Documents & Records
C.I.4 Certificate
Basics
The C.I.4 was an identifying document, issued to indicate Chinese immigrants at all Customs ports. The form described an individual (with name, photo, physical description, and other data). It also declared an immigrant's intention to remain in Canada, his destination, and whether or not he was liable to pay head tax. C.I.5 certificates were issued based on C.I.4 certificates. The C.I.4 was in use from 1885-1949.
Finding the Records
There are no collections of C.I.4 certificates. Individual Chinese immigration case files held by Library and Archives Canada contain some examples. However, access to these files is restricted by law. For more details see the full archival inventory description of the Chinese immigration case files on the Library and Archives Canada website.
Photo banner: Detail from VPL Historical Photograph 78362
