Express Entry Document Checklist

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry, you have 60 days to submit a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 reason for refusal — and you can't add documents after submission, only respond to officer requests.

This checklist covers documents needed for the eAPR. Build your file before your ITA arrives — once it's issued, the 60-day clock is unforgiving.

Required documents

Identity

Valid passport (all family members) Required

Valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended landing date. Submit all pages with stamps/visas for each family member.
Digital photos (all family members) Required

IRCC specs: 35mm × 45mm. One for each family member listed on the application.
Birth certificates (all family members) Required

Government-issued long-form birth certificates with parent names. Certified English/French translations required.
Marriage certificate (if married) Optional

Issued by competent authority in country of marriage. Required even if spouse is non-accompanying.
Divorce certificate(s) / death certificate Optional

For any previous marriages — required for both you and your accompanying spouse.

Education

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Required

Required for foreign-educated principal applicants. Issued by WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES, CES, or MCC. Must be less than 5 years old at submission.
Educational certificates & transcripts Required

Originals + certified translations for ALL post-secondary credentials claimed in your profile. Include diploma + complete transcripts.

Work Experience

Employment reference letters Required

For every job claimed in your profile (past 10 years). Must be on company letterhead and include: dates, position, NOC-aligned duties, hours/week, salary, supervisor contact.
Pay stubs & tax documents Optional

T4s (Canadian employment), recent pay stubs, employment contracts. Strengthens reference letters and proves the dates/income claimed.
Work permits & Canadian status documents Optional

Current and past Canadian work permits, study permits, COPRs. Required for CEC applicants and PNP/EE candidates with Canadian experience.

Language

Valid language test results Required

IELTS General, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada. Must be less than 2 years old at submission. Required for principal applicant; spouse points need spouse test too.

Financial

Proof of funds Required

Bank letter + 6 months of statements. Must meet IRCC minimum for family size (CAD $14,690 for 1 person, scaled up). NOT required for CEC if currently working in Canada.

Background

Police certificates Required

From every country lived in for 6+ months consecutively since age 18. Must be issued within 6 months of eAPR submission. The slowest document to obtain — start early.
Upfront medical exam (IME) Required

Required for all family members (accompanying and non-accompanying). Use IRCC panel physician. Valid for 12 months from exam date.
Biometrics (after AOR) Required

CAD $85 per person, CAD $170 per family. Required if not given in past 10 years. Scheduled after Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).

Supporting

Schedule A — Background/Declaration Required

IMM 5669. Lists all addresses for past 10 years, all jobs/education with dates, family information. Inconsistencies vs. resume cause refusal.

Provincial

Provincial nomination certificate Optional

For PNP-enhanced Express Entry candidates only. Original nomination letter from the province.
Job offer documentation (if applicable) Optional

For arranged employment points: LMIA, employment contract, employer compliance documents.

Express Entry eAPR pitfalls

NOC mismatches — reference letter duties don't align with the claimed NOC code
Missing months — gaps in employment history not explained
Outdated police certificates — must be issued within 6 months of submission
Wrong proof of funds — must show minimum settlement funds for your family size (CEC applicants don't need this if currently working in Canada)
Misrepresentation — even unintentional inaccuracies trigger a 5-year ban

Get a free pre-ITA file review — we'll prepare your documents so you're ready to submit on day one of your 60-day window.

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Express Entry Document Checklist

Required documents

Express Entry eAPR pitfalls

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