It’s smart to make a checklist of the important documents to carry when you move to Canada. Whether you are immigrating permanently, studying, or working in Canada, these documents will help you to enter Canada, open a bank account, drive, rent a house, and even access healthcare. This comprehensive list of documents outlines what you will require and why you need them. Ensuring you have the right documents for permanent residence (PR) can minimize delays and avoid complications as you settle in Canada. Without the right documents, you may face challenges finding a job, enrolling your children in school, or even renting a place to live.
It’s important to keep all your documents safe and keep digital copies.
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Essential Documents for PR in Canada
You will require specific documents to complete the immigration process and PR in Canada. The PR documents you require vary based on the immigration program you’re applying for. However, here are some of the essential documents you will need.
Passports and Birth Certificates
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Passports show your biographical information for you, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children. Passport photos must comply with Canadian passport photo specifications.
You’ll need a birth certificate or an equivalent document from your birth country for yourself and each family member travelling with you. Birth certificates serve as proof of your date and place of birth. If you do not have a foreign birth certificate, the date of birth indicated on your foreign passport or travel documents will establish your date of birth. You will need a birth certificate to get a Social Insurance Number, enroll your children in school, or apply for government services.
Adoption Certificate
If you identify a dependent child as “adopted” you will require a certificate from a national authority to show that the adoption is legal and approved.
Marriage Certificate (or Divorce and Legal Separation Agreement)
If you declare yourself married, you will need a valid marriage certificate issued by a government authority under the law of the country where you were married.
A divorce certificate and legal separation agreement are necessary if you declare your marital status divorced.
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Education and Professional Documents
Carry your educational certificates and official transcripts. These documents prove your education qualifications and you may require them to attend Canadian schools or for employment. And, don’t forget any school records you have for your children!
Post-secondary Diplomas, Degrees, and Academic Transcripts
You may need an education evaluation or credential recognition from an evaluation service, academic institution, or professional association. Such evaluations can help you to find work more easily. You may also require them if you plan to work in a regulated occupation or attend post-secondary schools in Canada.
Many professional associations, universities, colleges, and assessment agencies require the school you attended to send your academic records directly to them. They may not accept the original or a copy of academic documents. You may have to get your documents translated into English or French, depending on the language requirements of the province you are moving to. It’s a good idea to find out what documents the professional association, academic institution, or credential assessment agency requires before you come to Canada. This will also save you time and money and avoid costly delays.
Samples of Your Professional Work
It is helpful to bring samples of your professional work to showcase when you attend job interviews in Canada. Bring your resumé or curriculum vitae. However, you may have to use your existing resume as the foundation to write a Canadian-style resume.
Reference Letters from Former Employers
Canadian employers often request references from former employers before they offer you a job. So, it’s helpful to bring reference letters with contact information. An official reference must be a printed letter on company letterhead and include:
- Company contact information (address, telephone number, email)
- Name, title, and signature of the immediate supervisor/manager at the company
- All positions held with job titles, duties, and employment start and end dates.
Your Child’s Education Documents and Records
If you have young children who are immigrating to Canada with you, consider carrying their education documents as well. Your children may have to complete a math and English language skills assessment when you enroll them in school. The assessment results will identify what grade level your child is at and what support they may need to achieve success in school. It’s helpful if you can provide your child’s previous report card or other documents to help place them into the right grade.
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Health and Insurance Documents
Continuing to care for your health when you move to Canada is vital. Health-related documents such as medical records, vaccination records, prescriptions, etc, are helpful when you seek a medical doctor or apply for health insurance.
Medical Records
If you need to complete an International Medical Exam (IME) it’s helpful if you can bring any medical reports or test results for any previous or existing medical conditions.
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Immunization Documents
Most people seeking permanent residence in Canada will require an IME. If you do not have adequate immunization records, you may have to start an immunization schedule based on your age and risk factors. This applies to adults and children. Immunizations are not mandatory in Canada. However, children and adolescents who attend school in Ontario and New Brunswick must have proof of immunization.
For the IME, it is not mandatory to show proof of vaccination. However, proof of previous vaccination is helpful, including vaccination against illnesses such as tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, COVID-19, and others.
Travel Health Insurance
While you can apply for public health insurance when you arrive in Canada, some provinces have a waiting period before you can receive provincial health care coverage. Buying private health insurance to cover expenses in case of a medical emergency during your first few months in Canada is a smart idea. Without medical health insurance, you could face a large bill for medical treatment or emergency surgery. Having to pay a hefty medical expense is not how you want to begin your new life in Canada. It’s much better to purchase insurance for peace of mind.
Financial Documents and Proof of Funds
Proof of funds show you have enough money to support yourself for at least the first three months in Canada. It can take three to six months to find a job in Canada, and you will need to have money for living expenses until you have a stable income.
Certificates of Valuation and Authenticity for Jewellry and Valuables
You’ll need a list of effects when you land at the airport. It’s also helpful to have certificates of valuation and authenticity (including photos) for jewelry, valuables, and belongings you carry. You can read more in Goods to Follow | Bringing Your Goods to Canada.
Record of Foreign Income, Properties, or Investments
Foreign income is taxable in Canada.
Canada PR Documents You Require When You Land
When you land at the airport in Canada, you will meet with an immigration officer from the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA). The officer will check that you enter Canada on or before the expiry date on your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR); this date cannot be extended. If there are no problems, the officer will authorize you to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
When landing at the airport, you require your:
- Passport or travel documents
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) for you and any dependents travelling with you
- CBSA declaration card
- List of any goods you have with you and a list of goods to follow
- Proof of funds.
While the immigration officer may not ask you for proof of funds, it’s helpful to have.
The officer will also confirm your Canadian mailing address. Your Canada permanent resident card will be mailed to the address you provide. You can notify IRCC if you change your address before you receive your PR card using this online address notification service. The time to process your PR card can vary. However, you can check the IRCC website for current processing times.
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Other Documents for Canada PR
International Driver’s Licence
If you plan to drive in Canada, you can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country. Permanent residents can use the IDP for a defined period (usually 60 – 90 days depending on the province). Be sure to check the specific IDP requirements of the province you are moving to. Some provinces in Canada may allow you to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Canadian driver’s license, while others may require you to take a driving test.
International Automobile Insurance
If you have a good driving record in your country of origin, you may be able to get a better auto insurance rate in Canada. Bring a copy of your international automobile insurance to show your driving record.
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With this comprehensive list of documents for PR in Canada, you can begin to gather and organize them for your convenience. Having these documents before you move will minimize potential delays and help you settle when you arrive.
For more information about settling in Canada, check out our settling in Canada resource page and upcoming free webinars.
