Express Entry PR Application — Document Checklist 2025–2026
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit a complete PR application. This checklist covers every document IRCC requires — missing or incorrect documents are the most common reason for refusals and delays.
1Identity & Travel Documents
Must be valid for your expected PR landing date. Include ALL pages including blank pages.
Official document from your country of birth with translation if not in English or French
Required if sponsoring a spouse. Must be translated and notarized if not in English/French.
Required for adopted children included in application
2Language Test Results
Must be from an approved testing organization. Results must be less than 2 years old at time of application.
3Education & Credentials
Must be from a IRCC-designated organization (WES, IQAS, ICES, etc.). Required for degrees obtained outside Canada.
For each credential claimed. Official transcripts from each institution.
ECA not required for Canadian credentials — use official transcripts directly
4Work Experience
One per employer. Must be on company letterhead, signed, with: job title, dates of employment, hours/week, salary, duties listed in detail.
Proof of self-employment and income
Reference letter must explicitly list duties that match your NOC code description
5Proof of Funds
All accounts combined must meet IRCC settlement fund minimums
Official bank letter confirming current balance. Not required if you have a valid job offer in Canada.
6Police Clearance Certificates
Must be less than 6 months old at time of submission
7Medical Examination
Book with an IRCC-designated Panel Physician. Valid for 12 months.
Results go directly from physician to IRCC — you do not need to submit them separately
8Job Offer (if applicable)
Required only if claiming job offer CRS points (+50 or +200 pts). Must meet NOC TEER 0/1/2/3 requirements.
Required for job offer bonus points unless LMIA-exempt category
9Provincial Nomination (if applicable)
Issued by the province. Upload to Express Entry profile to receive +600 CRS points and an ITA.
💡 RCIC Pro Tips
- 1.You have exactly 60 days from your ITA date to submit — do not wait until day 59. Start gathering documents the day you receive your ITA.
- 2.Employment reference letters are the most common reason for application delays or refusals. Each letter MUST list specific job duties that match your NOC code description.
- 3.Get your medical exam done within the first 2 weeks of receiving your ITA — physician results can take 5–10 days to process.
- 4.Police clearance certificates must be less than 6 months old at time of submission — request them early as some countries take 4–8 weeks.
- 5.Proof of funds is NOT required if you have a valid LMIA-backed Canadian job offer or are a current authorized worker in Canada.
- 6.All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation AND the original document.
- 7.Upload clear, legible scans — blurry or cut-off documents will trigger an IRCC request for resubmission, delaying your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a document in my Express Entry application?
IRCC may issue a procedural fairness letter requesting the missing document, which extends your processing time. In some cases, a missing document can result in a refusal. A licensed RCIC reviews every application before submission to catch missing documents.
Does my spouse/partner need to provide all documents too?
Yes. If your spouse or common-law partner is included in your Express Entry application, they must provide their own passport, language test results (if claiming points for them), police clearances, and medical exam.
How do I get an employment reference letter if my employer is overseas?
Request a letter on company letterhead from your HR department or direct manager. It must include: your name, job title, dates of employment, salary, hours per week, and a detailed description of duties. If your employer refuses to provide one, alternatives like pay stubs, T4s, and contracts may help — discuss this with your RCIC.
This checklist was prepared by licensed RCICs at Visa Master Canada and is updated regularly. It is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements at ircc.canada.ca. Individual circumstances vary — consult a licensed RCIC for advice specific to your case.
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Also see: All checklists · Processing times · Express Entry draws