Adobe Version

[I've been asked this question multiple times, so posting solution here]

I can’t open my visa application form in PDF format. What can I do?

Official Link : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=660&top=18

IRCC's immigration forms are XFA-based PDF forms designed in Adobe LiveCycle. These type of forms require minimum Adobe Acrobat 8 to open. Modern-day cellphone apps don't support Adobe PDF versions 8 or above.

Along with that, these PDF forms are policy-protected document which are made "Secured" using Adobe LiveCycle Rights Management.

Chrome's built-in PDF plugin cannot handle XFA-based PDF forms due to its limitations. You must use Adobe Acorbat's plugin. Follow this guide to Open these PDF files directly in Chrome using Adobe Acrobat Reader : https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/acrobat/kb/open-in-acrobat-reader-from-chrome.html

Tested on my Windows 10 PC with following:

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC 2019 (installed)
  • Internet Explorer 11.345.17134 (pre-installed)
  • Microsoft Edge Browser - Version 42.17134.1.0 (pre-installed)
  • Firefox Quantum Browser 62.0.33
  • Chrome Browser 70.0.3538.77

Note1: Only Internet Explorer 11 is able to open forms correctly. It seems to be the ONLY browser using ActiveX plugin straight from Adobe Acrobat Reader's DLL Library Files. That's why it's able to load PDF file right inside IE Browser.

Note2: Other browsers either use simple built-in PDF Viewers which are not using Adobe Acrobat Reader's DLL library files ... or ... have completely disabled support for NPAPI browser extensions.

Note3: Keep in mind that these IRCC forms have been produced in Adobe LiveCycle Designer ES 10.0 and they require minimum Adobe Acrobat Reader 10.0 to view them. Built-in PDF viewers work on Adobe 9 baseline.

Built-in PDF viewer in Chrome and Firefox don't support Adobe Acrobat 10. You need minimum Adobe Acrobat Reader 10.

Firefox Browser:

  1. Make Sure you have installed latest Adobe Acrobat Reader (https://get.adobe.com/reader/)
  2. Open Firefox and go to OPTIONS -> APPLICATIONS
  3. Search for PDF filetype and change 'Action' from 'Preview in Firefox' to either 'Adobe Acrobat Reader' or 'Save File'.

That's it!

Chrome Browser:

(FOR LAZY PEOPLE)

For Chrome, you need to install and enable 'Adobe Acrobat' extension in order to save files or open them directly from browse to Adobe Acrobat Reader:

Guide : https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/open-in-acrobat-reader-from-chrome.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(EASIEST FIX IN CHROME!)

  1. Open Chrome Browser and Go to:
  2. Settings -> Advanced -> Privacy and Security -> Content settings -> PDF documents
  3. Toggle ON the option "Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome".

That's it! Your files will now open in Acrobat Acrobat Reader!