Your IRCC application
Supporting documents
You usually need to include supporting documents (proof) to confirm the information in your application.
On this page:
- Always check your program information to confirm the documents you need
- Documents many applicants need to provide
- Other documents some applicants need to provide
- If you don’t have a document you need for your application
Always check your program information to confirm the documents you need
Each program has its own list of supporting documents. The documents on this page are some of the common ones we ask for. Review the content, guide and checklist for your program to make sure you include all the supporting documents you need.
Documents many applicants need to provide
Passport or travel document
These identity documents are issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations) and contain a person’s photograph and personal information, like their citizenship. They let the person travel between countries.
Identity and civil status documents
These documents prove that the identity and civil status you shared with us are accurate.
Examples of identity and civil status documents
- passport or travel document (biographical page and visas or stamps)
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- national ID card
- divorce or separation documents
- death certificate (if this applies)
- adoption records (if this applies)
- documents confirming legal name change (if this applies)
Some applicants need to provide proof that they’re not inadmissible to Canada for medical reasons. You must see an approved panel physician for your exam.
Some applicants need to provide police certificates to show us whether they have a criminal record.
Other documents some applicants need to provide
Educational credential assessments
Educational credential assessments (ECAs) prove that your degree, diploma or certificate is valid and equal to a Canadian one.
Applications that may need an ECA
Job offers
Proof you have a job offer is needed for most programs that involve working in Canada.
Applications that may need a job offer
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Express Entry (not always needed)
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
- Home Care Worker Immigration pilots
- International Experience Canada (Young Professional and International Co-op only)
- Provincial Nominee Program (not always needed)
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot
- Work permit (employer-specific only)
Language tests
Language tests prove you can communicate in English or French at a specific level.
Applications that may need a language test
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Canadian citizenship
- Express Entry
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
- Francophone Mobility work permit
- Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
- Home Care Worker Immigration pilots
- Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents
- Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot
- Self-employed persons
- Start-up Visa Program
Letters of invitation
Letters of invitation (from the people in Canada who are inviting you) help confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.
Applications that may need a letter of invitation
Proof of employment or work experience
These documents confirm your employment history and work experience.
Examples of documents we accept as proof of employment or work experience
- employment contracts
- pay stubs
- reference letters from employers (with your job duties, dates you worked there, and salary)
- tax documents (T4s, notices of assessment, and similar)
Proof of funds or income
Proof of funds or income shows you can support yourself and your family in Canada.
Applications that may need proof of funds or income
Proof of health insurance
Some programs need you to have health insurance for your stay in Canada.
Applications that may need proof of health insurance
Proof of relationship
These documents confirm your relationship to a sponsor, a person you’re applying with, or someone in Canada.
Examples of documents we accept as proof of a relationship
- marriage certificate
- birth certificate or custody agreement (for children)
- signed letter of authorization that gives consent for a minor to travel alone or with only one parent
- adoption records
- joint financial documents
- documents showing a common address (lease, property deeds, etc.)
- communication records (phone call logs, emails, etc.)
- affidavits from family or friends
- photos
- other important documents that recognize the relationship (like employment or insurance benefits statements)
Proof of residence outside Canada
For temporary residence (TR) applications, proof of residence outside Canada helps show you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
TR applications that may need proof of residence
Proof of residence or intent to reside in Canada
For many permanent residence (PR) applications, proof of residence in Canada shows you intend to live or have established a home in Canada.
For PR card or PR travel document applications, it shows you meet the residence requirement to maintain your PR status.
Examples of documents we accept as proof of residence in Canada
- employment records that show your address in Canada
- lease or rental agreements
- utility bills
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec [CAQ])
This is a document from the Government of Quebec that confirms you’ve been accepted for temporary immigration.
Applications that may need a CAQ
Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec [CSQ])
This is a document the Government of Quebec issues that confirms you have been selected for immigration to Quebec or have an undertaking (for sponsorship) with Quebec.
Applications that may need a CSQ
- Family sponsorship: Spouse, partner or child
- Family sponsorship: Adopted child
- Family sponsorship: Other relatives
- Family sponsorship: Parents or grandparents
- Humanitarian and compassionate considerations
- Permanent residence pathway for foreign nationals who were in state care
- Quebec-selected investors or entrepreneurs
- Quebec-selected skilled workers
Looking for an application form?
If you don’t have a document you need for your application
If you don’t include a document that is required for your application, your application could be:
- delayed (it will take us longer to process it)
- returned to you
- refused
We understand that in some cases, you may not be able to get a document you need for your application because of circumstances outside your control—such as some personal situations, processing delays in another country, war or natural disasters. In situations like this, you can tell us that you can’t get one or more documents.
How to tell us you can’t get a document
If you can’t get a document you need for your application, follow these steps:
- Write a letter that explains why you can’t get the document or why it’s taking longer to get it.
- Collect any documents that support your letter, like receipts.
- Include your letter in your application.
- If you’re applying online: Combine your letter and documents into one file and upload it in place of the missing document.
- If you’re applying on paper: Add it to your application package and mail it to us.
If you can’t get a police certificate
You’re responsible for showing us why you can’t get a police certificate you need. Sending us a letter and proof of your efforts does not guarantee we’ll accept them.
Follow the steps under How to tell us you can’t get a document with these differences:
- Your letter must also explain all the efforts you took to get the police certificate.
- You must share proof that you requested a police certificate from the correct authorities in the country or territory. Examples of proof include:
- a confirmation or payment receipt that shows you tried to get the certificate
- a delivery notice or tracking number
- an explanation from the authority about the delay or about why they can’t issue the certificate (like a screenshot of the government department or agency’s website or similar)
- a description of the current situation in your country or territory that prevents you from getting a police certificate (that you write and add to your letter)
What we do after getting your letter
Each case is different. The officer reviewing your application will read your letter and do one of the following:
- contact you if we need more information
- give you more time to submit the document (grant you an extension)
- decide that your application is complete without the document and we can keep processing it
- make a final decision based on the supporting documents you submitted