How To Create GCKey To Apply Online For Canada Immigration/Visa

Last Updated On 16 July 2023, 12:53 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

If you are applying for any Canadian immigration/visa online you need to create a GCKey.

A GCKey is a unique electronic credential that allows you to communicate securely with online government services.

These credentials include a username and password. The government of Canada, as the service provider, issues these credentials to you so you can access government online services.

A lot of people feel that the process of creating a GCKey can be very daunting, but it is not. We are starting this initiative and will post more article for individual program application in 2023.

So, if you feel the same, don’t worry, we have got you covered. This article lists the step-by-step guide to creating a GCKey.

Step 1 

To register or sign up for a GCKey, go to the IRCC website and click on the “Continue to GCKey” button when you are presented with the login choice.

Step 2

Once you click on sign in, you are directed to another page. Here, you can log in to your account if you have already set up one.

However, if you are new you need to click on ‘Sign up’ under Simple Secure Access.

Step 3

After you click on the sign-up, you are directed to the Terms and Conditions page. You need to click on ‘I accept’ to proceed. 

Step 4

The next step is to create your username. This has to be a minimum of 8 characters. It can create upper/lower case letter(s).

Also, you can have French character(s) too. Lastly, using digits and special characters is also allowed.

Always keep your username safe. Don’t share it with anyone. 

Step 5

Once you have your username set, you need to choose a strong password. Your Password must be between eight and sixteen characters.

It must contain at least one upper case letter, one lower case letter, and one digit, and must not contain 3 or more consecutive characters from your Username.

You should keep the password safe too. Do not share it with anyone. 

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Step 6

The next step is to create your recovery questions, answers, and hints. These are used to help you if you forget your Password.

Your answers must contain at least three characters and contain no special characters (for example %, #, @).

Your hints must contain at least three characters and may contain letters, numbers, and the following punctuation characters: apostrophe (‘), comma (,), dash (-), period (.), and question mark (?).

Moreover, you need to answer all the questions. Keep these answers safe too. 

Step 7

The last step is to add an optional account recovery. This helps you to recover your username and password via email.

Please note that this step is optional. You can add an email later too. Once you have done this, your GCKey is ready. 

After creating the GCKey, then you can submit your application online for Canadian immigration or visa using your username, password, and security questions.

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