Express Entry Document Checklist 2025: Everything You Need Before You Submit

A complete guide to every mandatory document for Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class applications.

Submitting an Express Entry application with missing or incorrect documents is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed or returned by IRCC. This checklist covers every mandatory document across all three Express Entry streams for 2025, so you can verify your package is complete before you hit submit.

Documents required for all Express Entry streams

These documents are mandatory regardless of which stream you are applying under.

Identity and travel documents

• Valid passport (biographic page) must be valid for the duration of your application processing
• Passport-style photos meeting IRCC specifications
• National identity document (if applicable in your country)

Language test results

• Official Test Report Form (TRF) from an IRCC-approved test
• Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, TCF Canada
• Results must be dated within 2 years of your application submission date
• If applying under Federal Skilled Worker and claiming points for both English and French, results for both languages are required

Education documents

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization such as WES, ICAS, or IQAS
• ECA must cover your highest level of completed education
• Official transcripts from each institution attended
• Degree or diploma certificates

Employment and work experience

• Employment verification letter on company letterhead for each job claimed
• Letter must include: job title, NOC code, duties, start and end dates, hours per week, annual salary, and supervisor name and signature
• Reference letters from direct supervisors (recommended as supporting evidence)
• Pay stubs or T4 slips as additional supporting evidence
• For self-employment: business registration, tax returns, and client contracts

Additional documents for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Valid Canadian work permit or proof of authorization to work in Canada
• T4 slips or pay stubs confirming Canadian employment
• Proof of work in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (CEC does not accept TEER 4 or 5)
• At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the past 3 years

Additional documents for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

• Proof of funds (bank statements showing sufficient settlement funds unless you have a valid Canadian work permit)
• Minimum 1 year of continuous full-time foreign skilled work experience
• Proof of job offer (if applicable) with LMIA number or LMIA-exempt code
• Police certificates from each country where you lived for 6 months or more since age 18

Common documents people forget

These are the documents most often flagged as missing in Express Entry applications:

• Police certificates required from every country of residence for 6+ months since age 18
• IMM 0008 Generic Application Form the principal application form, separate from IMM 5645E
• Two most recent years of CRA Notices of Assessment (for Canadian applicants)
• Proof of relationship for accompanying family members (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
• Updated passport if your current one expires within 2 years

Before you submit: a quick self-check

• Do all dates match across every document? A single date discrepancy between your IMM 5645E and employment letter can delay your application.
• Are all documents in English or French? If not, certified translations are required.
• Are all documents dated within validity periods? Language tests expire after 2 years.
• Are file names descriptive? Generic names like Scan001.pdf make it harder for reviewers.
• Have you included documents for all family members included in your application?