This accession consists of four files of obsolete, superseded and cancelled blank forms used in the Immigration process from at least 1949 (in the Department of Mines and Resources) to 1981 (Employment and Immigration Canada). These forms were originally drafted in what is now the Program Guidelines Division (Program Coordination Directorate, Planning and Program Management Branch, Immigration Group, EIC) and its predecessors, who are also responsible for the Immigration Manuals (see RG 76 series XII). When withdrawn from use, the forms were sometimes annotated with information on new or parellel versions, and were then filed for reference.
Not included are forms currently in use as of July 1986 or forms withdrawn after that date. There are also numerous gaps in the collection; for example, there are no examples of superseded early versions of the frequently-used O.S.8 (Overseas Application) and IMM.1000 (Landing Records) forms, which have been frequently amended since their introduction in 1952.
The collection is in three parts: the IMM forms (including IMM.O.S. forms) from IMM.O.S. 16 to IMM.1345 in numerical order (files 1-4); a small number of departmental (M & I) forms relating to immigration administration and finance (box 4); and a small number of TEMP (temporary) forms (box 4). Some forms exist in several successive editions or versions, many of which are dated. Those not dated may be placed approximately according to the identity of the Department on the letterhead.
Topics covered include all stages of the Immigration process (applications, processing, medical and security examinations, form letters of information to individuals, letterheads and other stationery, etc.). The blank statistical report forms are of interest in the study of EDP and statistical Immigration data. There are numerous form letters, information sheets and diagrams which give substantial information on Immigration policy and procedures.
