Gathering the right documents is the most time-consuming part of the Express Entry process. This complete checklist organizes everything you need — from language tests before you create your profile, to police certificates and medical exams after your ITA.
Documents Needed Before Creating Your Profile
These are the foundation documents you need before you can even submit your Express Entry profile with accurate information.
Passport: Valid passport covering your most recent travel history. If you have had multiple passports, keep the old ones — you will need them later to account for all countries visited.
Language Test Results: Official results from IELTS General Training or CELPIP (English), or TEF Canada / TCF Canada (French). Results must be from a test taken within two years of your Express Entry profile submission. The test must be from IRCC's list of approved tests — no other language certificates are accepted.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Required if any of your education (diploma, degree, or certificate) was completed outside Canada. Designate organizations include WES, IQAS, ICES, PEBC, CGFNS, and others depending on your credential type. ECA processing typically takes 5-20 business days for basic evaluations, longer for document verification. Start this early.
Employment Records: For each position you list, have ready: employer name and full address, job title, start and end dates, weekly hours, and a clear description of your main duties matching your claimed NOC code.
Documents Needed After Receiving an ITA
Once you have an ITA, you have 60 days to gather and upload all of the following.
Passport Photos: Two photos meeting IRCC's exact specifications (dimensions, background color, head size, and no glasses). Many pharmacies and photo studios in Canada know the IRCC specifications — bring the official spec sheet to avoid rejections.
Police Certificates: From every country where you have lived for six or more months since age 18. For Canada, this is an RCMP criminal record check (take your fingerprints to an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting service). For your home country and other countries of residence, check IRCC's country-specific instructions. Processing times range from a few days (many countries have online systems) to six to eight weeks for countries with manual processes. Start these on day one after your ITA.
Medical Exam: Book with an IRCC-designated panel physician as soon as possible after your ITA. Bring your passport and inform them you are applying for immigration. The physician submits results directly to IRCC. Medical exams are valid for 12 months. The cost is typically $200-$350 CAD per adult, less for children.
Employment Reference Letters: On company letterhead, signed and dated by a supervisor or HR representative. Must include: your full name, job title, dates of employment, hours per week, annual salary, and a description of your main duties. IRCC compares these letters against your claimed NOC code duties — ensure they align.
Proof of Settlement Funds: Recent bank statements (covering the last three to six months) showing sufficient funds. The statements should clearly show your name, account number, and current balance. For multiple accounts, include all of them. Funds in investment accounts, RRSPs, or non-liquid assets generally do not count unless they can be quickly liquidated.
Education Documents: Copies of diplomas, degrees, and official transcripts if requested. Your ECA report (already obtained for your profile). If your credential was earned in Canada, copies of your Canadian diploma or degree.
Biometrics: If you have not given biometrics in the last 10 years for a Canadian immigration application, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter after submitting your application. You must give fingerprints and a photo at a Service Canada location or VAC (visa application center) abroad. Allow 1-2 weeks for clearance after giving biometrics.
Additional Documents for Specific Situations
If you have a spouse or common-law partner: their passport, language test results (if they scored points), their ECA (if applicable), marriage certificate (and translation if not in English or French), common-law statutory declaration and supporting proof of cohabitation (lease agreements, joint accounts, etc.).
If you have dependent children: birth certificates, custody documents (if applicable), adoption papers (if applicable), and medical exam results for each child included in the application.
If you have a job offer: the employer's offer letter meeting IRCC's requirements, and LMIA documentation or exemption proof.