Maple News reports: If you’ve received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Canada’s Express Entry system, you’re one major step closer to securing permanent residency. However, responding to your ITA requires careful preparation—especially when it comes to submitting the correct documents within the 60-day deadline.
Failing to submit a complete application for permanent residence (PR) on time will result in the expiration of your ITA. Should that happen, you’d need to re-enter the Express Entry pool and await another invitation, which can significantly delay your immigration journey.
To avoid that setback, it’s crucial to understand the documents required and begin collecting them as early as possible. Many documents take time and money to obtain, including background checks, medical exams, and assessments from authorized institutions.
Here’s a breakdown of the standard documents most Express Entry candidates need:
– A valid passport
– Birth certificate
– Recent language test results (e.g., IELTS or CELPIP), only if your previous results have expired
– Up-to-date Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports, if the older ones are no longer valid
– Proof of work experience (reference letters, contracts, pay stubs)
– Police clearance certificates from each country you’ve lived in for six or more months since age 18
– Passport-style photographs of you and any accompanying family members
Depending on your Express Entry profile, additional documents may also be required:
– Official academic transcripts
– Proof of settlement funds (bank statements, official letters)
– Receipt for an immigration medical exam (to be completed after IRCC instructs you to do so)
– Marriage, divorce, or death certificates, where applicable
– Certificate of qualification for skilled trades (issued by a Canadian province or territory)
– Additional documentation such as income tax returns, employment contracts, or pay stubs may also be requested
Maple News emphasizes that each document serves a specific purpose in verifying your qualifications, work experience, admissibility, and family relationships. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officers use these materials to collectively assess your eligibility for PR, so accuracy and completeness are key.
To increase your chances of a smooth process, begin gathering these documents as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool—and keep track of expiration dates for items like ECAs and language tests. Being proactive not only helps you meet deadlines but also minimizes stress when the ITA finally arrives.
For those preparing for the next steps in their Canadian immigration journey, having a clear understanding of required documentation is half the battle. Maple News will continue to guide you through the complexities of the Express Entry system.