Client How-To Guides

Choose an authorized representative

Only authorized representatives may charge you for Canadian immigration or citizenship advice or representation. In Ontario, that includes lawyers in good standing (for example Atty. George M. Garvida, LSO 68091D) and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) listed on the CICC Public Register.

• Verify a lawyer: Law Society of Ontario directory
• Verify an RCIC: CICC Public Register
• IRCC overview: Use a representative — Canada.ca

Since 28 October 2026, IRCC can impose administrative monetary penalties (for example $5,000 for unauthorized paid advice and $15,000 for knowingly false or misleading information, with higher amounts for repeat violations). IRCC news release. EBBI staff and Ask EBBI provide general information only until a retainer — not paid immigration advice for non-clients.

How to sign IMM5476 (Use of a Representative)

1. Download the draft from your EBBI client portal or pick it up at our office.
2. Read all sections — confirm your name, date of birth, and passport number match your passport exactly.
3. Sign and date where indicated (Applicant signature). Use the same signature as on your passport if possible.
4. If a spouse or dependant must sign, ensure each person signs their own section.
5. Scan or photograph the signed form (PDF preferred). IRCC’s own online portals often still require ≤5 MB JPEG/PDF per file — follow IRCC’s instructions when you submit to IRCC.
6. Upload through the portal under Documents requested by EBBI, or email to your representative.

⚖️ EBBI prepares drafts for review. Atty. George M. Garvida must review before filing.

How to upload documents in the client portal

1. Go to explorebeyondborders.ca/portal/login.html
2. Enter your client number (e.g. EBBI-C00042) and the PIN we emailed you.
3. Accept the privacy notice on first login.
4. Under Documents requested by EBBI, choose the item and upload PDF, JPG, PNG, WEBP, or HEIC (up to 25 MB per file; up to 100 files per batch on the portal upload page).
5. For general uploads, use the Documents section and select your case if prompted.
6. After upload, your representative is notified automatically.

EBBI secure vault accepts up to 25 MB per file (WEBP/HEIC from phones included). When you upload directly to IRCC online, follow IRCC’s own limits (often ≤5 MB JPEG/PDF).

Lost your PIN? Contact us — we can reset portal access securely.

NBI clearance & PSA certificate checklist

NBI (Philippines)

• Two valid government IDs (passport + one other)
• Completed NBI application form (online or paper via EBBI)
• Authorization letter if applying through a representative
• Processing time varies — plan ahead for PR or visa deadlines

PSA (civil registry)

• Know the certificate type: birth, marriage, CENOMAR, or death
• Full name at birth, parents' names, place of registration
• Authorization if a third party collects the certificate

Print blank NBI/PSA forms → · PSA authorization letter template →

IRCC digital photo specifications (summary)

• Plain white or light background, face centred, neutral expression
• Recent photo (taken within 6 months for most applications)
• No filters, hats, or sunglasses (religious headwear excepted)
• File size and dimensions must meet IRCC online upload limits
• See the official IRCC photograph specifications for your application type

When in doubt, use a professional passport-photo studio and ask for IRCC-compliant digital files. This summary is general information only — not legal advice.

How to tell a spouse/partner story IRCC can assess

General information only — not legal advice and not a genuineness verdict. IRCC decides on the full application. Verify on official IMM 5532 and IMM 5533 pages.

1. Write dates, places, and full names — not “we love each other.” Officers compare the sponsor’s answers with the partner’s.
2. Match each important fact to a document (ticket, lease, remittance, photo caption). A trip in the story without a stamp or ticket needs an honest note.
3. If you live together, IMM 5533 asks for at least two cohabitation proofs (joint lease, joint bill, same-address government ID, and similar). If you cannot, write why and send what you have.
4. If you live apart, send a short sample of contact (about 10 pages over time, not one week of chats) plus visit proof. If there were no visits, explain in IMM 5532 Part C question 4.
5. Photos: if you cannot answer yes to all four of (living together / children together / first marriage both / married 2+ years), send photos from different times and places with a caption sheet (date, location, who, event) — about 20 photos, not only the wedding day.
6. Do not invent facts, copy a template love letter, or dump hundreds of “good morning” messages.

Fill the love story / genuineness worksheet → · Print blank → · Photos & love story guide → · Family sponsorship info →