20.02.2025
Express Entry Canada PR: List of Documents Required and Translation Requirements
Apply for permanent residence via Express Entry? See the list of documents required for immigration. Submit your application with the required certificates.
Applying for Canada’s permanent residence through Express Entry requires more than meeting the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) threshold. Express Entry is an online immigration system administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), applicants must submit a complete and accurate set of supporting documents within a prescribed deadline.
Proper document preparation is critical. If the required documents are missing, expired, unclear, inconsistent with the information in the Express Entry profile, or submitted without meeting IRCC's format and translation requirements, applications may be denied or returned. IRCC mandates that documents not written in English or French must include certified translations. Not following these regulations can lead to delays or refusal, regardless of an applicant’s eligibility or CRS score.
This article provides a factual overview of the documents required for Express Entry Canada permanent residence, along with the official translation requirements established by IRCC. It explains which documents you need, when you need translations, and how to ensure your documents are in the proper format to support a complete and correct application.
Prepare your Express Entry document package, including passports, birth certificates, police certificates, and education credentials, in line with IRCC translation requirements for Canadian permanent residence. I help ensure that each document is complete, valid, and properly formatted for submission after you receive an Invitation to Apply. Contact me for a quote.
Proper document preparation is critical. If the required documents are missing, expired, unclear, inconsistent with the information in the Express Entry profile, or submitted without meeting IRCC's format and translation requirements, applications may be denied or returned. IRCC mandates that documents not written in English or French must include certified translations. Not following these regulations can lead to delays or refusal, regardless of an applicant’s eligibility or CRS score.
This article provides a factual overview of the documents required for Express Entry Canada permanent residence, along with the official translation requirements established by IRCC. It explains which documents you need, when you need translations, and how to ensure your documents are in the proper format to support a complete and correct application.
Prepare your Express Entry document package, including passports, birth certificates, police certificates, and education credentials, in line with IRCC translation requirements for Canadian permanent residence. I help ensure that each document is complete, valid, and properly formatted for submission after you receive an Invitation to Apply. Contact me for a quote.
List of Documents Required to Apply for Express Entry Canada PR
After you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires the necessary documents that confirm the information in your Express Entry profile for immigration purposes. These documents are used to assess eligibility under a Canadian immigration program and determine whether you meet the requirements to become a permanent resident of Canada. Each document category serves a specific role in the immigration process, whether you are applying within Canada or outside Canada.
The most commonly required documents include the following categories.
The most commonly required documents include the following categories.
Identity and Civil Status Documents
A valid passport or travel document is mandatory for all applicants applying for Canadian permanent residency through the application process. Depending on your personal situation, IRCC may require documents that confirm family relationships, marital status, or legal separation. These documents are required for Canada PR and must be included when you submit an application for permanent residence.
Common documents include:
Common documents include:
- Passports or travel documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees or death certificates, if applicable
Language Test Results
Official results from IRCC-approved English or French language tests must be submitted and must still be valid at the time of application. Language results are required to meet the requirements of the immigration program you are applying to, including the skilled worker program, and directly affect your ranking in the Express Entry pool before you are invited to apply.
Education Documents
Foreign education must be supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). These documents confirm education claims made when immigrating to Canada and help establish eligibility under a qualifying pathway to permanent residence.
Education documents may include:
Education documents may include:
- Diplomas or degrees
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports
- Academic transcripts, if requested
- Proofs of Canadian education, if studies were completed within Canada
Proof of Work Experience
Employer reference letters are required to verify your job title, duties, employment dates, and hours worked. These records support skilled work experience claims in your immigration application for permanent residency in Canada, particularly for applicants under the Skilled Worker Program.
Proof of Funds
Most applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada. This requirement applies unless you are exempt, such as applicants with a valid job offer or those holding a work permit. Proof of funds supports eligibility for Canadian permanent residence.
Police Certificates
Police certificates are required for countries where you lived for six months or more, whether outside Canada or inside Canada. These documents are reviewed under Canadian immigration law and help determine admissibility for residency.
Medical Examination
You must have an Immigration Medical Exam performed by an approved IRCC panel physician. When you apply online, the results must be valid. IRCC needs them before they can finish your permanent residence application or issue a visa.
Biometrics
Fingerprints and a photo are required for most applicants and are submitted after IRCC issues biometric instructions. Biometrics support identity verification and remain on file for future applications, including issuance of a permanent resident card.
These documents are what IRCC primarily utilizes to make its decision. If your records are missing, outdated, or wrong, it could take longer to process or even be denied, even if you meet all the other requirements.
These documents are what IRCC primarily utilizes to make its decision. If your records are missing, outdated, or wrong, it could take longer to process or even be denied, even if you meet all the other requirements.
