and our breakdown of the additional family information form covers a related form in the same package.


Because a minor cannot consent to their own immigration, IRCC leans on this declaration and the surrounding custody documents to confirm no parent is being sidelined. That is why officers scrutinize it more than its one-page length suggests.


A warm-lit photograph shows an Asian woman and a young boy sitting at a kitchen island at night, surrounded by open papers. The woman holds a document and looks stressed, touching her forehead, while the boy next to her looks down with curiosity at a small booklet, possibly a passport, next to a toy airplane on the counter. The scene evokes complex family immigration planning.

Frequently asked questions about IMM 5604

When is IMM 5604 required

It is required when a permanent residence application includes a child under 18 immigrating to Canada without both parents or guardians, and the non-accompanying parent is not already a co-signer on the application. The non-accompanying parent signs it to confirm no objection.


Does IMM 5604 need to be notarized

The form must be witnessed by a notary public. The non-accompanying parent signs it in front of the notary, who adds their title, signature, and professional stamp. Confirm the current requirement on the official IMM 5604 form page.


Who has to sign the IMM 5604 declaration

The non-accompanying parent or guardian, including a former spouse or former common-law partner, signs it. The parent immigrating with the child does not sign this form.


Do I need a separate IMM 5604 for each child

Yes. You complete one form per child who is immigrating to Canada without both parents or guardians.


What documents go with IMM 5604

A photocopy of a valid, legible identity document for the non-accompanying parent, bearing their signature. If that parent is deceased, a death certificate instead. If you are divorced or separated, any related custody agreements as well.

Why work with Ansari Immigration

Families come to us mid-application unsure whether a separated ex-partner's signature is enough or whether a custody order is needed. An honest review is the point: Ansari Immigration tells you plainly if your consent documents are complete, if you need a court order first, or if the form does not apply, before you pay a notary. Family sponsorship is a flat CAD $4,000, quoted upfront, additional family members quoted separately, handled by the firm's licensed RCIC, regulated by CICC.

Have a custody or consent question of your own? Share it in the comments, keep it general, and for advice on your specific case book a 30-minute consultation ($80) with Ansari Immigration.

Related Posts

This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Program criteria, requirements, processing times, and selection approaches can change without notice. Always confirm details on official government websites or consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for advice specific to your situation.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page