You've got an Invitation to apply under Canada's Express Entry system now, so congratulations are in order, but time slips away quickly. You've got 60 days left to submit a pretty thorough application for permanent residence. Submitting correct documents swiftly during this phase becomes incredibly crucial.
A minor error possibly causing your ITA expiration forces a restart of the entire Express Entry process. You're probably wondering what documents are required for responding to an ITA via Express Entry.
This guide essentially covers all necessary documents you will need for submission, their purpose, and who exactly must submit them. Navigating your profile after an ITA or applying via Express Entry PR somehow requires thorough preparation that this guide provides.
What Documents Are Required to Respond to an ITA?
To successfully respond to your Express Entry ITA, you'll need a mix of mandatory and situation-specific documents. Below is a comprehensive list of what you should gather before submitting your PR application.
Mandatory Documents for All Express Entry PR Applicants:
| Document | Purpose | Who Submits |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | To confirm identity | All applicants |
| Language Test Results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF) | To prove English/French proficiency | Principal applicant & spouse (if applicable) |
| ECA (Education Credential Assessment) | To validate foreign education | Principal applicant |
| Police Clearance Certificates | To check criminal history | All adults over 18 |
| Digital Photos | For identity confirmation | All applicants |
| Medical Exam Receipt | To ensure admissibility | All applicants (15-75 years) |
Additional Documents Based on Your Situation:
| Document | Purpose | Who Submits |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Confirm identity of dependents | Dependent children |
| Marriage Certificate | Prove legal relationship | Married applicants |
| Divorce/Death Certificate | Prove prior marital status | If applicable |
| Proof of Funds | Show financial eligibility | Principal applicant |
| Work Experience Docs | Prove claimed employment | Principal applicant |
| Job Offer Letter | Validate arranged employment | Principal applicant |
| Post-Secondary Transcripts | Confirm education | If points claimed |
| Certificate of Qualification | Prove skilled trade certification | If applicable |
Typical Costs for Required Documents
| Document | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| IELTS | $308–$332 + tax |
| CELPIP | $290 + tax |
| TEF / TCF (French) | $390 + tax |
| Medical Exam | $150–$200 |
| Police Certificate | $25–$75 (varies by country) |
| Photos | $10–$20 |
| ECA (WES, ICAS, etc.) | $220–$260 |
| Post-Secondary Transcripts | Varies |
These costs can add up, so planning is essential when responding to your Canada Express Entry invitation.
Why Does IRCC Ask for These Documents?
Each document has a clear purpose. Here’s a breakdown of what they’re used for:
Document Purpose Table
| Document | IRCC Purpose |
|---|---|
| Language Test | Confirm language proficiency |
| Medical Exam | Assess medical admissibility |
| Police Certificate | Evaluate security risks |
| Work Experience | Verify job history and eligibility |
| ECA | Validate foreign education |
| Passport | Establish identity |
| Photos | Match physical identity |
| Proof of Funds | Confirm financial self-sufficiency |
What Happens If You Don’t Submit All Documents?
- Your PR application may be declared incomplete.
- You may lose your ITA if you fail to submit within 60 days.
- You’ll have to restart your Express Entry profile, delaying your path to permanent residency.
Submitting the correct documents is not optional—it’s a requirement. Avoid delays or refusals by staying organized.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting expired language test or ECA reports
- Missing police certificates for countries lived in for over 6 months
- Uploading incomplete work experience letters
- Forgetting to include marriage or birth certificates
- Skipping the proof of funds if applying under FSWP or FSTP
Tips to Respond to Your ITA Smoothly
- Start early—60 days go fast
- Check expiry dates on tests and assessments
- Book medical exams only after the IRCC instructs you
- Keep digital copies of all documents
- Double-check uploads before submission
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You Respond to Your ITA
Navigating your Canada Express Entry PR journey doesn’t have to be confusing. Visa Solutions 4u provides expert guidance to help you respond to your ITA efficiently and accurately. Here’s how we help:
- Review your Express Entry profile for completeness
- Assist with gathering and verifying all required documents
- Help schedule language tests and medical exams
- Provide templates for work experience letters
- Keep track of deadlines and updates from IRCC
- Submit your full Express Entry PR application on time
Whether you’re responding to an ITA for the first time or need to reapply due to expired documents, our immigration professionals are here to help you succeed.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready Before You Get Invited
The Express Entry system happens to be Canada's fast route to permanent residence, relies heavily on speedy submission and meticulous detail. Submission of required papers alongside your initial application virtually guarantees swift progression through various bureaucratic hurdles. Stay prepared and get expert support if necessary under various circumstances. Correctly responding to your Canada Express Entry invitation marks a crucial leap forward in forging life north of the US border.