Additional Documents That May Be Required for the Applicant
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Documents
In case you would like to have a spouse or common-law partner added to your Express Entry application, the IRCC requires evidence of the status of their identity and your relationship. These records can be useful in establishing the family composition and can alter the eligibility points. The immigration consultant can recommend that you provide further evidence.
Documents that are often needed include:
Documents that are often needed include:
- Government-issued identity documents
- Proof of marriage or common-law relationship
- Education documents and language test results, if applicable
Accompanying Family Members
For dependent children, IRCC requires documents that confirm their identity and your legal responsibility for them. These records are used to verify that children meet the definition of dependents. Required documents may include:
- Birth certificates
- Custody agreements, if parents are separated or divorced
- Adoption records, if applicable
Other Supporting Documents
Depending on your situation, IRCC may request additional documents to support your application. These documents must align with official PDF forms from Canada.ca and support claims made during the application process.
Examples include:
Examples include:
- Provincial nomination certificates from a Canadian province or territory
- Proof of your relationship to a relative in Canada, if you’re claiming points for that
Translation Requirements for Express Entry Documents
When Translation Is Required
If a document is not written in English or French, IRCC requires a complete translation. You must upload all of the following together:
- The original document
- The full translation
- A translator’s affidavit, unless completed by a certified translator
What Makes a Translation Acceptable to IRCC
To be accepted, a translation must meet IRCC standards:
- A certified translator must complete it, or
- An affidavit must be provided if the translator is not certified
Common Documents That Require Translation
Documents that often require translation include:
If you need IRCC-compliant certified translations, I provide certified translations that meet official immigration standards, including proper formatting and required affidavits. This helps reduce processing delays, refusals, and repeat submissions. Contact me for a quote.
- Civil status documents
- Police certificates
- Education and employment records
If you need IRCC-compliant certified translations, I provide certified translations that meet official immigration standards, including proper formatting and required affidavits. This helps reduce processing delays, refusals, and repeat submissions. Contact me for a quote.
How to Upload and Format Documents in Your Express Entry Application
After you receive an ITA, IRCC provides a personalized checklist in your online account. You can only upload the documents that are listed as part of your application through Express Entry.
Key upload rules include:
When translation is required, the original document, the certified translation, and the affidavit must be combined into a single file. Correct formatting helps ensure your immigration application for permanent residency in Canada is reviewed without unnecessary delays.
Key upload rules include:
- Files must meet IRCC size and format requirements
- Scans must be clear, complete, and legible
- All pages must be included with no missing information
When translation is required, the original document, the certified translation, and the affidavit must be combined into a single file. Correct formatting helps ensure your immigration application for permanent residency in Canada is reviewed without unnecessary delays.
When You Need to Submit Your Application for an Express Entry Profile
You do not submit supporting documents when creating an Express Entry profile. At this stage, you only provide personal and background information, such as work history, education, and language test results. Documents are required only after you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Once an ITA has been issued, applicants have 60 days to submit their complete application with all required documentation. This deadline is very strict. Applications that are missing information or incomplete may be denied or allowed to expire.
Early preparation is strongly recommended because:
Preparing documents in advance helps ensure the application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
Once an ITA has been issued, applicants have 60 days to submit their complete application with all required documentation. This deadline is very strict. Applications that are missing information or incomplete may be denied or allowed to expire.
Early preparation is strongly recommended because:
- Some documents, such as police certificates, can take weeks or months to obtain
- Medical exams must generally be completed before submitting the application
- Documents not in English or French must be translated according to IRCC standards
- Errors or missing files leave a limited time for correction before the deadline
Preparing documents in advance helps ensure the application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
Common Document Mistakes That Delay or Refuse Applications
Many applications are delayed or refused due to avoidable errors.
Common mistakes include:
Other frequent issues involve:
Careful review before submission helps reduce delays or refusals during the immigration process.
Common mistakes include:
- Missing or incorrect translations
- Incomplete work reference letters
Other frequent issues involve:
- Expired language test results, police certificates, or medical exams
- Inconsistencies between documents and Express Entry profile details
Careful review before submission helps reduce delays or refusals during the immigration process.
Prepare Your Express Entry Residency Documents and Translations with Ease
To apply for residency through Express Entry, you have to follow strict IRCC guidelines for documents and translations. Even small mistakes can cause delays or refusals. Common problems that affect eligible applicants are missing records, incorrect formatting, or translations that don't meet the requirements. I help make sure that your documents are correct, properly translated, and ready to be submitted.
I can assist you in submitting a complete and accurate PR application the first time by helping you understand when certified translations are required and by preparing IRCC-compliant translations and properly combined files. Contact me today to get a quote and move forward with confidence.
I can assist you in submitting a complete and accurate PR application the first time by helping you understand when certified translations are required and by preparing IRCC-compliant translations and properly combined files. Contact me today to get a quote and move forward with confidence.
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