Are you planning to apply for Canadian immigration or a visa online? If so, you’ll need a GCKey – a crucial electronic credential that lets you securely access government services online.
Don’t worry; it’s easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create your GCKey.
Jump to:
What is a GCKey?
A GCKey is a unique username and password provided by the Canadian government, allowing you to access online government services securely.
Now, let’s dive into the simple steps to create your own GCKey:
Step 1: Visit the IRCC Website
To register or sign up, Go to the official IRCC website. Click on the “Continue to GCKey” button when prompted to log in.
Step 2: New User Registration
If you’re new to GCKey, select “Sign up” under “Simple Secure Access.”
If you already have an account, you can simply log in.
Step 3: Accept the Terms and Conditions
After clicking “Sign up,” you’ll be directed to the Terms and Conditions page.
Click “I accept” to proceed.
Step 4: Create Your Username
Choose a username with a minimum of 8 characters. You can use upper/lower case letters, French characters, digits, and special characters.
Remember to keep your username safe and avoid sharing it.
Step 5: Set a Strong Password
Once you have chosen your username, you need to choose a strong password.
Your password must be 8 to 16 characters long. Include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, and one digit.
Ensure your password doesn’t contain 3 or more consecutive characters from your username.
Keep your password secure and don’t share it with anyone.
Step 6: Recovery Questions and Answers
Create recovery questions, answers, and hints to help you if you forget your password.
Answers must contain at least three characters without special characters (like %, #, @.)
Hints should also have at least three characters and can include letters, numbers, and specific punctuation like apostrophe (‘), comma (,), dash (-), period (.), and question mark (?).
Remember your answers and hints for future reference.
Step 7: Optional Account Recovery
You have the option to add an email for account recovery. This step is optional and can be done later.
Once completed, your GCKey is ready to use.
After creating the GCKey Account, you can submit your application online for Canadian immigration or visa using your username, password, and security questions.
Why is a GCKey Important?
A GCKey is essential for accessing and applying for various Canadian immigration and visa programs online. Here’s why you should create one:
- Security: It ensures secure access to government services, protecting your personal information.
- Convenience: It simplifies the application process, allowing you to complete forms and submit documents digitally.
- Accessibility: With it, you can access your application status and receive updates online, saving time and effort.
Read More: IRCC’s New Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication takes Effect
Conclusion
Now that you have your GCKey, you’re all set to submit your online application for Canadian immigration or a visa. Simply log in with your username and password, and answer your security questions if needed.
Creating a GCKey is an essential step in your journey to Canada, and with these straightforward instructions, you’ll be well-prepared to start your application process hassle-free.
Good luck with your Canadian immigration or visa application!
Stay Updated with +1 News about the Latest IRCC and Canada Immigration News & Updates
