Express Entry Document Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Get an ITA
After an Express Entry invitation, you have only 60 days to submit a complete application. Prepare the slow documents before you're invited: a valid language test, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education is from outside Canada, detailed work reference letters, police certificates, proof of funds (if required), and civil documents such as birth and marriage certificates. Leave the medical exam until after your ITA.
The checklist
| Document | Get it… | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Now | Renew it if it expires within 6 months of applying |
| Language test results | Before your profile | Must be less than 2 years old when you apply |
| Educational Credential Assessment | Before your profile | Needed for foreign education (required for FSW); valid 5 years |
| Work reference letters | Now | From every employer you claim experience with |
| Police certificates | Start early | From each country where you lived 6 months or more since age 18; some take months |
| Proof of funds | Now, keep updating | FSW and FST only, unless you're authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer |
| Birth certificates | Now | For dependent children |
| Marriage certificate or proof of common-law | Now | If you declare a spouse or partner |
| Provincial nomination or job offer | If you have one | Match the details in your profile |
| Medical exam | After the ITA | Get it close to when you apply; don't book more than one appointment |
What a strong reference letter includes
- Company letterhead, address, phone and email
- Signature and name of a manager or HR contact
- Your job title(s) and exact dates of employment
- Your main duties, matching your NOC
- Hours per week and your salary or wage
The duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties of your NOC, in your own employer's words. Copying the NOC word for word can raise questions.
Proof of funds amounts
| Family members | Funds required |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional | $4,112 |
Use official letters from each bank or financial institution, on letterhead. Canadian Experience Class candidates don't need proof of funds.
Translations
Documents not in English or French need a translation by a certified translator, or an affidavit from the translator if certified translation isn't possible. Allow time for this.
Common mistakes we see
- Waiting for the ITA to request police certificates. Some countries take months.
- Vague reference letters without hours, salary or duties.
- Language results that expire before you submit.
- Funds that drop below the minimum between your profile and application.
- Getting a medical too early, so it expires before PR is granted.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to submit my application after an Express Entry ITA?
60 days. Your invitation is valid for 60 days only.
What documents do I need for Express Entry?
Usually a passport, language test results, an ECA for foreign education, work reference letters, police certificates, proof of funds if required, civil documents and a medical exam.
When should I get police certificates?
Start early, before your ITA if possible. You'll need them from each country where you lived 6 months or more since age 18, and some take months.
Do I need proof of funds for Express Entry?
Only for the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs, unless you're authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. CEC candidates don't need it.
When should I do my immigration medical exam?
After your ITA, as close as possible to when you apply, so it stays valid until you get PR.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's Express Entry: Documents, Proof of funds and Apply for permanent residence through Express Entry pages (all last modified October 16, 2026). Your personalized checklist in your IRCC account is the final word. Verified November 8, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
Book a consultation · hello@gradlifecanada.ca