Receiving an ITA(Invitation to Apply) through the Express Entry program is a significant step in your Canadian immigration process. However, this success comes with the responsibility of submitting a comprehensive and timely application.
Knowing the document requirement, their purpose, and associated costs is important to have a hassle-free and successful application process.
In this article, we will give you complete information regarding the documents needed to respond to an ITA, which will assist you in preparing well. But, before proceeding further, let us learn about the Express Entry system.
Understanding the Express Entry System
Canada's Express Entry is an Internet-based application management system utilised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process permanent resident applications from foreign skilled workers.
Candidates submit an online profile and are ranked via the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on age, education, working experience, and language ability. IRCC regularly holds draws in which it issues invitations to top-ranked candidates under the Comprehensive Ranking System scores to apply for permanent residence.
When they receive an ITA, the candidates have 60 days to file a complete application, including all required documents.
Documents required for Canada permanent residence application
When you respond to an invitation to apply, you are required to gather and submit various documents to verify that the information provided in the Express Entry program application is correct.
This paper also confirms that your professional and academic credentials match the Express Entry. Below is the documentation required after you have been sent an Invitation to apply.
Valid Passport
Official identification and proof of nationality. Post a clear, scanned copy of your current passport's biographical page. Make sure that your passport does not expire in the application period to prevent any inconvenience.
Birth Certificate
Verify your date and place of birth. Include a copy of your birth certificate. If the document is not in English or French, include a certified translation.
Language Test Results
Indicates your proficiency in English and/or French, which is a core component of the CRS. The following tests are accepted:
- English: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program).
- French: TCF (Test de connaissance du français) or TEF (Test d'évaluation de français).
Make sure your test results are valid (less than two years old) when you submit your application. If your past results have expired, you will have to retake the test.
Associated Costs:
- CELPIP: Around CAD 290 plus taxes.
- IELTS: CAD 308 to CAD 332 plus taxes.
- TEF: Around CAD 390 plus taxes.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Evaluates the equivalency of your foreign educational credentials to Canadian standards. You require an ECA if you received your education outside Canada. Organizations such as the World Education Services (WES) conduct this evaluation. Ensure your ECA report is not older than five years when you submit your application.
Costs Associated: Vary by service provider but typically range from CAD 200 to CAD 300.
Proof of Work Experience
Verifies your work experience and skill experience. Under this, you are required to include detailed reference letters from past employers, such as:
- Job title and responsibilities.
- Employment period.
- Number of working hours per week.
- Compensation and benefits.
Supporting documents like pay stubs, agreements, and tax records can further support your work experience.
Police Clearance Certificates
To make sure you have no criminal record that will render you inadmissible to Canada. Obtain police certificates from all the countries you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18. These should be current and typically issued within the past six months before submission.
Associated Costs: The cost varies by country but is typically between CAD 25 and CAD 75.
Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
It confirms that you comply with the health standards set by Canadian immigration authorities.
Obtain a medical exam by an IRCC-certified panel physician. While IRCC advises waiting until instructed to do so before taking the IME, scheduling it as soon as possible after receiving an ITA can avoid delays.
Associated Costs: Generally between CAD 150 and CAD 200, depending on the medical practitioner and location.
Proof of Settlement Funds
Confirm you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself and any accompanying family members upon your arrival in Canada.
Provide official bank statements or letters indicating account balances and transaction history for the past six months. The amount varies by family size and is adjusted annually by the IRCC.
Photographs
For identification purposes throughout the application process. Provide regulation-sized photos of yourself and any traveling family members with you. Make sure the images are IRCC specifications for size, background, and quality.
Related Costs: Generally CAD 10 to CAD 20, depending on the photography service.
Conclusion
The Express Entry (ITA) scheme of Canada is an online system for the permanent resident application of foreign skilled workers. Applicants create profiles according to age, education, work experience, and language skills.
Once they receive an ITA, they must complete the application within 60 days, which includes a valid passport, birth certificate, language test results, ECA, proof of work experience, police clearance certificates, immigration medical exam, proof of settlement funds, and photos.
For more details about the complete document checklist, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com