Canada PR Documents Checklist 2026: Everything You Need for Express Entry

A missing document is the most common cause of Express Entry application delays and refusals. Once you receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply), you have 60 days to submit a complete application — there are no extensions. This checklist covers every document IRCC requires, with tips on how to obtain them correctly from India.

Identity Documents

• Valid passport — must be valid for at least the expected processing period + 1 year. If expiring soon, renew before applying
• National Identity Card (Aadhaar, PAN) — optional but useful for identity verification
• Marriage certificate — if married, needed for spouse's inclusion; must be notarised and in English or with certified translation
• Birth certificate — for children; must be in English or translated
• Name change documents — gazette notification, affidavit, or court order if name differs from any document

Education Documents

• WES / IQAS / ICAS ECA report — Educational Credential Assessment (allow 8–12 weeks)
• All degree / diploma certificates — original and copy
• All semester mark sheets / transcripts
• Medium of instruction letter from university (confirming English medium)
• For PhD holders: thesis title page and supervisor letter (some officers request this)

Language Test Results

• IELTS General Training or Academic results (or CELPIP, TEF Canada, TCF Canada)
• Results must be less than 2 years old at time of application submission (not ITA)
• Minimum CLB 7 for FSW; aim for CLB 9 for maximum CRS points
• If your spouse is included, their language test results are also required

Employment / Work Experience Documents

• Reference letter from each employer — on company letterhead, signed by HR/supervisor, stating job title, dates, salary, hours, and duties matching the NOC description
• Appointment/offer letters from each employer
• Pay slips (last 3–6 months per employer, or a representative sample)
• Form 16 / salary slips / bank statement showing salary credits
• Self-employment: business registration, client contracts, CA-certified income proof

Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)

• India PCC — from Regional Passport Office (RPO); apply through Passport Seva portal; allow 4–6 weeks
• UAE PCC (INTERPOL UAE) — if you lived/worked in UAE
• Saudi Arabia PCC — Ministry of Interior; available through Saudi Embassy in India
• UK ACRO Criminal Records Office — for those who studied/worked in UK
• All PCCs must typically be less than 3 months old at submission date

Medical Exam

• Upfront medical exam (strongly recommended) — done before ITA, submitted with application
• Must be performed by an IRCC-authorised panel physician (find at ircc.canada.ca)
• Medical results are valid for 12 months from exam date
• Disclose all medical history honestly — concealment is grounds for inadmissibility
• Include vaccinations if required for your destination (TB, COVID vaccination history)

Proof of Funds (If No Canadian Job Offer)

• 6 months of bank statements from all accounts (savings, current, FD)
• Bank letter confirming account balances and history on bank letterhead
• Investment/mutual fund statements (converted to CAD equivalent)
• Funds must be liquid and available — home equity or pending property sales do NOT count

We review every client's document package before submission. A single missing or incorrect document in a 60-day window can cost you your ITA — there are no extensions.