Canada's Express Entry system is the primary pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers. Since its launch in 2015, Express Entry has processed hundreds of thousands of PR applications and remains one of the world's most efficient points-based immigration systems. But between creating your profile and receiving your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), you must assemble a substantial package of documents.
This guide covers every document required for a complete Express Entry PR application — including which forms to use, what officers look for, and which documents have expiry dates that can invalidate your application if missed. The core application forms are IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada) and IMM 5669 (Schedule A — Background/Declaration), along with a number of supporting schedules.
Step 1: Express Entry Profile Documents
Before you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must create an Express Entry profile with accurate information. The documents below are needed to correctly fill in your profile — and you must have them ready before you can claim the CRS points they represent.
Profile-Stage Documents
- Valid passport (must be valid when you submit your profile and at time of PR decision)
- Language test results: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, or TEF Canada / TCF Canada
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization (e.g., WES, IQAS)
- Employment records supporting your NOC code claim
- Provincial Nomination Certificate (if applying for PNP stream)
- Valid job offer letter (if claiming CRS points for a job offer)
Step 2: Language Tests (IELTS / CELPIP / TEF)
Language is worth up to 280 CRS points for a single applicant and is the single most impactful factor in your score. IRCC accepts three tests for English (IELTS General Training or CELPIP General) and two for French (TEF Canada or TCF Canada). Scores must be less than 2 years old when you submit your permanent residence application.
Language Test Score Requirements
- IELTS General Training — all four bands reported (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
- CELPIP General — all four components (valid for 2 years)
- TEF Canada (for French) — Compréhension de l'écrit, Expression écrite, Compréhension de l'oral, Expression orale
- TCF Canada (for French) — equivalent band scores submitted
- Both English AND French tests can be included to claim bilingual bonus points (up to 50 CRS)
Step 3: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you earned your education outside Canada, you must submit an ECA from a IRCC-designated organization. The most widely used is World Education Services (WES). The ECA confirms that your foreign degree is equivalent to a Canadian credential, which determines your education CRS points.
ECA Documents Required
- ECA report from WES, IQAS, ICES, CES, PEBC, or other designated organization
- Official transcripts sent directly from your institution to the ECA organization
- Certified translations of transcripts if not in English or French
- Degree/diploma certificates (official notarized copies)
- ECA reference number (entered in your Express Entry profile)
Step 4: Work Experience Documentation
Your skilled work experience must match an eligible NOC (National Occupational Classification) category under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Each job entry in your Express Entry profile must be documented with sufficient evidence that you performed the duties described in the NOC lead statement.
Employment Evidence for Each Job
- Reference letter on employer letterhead: dates of employment, position held, hours per week, main duties
- Pay stubs or salary deposit records
- T4 slips or Notice of Assessment (for Canadian work experience)
- Contracts of employment
- CRA My Account printout (for Canadian experience class applicants)
- Proof of self-employment: business registration, tax returns, client contracts
Step 5: Police Certificates
You must provide a police certificate from every country you have lived in for 6 or more cumulative months since the age of 18. Police certificates vary significantly by country — some are instant, others take months. Start this process early.
Police Certificate Requirements
- Police certificate from your country of citizenship (regardless of how long you lived there)
- Police certificate from every country you lived in for 6+ months since age 18
- Certificates must be less than 3 months old when you submit your PR application
- Certified translation into English or French if issued in another language
- Canadian police check (RCMP clearance) if you have lived in Canada
Step 6: Medical Examination
All PR applicants must complete an immigration medical examination (IME) with an IRCC-designated panel physician. You receive an IME instruction letter after submitting your application — do NOT get the exam done before receiving this letter. Results are valid for 12 months and are submitted electronically by the physician.
Step 7: After Receiving Your ITA
Once IRCC issues you an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit a complete application. Missing this deadline means you must re-enter the pool. Here are the remaining documents you'll need after receiving an ITA:
Post-ITA Document Package
- IMM 0008 — Generic Application Form for Canada
- IMM 5669 — Schedule A: Background / Declaration
- IMM 5406 — Additional Family Information
- IMM 5562 — Supplementary Information: Your Travels
- All supporting documents listed above (passport, language, ECA, employment, police)
- Two passport-style photographs per applicant
- Proof of funds (not required if you have a valid job offer in Canada)
- Processing fee: CAD $1,365 per principal applicant + CAD $1,365 per accompanying spouse + CAD $230 per dependent child
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $575 per adult (can be paid after approval-in-principle)
NOC Codes and the 2021 NOC System
In November 2022, IRCC transitioned from the 2016 NOC system (skill levels 0/A/B/C/D) to the 2021 NOC system using TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories 0–5. Express Entry now accepts TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 occupations. When documenting your work experience, ensure you are using the correct 5-digit 2021 NOC code.
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