About the Forms

Software for using fillable forms

To download, view, and complete forms, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader® version 9.1, or later. You can get software free from the Adobe® website, which also offers customer support.

Completing fillable forms

Along with the information provided here, you can consult the Adobe Acrobat Reader® online guides. Look under "Help" in the Adobe Acrobat Reader toolbar on your desktop.

Navigating within a form

Enter the appropriate data in each box, which is also known as a field. Using the Tab key to move from one box to the next will help ensure that you do not accidentally skip over any required fields. You can also use your cursor by positioning it over the field you want to fill out, and then click on it.

Additional help within a form

Please read the help information carefully. It can be accessed on some forms by clicking on the following buttons:

•  "About" provides additional information about this form and its purpose.
•  "Help" or "?" provides information on how to fill out a specific section or field in the form.
•  "Reset" will remove all data and bring up a blank form.

Some forms use a hyperlinked button or text to represent a link to a corresponding publication (guides, etc.).

Changing your data

To replace data you have already entered in a field, use the Tab key to go to the desired field or double click within the field. This selects the existing data, which you can then adjust or replace.

Check boxes

Some forms contain boxes to be checked off. Use the Tab key to go to the correct box and select it using the enter key, or place your cursor over the box and click. A check mark should then appear in that box.

Forms that perform calculations

Some forms perform calculations based on the amounts you enter. For instance, when you enter data in two fields that are to be added together, the form automatically calculates the total and inserts it in the appropriate field.

Specific fields

Dates: Unless otherwise specified on an individual form, all dates must be entered in the international date format: YYYY-MM-DD (for example, 2001-01-03 means January 3, 2001).

Dollar amounts: For dollar amounts that include cents, decimal points must be entered manually. If you do not manually enter a decimal point, the system will automatically insert one after the final digit you entered.

Signatures: A form that requires a signature must be signed by hand after you have completed and printed it. The system will not let you enter any electronic data in the signature field.

Printing forms

Before printing, check the form's page size. Some of them must be printed on legal-sized paper (8.5" x 14"). Check the box titled "Choose paper source by PDF page size" in the File/Print window to ensure the printer uses appropriate paper size when printing.

Submitting forms

After you have entered and verified the data on your fillable form, print it and manually sign the form, if applicable. You may choose to keep a record of it by making a photocopy.

Before submitting an electronic form you must save a copy: File/Save (for forms deemed to be savable).

Support

Contact CIDA's Service Desk at 819-994-1904 or helpdesk@acdi-cida.gc.ca