Essential Documents to Respond to an ITA Under Canada’s Express Entry: A Step-by-Step Guide

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Canada’s Express Entry system is a significant milestone in your journey to permanent residency (PR). However, it's crucial to respond swiftly and accurately—within the 60-day deadline—to avoid losing your opportunity.

In this blog, we will walk you through:

• The complete list of documents required after receiving an ITA

• The reasons each document is necessary

• Associated costs

• Real-world scenarios that show how these documents influence successful PR applications

Why Is Document Preparation Crucial After Receiving an ITA?

Timely submission of a complete application can make or break your immigration dreams. If you fail to respond within 60 days, your ITA will expire and you'll need to re-enter the Express Entry pool—potentially with a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score due to time or policy changes.

Mandatory Documents for Express Entry PR Application

Every Express Entry candidate must submit the following documents:

• Valid passport

• Birth certificate

• Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF) – if still valid, no need to retake

• Education Credential Assessment (ECA) – if expired, a new one is needed

• Work experience proof – reference letters, pay slips, job contracts

• Police clearance certificates – from each country lived in for 6+ months

• Recent passport-size photos

Additional Documents Based on Individual Profiles

Depending on your case, you may also need:

• Academic transcripts

• Proof of settlement funds

• Medical exam receipt (post-application submission)

• Marriage, divorce, or death certificates

• Work contracts and tax documents

• Proof of job offer or Provincial Certificate of Qualification

• Adoption or custody documents

• Representative or authorization forms (IMM 5475/5476)

Cost Breakdown of Commonly Required Documents (Approximate CAD)

Real-World Use Case: Why These Documents Matter

Use Case: Proving Dual Work Experience

Example: Sanjay, a software developer in Canada, increased his CRS score significantly by working remotely for an Indian employer while continuing his full-time job in Canada. His dual work experience (Canadian + foreign) helped him boost his CRS by 63 points—from 470 to 533—meeting the cut-off for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.

Lesson: Accurate documentation of both job roles, including contracts, pay slips, and job duties, enabled Sanjay to claim points under both categories, improving his chances of getting a PR.

Why Does IRCC Require Each Document?

Each document serves a specific purpose:

Expert Tip: How to Maximize CRS Score

If you're currently in Canada and have a valid work permit, consider gaining both Canadian and foreign experience by taking a remote job abroad. This unique strategy can yield up to 100 CRS points under “Skills Transferability.”

 Pro Tip: Ensure your remote job meets Express Entry’s definition of eligible work—paid, authorized, and classified under TEER 0-3 NOC levels.

How Is Work Experience Counted in Express Entry?

• Full-time = 30 hrs/week for 12 months = 1,560 hours

• Part-time is cumulative (e.g., 15 hrs/week for 24 months = 1 year)

• Working more than 30 hrs/week doesn’t increase the year count

• Remote work counts as foreign experience only if done for a non-Canadian employer

⚖️ Stream-Specific Work Experience Requirements

Final Thoughts

Preparing the right documents and submitting a complete, accurate PR application after receiving your ITA is key to ensuring a successful immigration outcome. Stay proactive, budget for document procurement, and consider strategic options like remote international work to boost your CRS.