What Documents Do You Need to Respond to an ITA through Express Entry?

If you’ve received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Canada’s Express Entry system—congrats! You're one step closer to becoming a permanent resident. However, this invitation also gives you 60 days to submit a complete and accurate electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR), and we cannot stress enough how crucial it is to prepare the right documents in this given time.

Failure to provide accurate or complete documentation within this timeframe may result in procedural fairness letters (PFLs), rejection of the application, or inadmissibility findings. Therefore, meticulous document preparation is critical. This guide will help you with preparation. However, since each case file is different there could be some more or less documents required by you.

For personalized legal support or to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact our office. We're here to guide you through every legal step of your Express Entry application.

📑 Essential Documents Checklist

1. Valid Passport or Travel Document

• Purpose: Establishes the applicant’s identity, nationality, and citizenship.

• Applicability: Mandatory for all principal applicants and accompanying dependents.

• Legal Note: The travel document must be valid at the time of submission and, ideally, remain valid until the conclusion of the application process.

Tip: Make sure it's valid for at least six months beyond your planned landing date in Canada.

2. Language Proficiency Test Results

• Purpose: Verifies compliance with Minimum Language Proficiency Requirements under either the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.

• Accepted Tests:

• CELPIP – General (English)

• IELTS – General Training (English)

• TEF Canada / TCF Canada (French)

• Validity: Must be valid (not older than two years) on the date of eAPR submission.
  

3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report

• Purpose: Confirms the equivalency of foreign educational credentials to Canadian standards as per Regulated Designated Organizations (e.g., WES, ICES, IQAS).

• Required For: Applicants educated outside Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker stream or those claiming CRS points for education.

4. Proof of Qualifying Work Experience

• Purpose: Substantiates skilled work experience under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.

• Requirements:

• Reference letters on official letterhead

• Signature of authorized personnel

• Detailed job duties aligning with primary NOC code

Note: Self-employment or freelance work requires supplementary evidence (e.g., invoices, contracts, and proof of income).

5. Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs)

• Purpose: Assesses admissibility under Section 36 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) – Criminal inadmissibility.

• Who Must Submit:

• Principal applicant and all family members aged 18+

• For all countries where they have resided for 6+ consecutive months since age 18

Validity: PCCs must be issued no more than six months prior to eAPR submission.

6. Upfront Medical Examination

• Purpose: Assesses medical admissibility under Section 38 of IRPA.

• Required For: All applicants and dependents, regardless of accompanying status.

• Conducted By: IRCC-approved Panel Physicians

• Validity: Typically valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
  

7. Proof of Settlement Funds

• Purpose: Demonstrates the applicant’s ability to establish economically in Canada.

• Required For: Applicants without a valid arranged employment offer or provincial nomination.

• Evidence May Include: Exemption: Applicants applying under the Canadian Experience Class or with a valid job offer are exempt from this requirement.
  

• Official bank letters

• Certified bank statements over a 6-month period

• Mutual funds, GICs, or investment statements

8. Photographic Evidence

• Purpose: Used for biometrics and permanent resident documentation.

• Specifications: Must meet IRCC’s digital photograph criteria (e.g., dimensions, background, clarity).

• Applicability: All applicants.
  

9. Supplementary Documentation (If Applicable)

• Based on personal circumstances, IRCC may request the following:

• Civil Status Documents: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate

• Adoption Records

• Custody Documents for Minor Children

• Certificate of Qualification in Skilled Trades

• Provincial Nomination Certificate

• Offer of Employment (with LMIA if applicable)
  

🖋️ Compliance Considerations

• Translations: All non-English/French documents must be accompanied by certified translations, including an affidavit from the translator and a copy of the original document.

• Biometric Requirements: Biometrics are generally required unless previously submitted in the last 10 years in support of a visa, permit, or permanent residency application.

• Submission Format: All documentation must be uploaded in acceptable digital formats through the IRCC online portal; original hard copies are not required at this stage but may be requested later for verification.

✅ Final Thoughts

Responding to an ITA is a huge milestone, but preparation is everything. Start gathering your documents as early as possible—even before you receive an ITA—so you are ready to submit an accurate, stress-free application.

The Express Entry process is a highly regulated immigration pathway governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations (IRPR). As such, any inaccuracies or omissions during the document submission stage can jeopardize the entire application.

If you’re unsure about any document or need help reviewing your application, consider consulting a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

Need help navigating Express Entry? Get in touch—we’re here to support your journey to Canada!