Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) through the Express Entry system is a significant milestone in your immigration journey. However, to maintain your eligibility and ensure a smooth application process, it’s crucial to submit a complete application within the 60-day deadline. This article outlines the mandatory documents required for a complete PR application, the reasons Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requests each document, and associated costs.
Mandatory Documents for All Applicants
Upon receiving an ITA, you must provide the following documents:
- Valid Passport or Travel Document
- Confirms your identity and nationality.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your application.
- Language Test Results
- Proves your proficiency in English or French.
- Accepted tests include IELTS, CELPIP (for English), and TEF (for French).
- Note: Test results are valid for two years from the test date.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report
- Validates the equivalency of your foreign education to Canadian standards.
- Required if you completed post-secondary education outside Canada and wish to claim points for education.
- Proof of Work Experience
- Demonstrates your professional background and eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- Acceptable documents include reference letters from employers detailing job titles, duties, employment dates, and salary.
- Police Certificates
- Ensures you have no criminal record.
- Required from each country or territory where you have lived for six or more consecutive months in the past 10 years.
- Medical Examination
- Assesses your health to determine if you pose a risk to public health or safety in Canada.
- Applicants will be instructed by IRCC when to undergo this examination.
- Photographs
- Recent passport-sized photos of yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Must meet IRCC’s specified photo requirements.
Additional Documents Based on Personal Circumstances
Depending on your specific situation, you may also need to provide:
- Proof of Funds
- Demonstrates your ability to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
- The required amount varies based on family size.
- Marriage Certificate or Proof of Common-Law Union
- Validates your marital status.
- Required if you are married or in a common-law relationship.
- Divorce or Separation Documents
- Necessary if you are divorced or legally separated.
- Includes divorce certificates or legal separation agreements.
- Death Certificate
- Required if your spouse or common-law partner is deceased.
- Adoption Certificate
- Validates the legal adoption of a dependent child.
- Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476)
- If you have appointed a representative to handle your application.
- Proof of Relationship to a Relative in Canada
- Supports claims for additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Digital Photos
- Required for biometric purposes.
- Other Names
- To confirm identity and screen for fraud concerns.
Also Read: Luxembourg Work Visa Reforms for Skilled Professionals
Translation and Certification Requirements
All documents not in English or French must be:
- Accompanied by a certified English or French translation.
- Stamped by a certified translator or accompanied by an affidavit from the translator.
- Include a scanned copy of the original document or a certified photocopy.
A certified translator is a member in good standing of a professional translation association in Canada or abroad. Their certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number.
Biometrics Requirement
Applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) as part of their application. You will receive a biometric instruction letter from IRCC, and you must complete the biometrics process within 30 days of receiving the letter.
Associated Costs
While some documents may be obtained at no cost, others involve fees:
- Language Tests
- IELTS: Approximately CAD $308–$332.
- CELPIP: Approximately CAD $290.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Between CAD $220–$260.
- Police Certificates
- Varies by country, typically between CAD $25–$75.
- Medical Examination
- Typically CAD $150–$200, depending on the healthcare provider and age of the applicant.
- Biometrics Fee
- Individual: CAD $85.
- Family (maximum of 2): CAD $170.
- Group of 3 or more performing artists and their staff: CAD $255.
Consequences of Incomplete Applications
Failure to submit a complete application within the 60-day window can result in the expiration of your ITA. If your ITA expires, you must re-enter the Express Entry pool and await a new invitation. Therefore, it’s imperative to prepare all necessary documents promptly to avoid delays and potential rejection.
