Canadian Immigration Document Checklist
AUG 31, 2021
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NICKY VAN ZYL
The stack of documents needed for an immigration application is one of the main reasons why Canadian immigration applicants choose to enlist the help of immigration agencies. Knowing where and how to find the documents are not always clear. Not to mention the very specific order of collection to ensure that the documents don’t expire by the time you submit your application.
Luckily, we’ve created a Canadian Immigration Document Checklist that includes the most commonly requested documents from Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada. Bonus: We also explain what each document entails, why it’s needed and where you can find it!
Immigration Documents Checklist
Mandatory Immigration Documents: What Are They?
No matter which immigration program you qualify for and end up applying for, there are five documents that you will be required to submit along with your PR visa application. The Canadian authorities would consider applications submitted without these documents as incomplete and reject them. Let’s take a closer look at the document details below:
1. The Medical Examination Confirmation
Purpose
To assess the health of the applicant and the applicant’s family members. People suffering from diseases, medical conditions, or psychiatric conditions that require hospitalization and continual medical care are usually considered inadmissible to Canada after the medical examination.
Who needs it?
- The principal applicant;
- Their spouse or common-law partner; and
- Their dependent children, including non-accompanying
Where to find it?
You can get your immigration medical examination in your home country or any country of your choice. The most important condition for the exam would be that the doctor conducting your physical examination must be a panel physician. Find a panel physician near you here.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a medical examination for immigration purposes is determined by your age. It can cost $140 for children between the ages of 0-14 and $170 for those aged 15-74 and $240 for elderly applicants aged 75 and up.
2. Police Certificates (PCs)
Purpose
To determine whether the applicant or the applicant’s family members have criminal records or pose a security risk to Canada. Keep in mind that a police certificate takes 10 to 14 working days before its issued but expires in six months.
Who needs it?
- The principal applicant;
- Their spouse or common-law partner; and
- Their dependent children, including non-accompanying
Where to find it?
You can visit your nearest police station to submit an application for a police certificate.
How much does it cost?
A police clearance certificate application costs approximately $18 but differs from country to country.
3. The Copy of Passport / Travel Document Bio Data Page
Purpose
For confirming the identity of the individuals concerned. The applicants must submit clear and legible copies of the biodata page.
Who needs it?
- The principal applicant;
- Their spouse or common-law partner; and
- Their dependent children, including non-accompanying
4. The Proof of Work Experience
Purpose
To verify each work experience claim and to validate that the applicant meets the program requirements. It’s important that the applicant chooses a NOC code that matches their work experience otherwise the application will be refused or returned. The most important factors to check are the lead statement, and the duties and responsibilities listed. The authorities require a letter of reference or experience from the applicant's employer. This should be an official document printed on the company letterhead and it must contain the following information:
- The applicant’s name;
- The company’s contact information i.e. the address, the telephone number, and the e-mail address
- The details of the immediate supervisor or the personnel officer at the company i.e. the name, title, and signature
- The job title
- The job duties and responsibilities
- The job status (if it is the current job)
- The dates worked for the company
- The number of work hours per week; and
- The annual salary plus benefits
Who needs it?
- The principal applicant; and
- Their spouse or common-law partner
5. The Proof of Funds
Purpose
To confirm whether the applicant can settle in Canada as assessed by the amount of money they hold in comparison to the number of people in the applicant’s family. The applicant would need to provide official letters from financial institutions that list all current bank and investment accounts as well as outstanding debts from credit cards and loans.
| How much money you’ll need | |
|---|---|
| Number of family members | Funds required (in Canadian dollars) |
| 1 | $13,213 |
| 2 | $16,449 |
| 3 | $20,222 |
| 4 | $24,553 |
| 5 | $27,847 |
| 6 | $31,407 |
| 7 | $34,967 |
| For each additional family member | $3,560 |
Who needs it?
- The principal applicant
FAQS About Canada's Immigration Documents
1. How long does it take to process Canada immigration applications?
How long it takes to process a Canadian PR visa application depends entirely on the immigration program the applicant applies through. Two of the fastest immigration programs are the Express Entry immigration system and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot with six months of processing. The average time is approximately 12 months.
2. What is a biometric immigration document?
You may be required to give biometrics (fingerprints and photos) if you apply for permanent residence. If you gave biometrics in the last 10 years for a temporary visa then you don’t have to give them again. You can give your biometrics at a biometrics collection point near you.
3. What is an immigration document number?
There is a difference between your application number and your document number. Application number or file number refers to a number unique to the application you have submitted. For example, E123456789 for economic immigration. A document number, on the other hand, is a number attached to a document that you must fill out. As you may receive numerous documents from IRCC, you may also have various document numbers in hand.
4. What is the Use of Representative [IMM 5476} immigration document?
You need to fill out the Use of Representative [IMM 5476} form if you are enlisting the professional help of an immigration consultant or lawyer to handle the immigration application process on your behalf. It’s important to note that your immigration consultant must be a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.
5. How do you take a language proficiency test for Canadian immigration?
You will be required to include your English or French language test results with your immigration application.
You can begin to choose from a list of approved English or French language tests and book an appointment to write the test at a center near you. The test assesses your English or French proficiency on a scale from one to nine in four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will be assigned a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level based on your language results. Each immigration program has a minimum CLB level required for applicants to be eligible to apply.
Digital Visa Dashboard: Submit Your Immigration Application With Ease
MDC Canada helps you complete your immigration application affordably, and conveniently through an easy-to-use Digital Visa Dashboard. You’ll receive an immigration document checklist and get a review of all documents by a dedicated case officer.
We are a recognized immigration agency situated in Vancouver. We simplify the process and optimize your chances of success. Simply, click on the button below to get started with an in- depth eligibility assessment.