Express Entry
Document ChecklistExpress Entry Document Checklist — What You Need to Apply
Complete document checklist for a Express Entry application, organized by category. 20 items typically required, though specific files may need additional documentation based on country of origin, prior applications, and individual circumstances.
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Before you start gathering documents
This checklist is a baseline. Every immigration file has specific quirks — prior visa history, multi-country residence, document availability from the source country, and program-specific requirements. The documents below cover most files; book a free consultation to confirm what your specific case needs.
Identity & status
- Passport (all pages, including blank)Must be valid at AOR; extend if expiring within 12 months.
- National identity card (where applicable)E.g. CNIC Pakistan, Aadhaar/PAN India, NIN Nigeria.
- Birth certificateLong-form; certified translation if not in English/French.
- Marriage certificate (if married)Civil registry document; certified translation as above.
- Divorce decree (if previously married)All prior marriages and divorces must be documented.
Education
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)From WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES, or CES — valid for 5 years.
- Degree certificates (all post-secondary)Originals or certified copies.
- Transcripts (all post-secondary)From issuing institution direct to ECA organization.
Language
- IELTS General Training / CELPIP-General / TEF / TCF resultsValid for 2 years from test date.
Work experience
- Reference letters from every employer claimedMust match NOC duty statements; signed by HR or supervisor with company contact details.
- Pay stubs (most recent 6+ months) per employerDemonstrates ongoing employment.
- Employment contractsConfirms job title, NOC duties, start/end dates, hours, salary.
- Tax records or T4 equivalentsFBR returns (Pakistan), Form 16 (India), NBR (Bangladesh), W-2 (US), P60 (UK), etc.
Family
- Birth certificates of all children (whether accompanying or not)All children must be declared.
- Adoption decrees (if applicable)Court-issued or registered.
- Spouse's identity and travel documentsIf spouse accompanies, all spouse-side documents apply.
Police & criminality
- Police certificates from every country lived in 6+ months since age 18Many countries have specific issuance procedures; some take 4–12 weeks.
Medical & biometrics
- Immigration medical exam (upfront medical)Performed by IRCC panel physician; valid 12 months from exam date.
- Biometrics confirmationSubmit at IRCC VAC after biometrics instruction letter.
Financial
- Proof of settlement funds (FSW only)Required unless you have a valid Canadian job offer. Currently CAD $14,690+ for a single applicant; family-size dependent.
Frequently asked questions — Express Entry documents
What does a strong Express Entry work-experience reference letter look like?
A strong reference letter is on company letterhead, signed by HR or an authorized supervisor with their full name, title, and direct contact details. It states the position, NOC code (with TEER level), start and end dates, full/part-time status with weekly hours, salary, and — most critically — the actual duties performed, paraphrased or quoted from the NOC 2021 'main duties' statements. It is supported by pay stubs, tax records, and the employment contract. Reference letters that don't match NOC duty statements are a leading cause of Express Entry refusals.
Do I need police certificates from every country I've visited?
No — only from countries where you have lived 6+ months at any address since age 18. Short tourist or business trips don't trigger the requirement. Each police certificate must show your full legal name, address history covering the relevant period, and 'no record' status. Specific procurement processes vary by country and some take 2–12 weeks; start these early.
What if I can't get a transcript from my university in time?
Transcripts for the ECA must be sent directly from the university to the ECA organization (WES, ICAS, IQAS, etc.) — they cannot pass through you. For universities in countries with slow document procurement (Pakistan, Nigeria, certain Indian institutions), start the request 6–12 weeks before you need the ECA. Some ECA organizations offer 'document-by-document' service that doesn't require transcripts in specific cases.
Build your personalized Express Entry checklist
Use our Document Checklist tool to build a personalized list based on your country of residence, family situation, and prior application history.