🇨🇦
Canada Immigration
Express Entry System
Canada's premier immigration program for skilled workers seeking permanent residence through Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades programs.
6 months
Processing Time
500+ points
Typical CRS Score
Key Benefits
Permanent residence for you and your family
Access to universal healthcare and education
Path to Canadian citizenship after 3 years
Work and study anywhere in Canada
Social benefits and protection
No job offer required (most programs)
Important Notes
- • All documents must be in English or French, or accompanied by certified translations
- • Documents must be current and not expired (check specific validity periods)
- • Provide clear, legible copies - blurry or unclear documents may cause delays
- • Additional documents may be requested by IRCC during processing
Identity & Civil Status Documents
RequiredValid Passport
Current passport with at least 2 years validity remaining. Include all pages, even blank ones.
💡 Ensure passport has sufficient validity and pages for visa stamping. Renew if expiring within 2 years.
Birth Certificate
Official long-form birth certificate showing parents' names and place of birth.
💡 Must be government-issued original or certified copy. Hospital certificates not accepted.
Marriage Certificate
Official marriage certificate if married. Required for spouse inclusion in application.
💡 Religious ceremonies must be legally registered. Include translation if not in English/French.
Divorce Certificate
Final divorce decree if previously married. Required to prove current marital status.
💡 Ensure decree is final and absolute. Separation agreements are not sufficient.
Common-law Relationship Proof
Evidence of cohabitation for at least 12 months if in common-law relationship.
💡 Include joint bank accounts, lease agreements, insurance policies, utility bills in both names.
Educational Documents
RequiredEducational Credential Assessment (ECA)
ECA report from designated organization (WES, ICES, IQAS, etc.) for foreign education.
💡 Choose WES for fastest processing. Ensure your institution is recognized. ECA valid for 5 years.
Official Transcripts
Complete transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
💡 Request transcripts directly from institutions. Sealed envelopes preferred for authenticity.
Diplomas and Degrees
Original or certified copies of all diplomas, degrees, and certificates earned.
💡 Include graduation certificates and professional certifications. Arrange chronologically.
Professional Licenses
Current professional licenses or certifications if in regulated occupation.
💡 Check if your profession is regulated in Canada. May need Canadian equivalency assessment.
Language Proficiency Tests
RequiredIELTS General Training Results
Test Report Form showing scores in all four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
💡 General Training preferred over Academic. Minimum CLB 7 required. Valid for 2 years.
CELPIP General Results
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program test results.
💡 Computer-based test available in Canada and few international locations. Results available quickly.
TEF Canada Results
Test d'évaluation de français adapted for Canadian immigration purposes.
💡 Required for French language claims. Can provide significant CRS points for bilingual candidates.
TCF Canada Results
Test de connaissance du français adapted for Canadian immigration.
💡 Alternative to TEF for French proficiency. Ensure taking Canada-specific version.
Work Experience Documentation
RequiredReference Letters from Employers
Detailed letters on company letterhead describing job duties, dates, salary, and hours worked.
💡 Must include NOC code duties, full-time hours (30+ per week), supervisor contact information.
Employment Contracts
Signed employment contracts or offer letters showing terms and conditions.
💡 Helps verify employment details and salary information. Include any amendments or renewals.
Pay Stubs and T4 Slips
Recent pay stubs and Canadian T4 slips for Canadian work experience claims.
💡 Essential for Canadian Experience Class. Shows legal employment and income reporting.
Job Descriptions
Detailed job descriptions matching NOC code requirements for your occupation.
💡 Helps demonstrate progression and responsibilities. Match with NOC code requirements exactly.
Police Clearance Certificates
RequiredPolice Clearances from All Countries
Clearances from any country where you lived for 6+ months since age 18.
💡 Check processing times early - some countries take months. FBI checks take 12-16 weeks.
Canadian Criminal Record Check
RCMP criminal record check if you have lived in Canada.
💡 Required for Canadian residents/former residents. Can be obtained online through RCMP.
Country-Specific Requirements
Additional clearances as required by specific countries or circumstances.
💡 Some countries have specific procedures or require you to be present to apply.
Medical Examination
RequiredMedical Examination Report
Completed medical exam by designated medical practitioner (DMP) approved by IRCC.
💡 Book appointment only after receiving ITA. Results valid for 1 year. Bring passport and photos.
Chest X-rays
Chest X-rays as part of medical examination for tuberculosis screening.
💡 Required for all applicants. Performed at authorized facilities during medical exam.
Additional Medical Tests
Additional tests if required based on age, country of residence, or medical history.
💡 May include blood tests, HIV screening, or specialist consultations. Follow DMP instructions.
Proof of Funds
RequiredBank Statements (6 months)
6 months of bank statements showing account history and current balance.
💡 Must show consistent balance above required minimum. Avoid large deposits before application.
Bank Letters
Official letters from financial institutions confirming account details and balances.
💡 Should include account opening date, average 6-month balance, and current balance.
Investment Statements
Current statements for stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other liquid investments.
💡 Only liquid investments that can be quickly converted to cash. Get current market valuations.
Proof of Assets
Documentation of assets that can be liquidated for settlement funds.
💡 Include property valuations, vehicle ownership, and other convertible assets.
Additional Supporting Documents
ConditionalProvincial Nomination Certificate
Provincial Nominee Program certificate providing 600 additional CRS points.
💡 Guarantees ITA in next federal draw. Must apply to specific province first.
Canadian Job Offer (LMIA)
Valid job offer supported by Labour Market Impact Assessment.
💡 Must be for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 position. Significantly boosts CRS score.
Canadian Education Credentials
Transcripts and certificates from Canadian educational institutions.
💡 Provides additional CRS points. No ECA required for Canadian education.
Canadian Work Experience Proof
Documentation of skilled work experience gained in Canada.
💡 Provides significant CRS points and may qualify for Canadian Experience Class.
Digital Photos
Digital photos meeting IRCC specifications for all family members.
💡 Must meet specific size and quality requirements. Professional photos recommended.
Proof of Funds Requirements (2024)
| Family Size | Required Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $13,757 |
| 2 people | $17,127 |
| 3 people | $21,055 |
| 4 people | $25,564 |
| 5 people | $28,994 |
| 6 people | $32,700 |
| 7 people | $36,407 |
* Add $3,706 for each additional family member
Quick Actions
Processing Times
Express Entry (Complete Application):6 months
Medical Exam:1-2 weeks
Police Clearance:2-16 weeks
ECA (WES):7 business days