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Documents Required For PR through Express Entry

Updated: Jun 17

Congratulations on choosing Express Entry as your path to Canadian permanent residency! To ensure a smooth application process, meticulous document preparation is essential. This guide serves as your one-stop resource, outlining the necessary documentation for each stage of Express Entry.


Documents Required to Create an Express Entry Profile

While uploading documents isn't required for profile creation, having the following information readily available will expedite the process:


  1. Valid Passport or Travel Document

  2. Language Test Results (English or French)

  3. Proof of Education (Canadian diploma/certificate or ECA for foreign education)

  4. Provincial Nomination (Optional)

  5. Written Job Offer from a Canadian Employer (Optional)

  6. Proof of Work Experience

  7. Certificate of Qualification (For Canadian Trade Applicants)

  8. Proof of Funds


Documents Required post-ITA

In the case that you received an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for PR, here are major documents typically required to proceed with submitting a PR application:

  1. Education certificates and transcripts : Required for all education that awarded your points in the express entry system

  2. Settlement Funds or Proof of Funds : It is important to have financial documents to support your required Proof of funds, Learn More about proof of Funds requirements here

  3. Work experience reference - This letter should include a clear description of your job roles ( NOC 0, 1, 2, 3 is required for Express entry. Learn more abour choosing your NOC here The Work Reference letter should ; Be on company letterhead with the following information:

    1. Job title,

    2. Start date and end date,

    3. Hours worked,

    4. Detailed description of your duties,

    5. Salaries and benefits paid,

    6. Contact details of the referee or manager signing this letter,

    7. Proof of salary payment.

  4. Police Certificate for every country you (or a family member) stayed in during the last 10 years for 6 months or more in a row

  5. Medical Examination:If you have completed one if the last 5years, you can include it or wait for IRCC to request you complete one.

  6. Immigration Documents from country of residence

  7. Valid Passport and Travel Document: A valid passport is required for all applicants

  8. Digital Photos: Required for all applicants ( Size for PR)

9. Birth Certificates: This is required for accompanying dependents on the application (For Dependents)

10. Use of a Representative Form ( If you're utilizing the services of a representative)

11. Marital Status Documents (Marriage certificate, common-law union form, divorce certificate, legal separation agreement, or death certificate)

12. Adoption Certificate (For Adopted Dependents)


Additional Documentation

The following documents are only necessary if specifically requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

  1. Proof of Relationship to a Canadian Relative: Provide documentation demonstrating a familial connection to a Canadian resident, if applicable.

  2. Digital Photographs: Submit digital photos that meet IRCC specifications for identification purposes.

  3. Proof of Aliases: If you've ever used nicknames or alternative names, documentation is required.

  4. Authorization to Release Personal Information: This form grants permission to IRCC to share your application information with designated individuals.

  5. Other Supporting Documentation: Do you have any documents that bolster your application's strength? Feel free to submit them for IRCC's consideration.


These list of documents provides you a guide on what is typically expected. There may be additional documents generated in the portal based on your unique circumstances.


What is Express Entry?

The Express Entry provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers in Canada or overseas.


Types of Express Entry Draws

We have three types of express entry draws with the category-based draws being the newest.


1. General rounds of invitations: In general rounds of invitations, the focus is on inviting top-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool who are eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs. These programs include

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program: The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) offers a compelling pathway to permanent residency in Canada for skilled professionals with international experience. This program prioritizes your skills and work experience, streamlining the immigration process for those seeking to establish themselves in the dynamic Canadian workforce.

  •  Federal Skilled Trades Program: The Canadian Government's Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers a streamlined immigration path for qualified tradespeople seeking permanent residency in Canada. This program recognizes the valuable skills and experience that skilled trades bring to the Canadian workforce.

  • Canadian Experience Class: The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) offers a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled professionals who have gained a minimum of three years experience working in Canada and aspire to permanent residency.


2. Provincial Nominations Draws (PNP): These are draws that invite candidates who have received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. These candidates receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.


3. Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds of invitations target candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For instance, if a round of invitations is specifically designated for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), only candidates who meet the criteria for the PNP will be invited to apply for permanent residence.


4. Category-based rounds of invitations: Under this approach, categories are established to address a specific labour market or economic need in Canada. The highest-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for the identified category will be invited to apply for permanent residence.


Category-based selection invitations will focus on the following candidates:

  • French language proficiency

  • Healthcare

  • Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions

  • Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors

  • Transport

  • Agriculture and agri-food



Received An ITA?

Applying for Permanent Residence through Express Entry can be a complicated process. Make sure that all information in your application is accurate and up-to-date. Let our team of licensed and experienced consultants work with you as you finalise your applications. Email Ask@infoplacecanada.ca for assistance.


When In doubt, schedule a Permanent residence Consultation with one of our Licensed and Experienced Immigration consultants.

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