Canada Express Entry Required Documents Checklist
Submitting a complete and properly prepared application is one of the most critical stages of the Canada Express Entry process. After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates are required to upload a full set of supporting documents within a limited timeframe. Any missing, inconsistent, or incorrectly prepared document can lead to processing delays or even refusal.
The required documentation serves two main purposes: confirming eligibility under the selected immigration program and verifying admissibility to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carefully reviews identity records, education credentials, language test results, employment history, medical examinations, and background checks before making a final decision.
Because documentation requirements may vary depending on factors such as the chosen program (FSW, CEC, or FST), family composition, country of residence, and work history, it is essential to understand exactly what must be submitted — and how each document should be prepared.
Below is a complete Express Entry document checklist outlining each required document, key conditions, and important preparation guidelines.
Express Entry Financial Proof
Proof of funds requirements vary based on the total size of your family, including both accompanying and non-accompanying members. If you are invited to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must provide official written proof that you meet the minimum settlement fund requirement.
Funds must be available both at the time you submit your application and when IRCC issues your permanent resident visa.
You must obtain an official letter from your financial institution. The letter must be printed on official letterhead and include:
your name
bank contact information
all account numbers
the date each account was opened
current account balances
average balance over the past 6 months
details of any outstanding debts (such as loans or credit cards)
You must have legal access to the funds. Borrowed money cannot be used as proof of settlement funds, and property equity is not accepted. If applying with a spouse, funds held in a joint account may be counted. Funds held in your spouse’s individual account may also be used if you can demonstrate legal access.
| Number of Family Members | Financial Proof Amount (CAD) 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $$36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| For each additional person | $4,112 |
Language Test
An approved language test is mandatory for the principal applicant. A spouse may also submit a language test to earn additional CRS points.
IRCC accepts the following language tests:
English
CELPIP General
IELTS General Training (IELTS Academic and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted)
PTE Core
French
TEF Canada
TCF Canada
Language results must be less than two years old at the time you submit your application.
Minimum language levels depend on the immigration program:
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): Minimum CLB 7 (or NCLC 7) in all four abilities
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
TEER 0 or 1: CLB/NCLC 7
TEER 2 or 3: CLB/NCLC 5
Federal Skilled Trades (FST):
Speaking & Listening: CLB/NCLC 5
Reading & Writing: CLB/NCLC 4
Language proficiency is converted to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French.
Identification Documents
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must upload identity and civil status documents for yourself and all accompanying family members.
These typically include:
Valid passport (clear copies of the bio-data page and all pages with stamps, visas, or markings)
Birth certificate (for principal applicant, spouse, and dependent children)
Marriage certificate (if married)
Divorce certificate or legal separation document (if applicable)
Death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)
Adoption records (if applicable)
Recent digital photos that meet IRCC specifications
All documents must be clear, legible, and valid at the time of submission.
Documents for Claiming Points for a Relative in Canada
If you claimed CRS points for having a sibling in Canada, you must provide:
Proof of your relationship (such as birth certificates showing at least one common parent)
Proof of the sibling’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status (passport, PR card, or citizenship certificate)
Proof that the sibling is currently residing in Canada (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, tax document)
The sibling must be at least 18 years old and living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident at the time your application is assessed.
Educational Credentials
If you completed your education outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an organization approved by IRCC in order to:
meet eligibility requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (if applicable), and/or
claim CRS points for foreign education
You must submit copies of your diplomas or degrees along with transcripts.
If your spouse has completed education outside Canada and you wish to claim CRS points for their education, they must also obtain a separate ECA report.
An ECA confirms that your foreign credential is valid and equivalent to a Canadian educational standard.
ECA reports are generally valid for five years from the date of issue.
Criminal Record Certificate
A police certificate is required for the principal applicant, their spouse or common-law partner, and any dependent children aged 18 or older.
You must provide a police certificate from:
Every country where you have lived for six consecutive months or more
Since the age of 18
For your current country of residence, the police certificate must be issued after your last period of residence and must generally be recent at the time you submit your permanent residence application.
For countries where you previously lived, the certificate must have been issued after your last stay in that country.
Police certificates must be issued by the official government authority responsible for criminal record checks in that country.
Failure to provide a valid police certificate may result in delays or refusal of the application.
Medical Examination Documents
All permanent residence applicants must complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME).
This includes:
The principal applicant
Their spouse or common-law partner
All dependent children (whether accompanying or not)
The medical exam must be performed by a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Medical exams completed by non-authorized doctors will not be accepted.
The purpose of the examination is to determine whether the applicant:
poses a risk to public health or public safety, or
may place an excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services system.
Medical results are generally valid for 12 months from the date of examination. You must land in Canada before the medical results expire, otherwise you may be required to undergo a new medical exam.
Applicants are typically instructed to complete the medical exam after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), unless otherwise directed by IRCC.
Employment Documents
To support your claimed work experience, you must provide official reference letters for each qualifying position listed in your Express Entry profile.
Each reference letter must:
Be printed on official company letterhead
Include the company’s full address, telephone number, and contact details
Be signed by a supervisor or authorized HR representative
State your job title
Specify employment dates
Confirm whether the position was full-time or part-time
Indicate the number of hours worked per week
Include your annual salary and benefits
Provide a detailed description of your main duties and responsibilities
Your duties must closely match the lead statement and main responsibilities listed under your selected NOC (TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3).
If you are claiming points for a valid Canadian job offer, you must upload the written job offer letter and any supporting documents required to establish its validity.
Additional Documents for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If applying under the Canadian Experience Class, you should also provide supporting evidence of authorized work in Canada, such as:
T4 tax slips
Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency
Recent pay stubs
Work permits (if applicable)
These documents help confirm that your Canadian work experience was legally obtained and meets program requirements.
Final Notes on Express Entry Document Preparation
Submitting a complete and accurate set of documents is a decisive stage in the Canada Express Entry process. Even candidates with competitive CRS scores may experience delays or refusals if documentation is incomplete, inconsistent, or not aligned with IRCC requirements. Careful preparation, proper formatting, and consistency between declared information and supporting evidence are essential for a smooth assessment.
Before final submission, every document should be reviewed for accuracy, validity, and compliance with official guidelines. For applicants facing complex situations — such as multiple countries of residence, self-employment history, or recent family changes — obtaining professional guidance may help minimize risk and ensure application readiness.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need to submit Express Entry documents?
Supporting documents are only required after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). At that stage, applicants have 60 days to upload all required documents online.
What happens if a document is missing or incorrect?
Incomplete or inaccurate documents may lead to application refusal. In some cases, IRCC may request additional documents, but this is not guaranteed.
Do all documents need to be translated?
Yes. Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by:
A certified translation
A copy of the original document
A translator’s affidavit (if applicable)
How recent must police certificates and medical exams be?
Police certificates must cover all required periods of residence and typically must be issued after the last time you lived in that country. Medical exams are valid for 12 months from the date of examination.
Is proof of funds required for all applicants?
No. Proof of funds is required for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applicants. It is generally not required for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates or those with a valid qualifying job offer.
Can I update documents after submitting my application?
If circumstances change (such as marital status or employment), applicants must inform IRCC immediately. However, uploading new documents after submission is limited and depends on IRCC requests.