An official form is a document produced by a government, ministry, or organization, identified by a specific name or number (for example "IMM 5409", "FO-0351", or "SJ-1139"). It has a fixed layout, predefined fields, and often a declaration under oath built directly into the form.
A personalized declaration, by contrast, is text drafted to fit a specific situation or set of facts, when no official form exists for that particular case — for example to explain a discrepancy between two documents, attest to a period of residence, or confirm a gift of money.
How do I know if my document has an official form?
Three signs usually settle it:
- The receiving organization gave you (or is asking you to find) a document identified by a specific name or number — that's an official form.
- The instructions for your process explicitly name a form ("please attach form IMM 5409") — use that form, don't recreate it.
- No instructions mention a specific form, but the organization still requires a declaration under oath or a solemn affirmation about the facts — that's a personalized declaration.
When in doubt, always check directly with the receiving organization: only it can confirm whether a specific form exists for your situation.
Can I use the generator to recreate an official form like FO-0351 or IMM 5409?
No. When an official form exists, it must be filled out as-is — an organization will generally not accept a personalized declaration in its place, even if it covers the same information. The declaration generator is only for situations where no official form is provided.
What the generator (and Assermentation Express) can still do in both cases: receive your oath or solemn affirmation remotely, whether on an already-completed official form or on a personalized declaration.
Part 1 — You have an official form to fill out
Here are the main categories of official forms that include a declaration under oath or a solemn affirmation, with examples and detailed guides:
- Immigration and citizenship (federal) — 16 common forms from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and other federal departments (declarations of common-law union, family relationship, etc.).
- Educational childcare services (Québec) — FO-0350, FO-0351, FO-0352, FO-0353, depending on your residence situation or role.
- Student financial assistance (Québec) — form 1076, Solemn Declaration.
- Justice Québec — SJ-1139, SJ-1098, SJ-1102, SJ-857-04, SJ-1197, SJ-1233A, depending on the nature of your proceeding.
- Land Register — Declaration of family residence.
- Health and housing — attestation requests from the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales (care for a child, lease termination for violence).
See the full list of documents and forms, organized by situation
Each guide shows where to download the official form and how to have it sworn online, without recreating it.
Part 2 — You need to draft a declaration, but no official form exists
If your situation doesn't match any official form, you can draft a personalized declaration: a general declaration under oath, a solemn affirmation, a statement of residence, a statement explaining a discrepancy in information, a statement of a lost or stolen document, a statement of gift, of family relationship, of an unemployment period, of filiation, and several others.
The declaration generator walks you through a short form, then produces a document ready to be sworn — as a PDF or Word file, directly in your browser.
What if I don't know which type of document to prepare?
Check first with the organization making the request: it decides whether a specific form is required. If it can't tell you, or your situation is unusual, a general personalized declaration (declaration under oath or solemn affirmation) covers most common needs.
Assermentation Express
Assermentation Express is not a government website. This service does not determine whether an official form is required in your situation, nor does it replace the verification carried out by the receiving organization — always check its requirements before booking.