Canada Immigration Document Checklists

Missing documents are the #1 reason for IRCC delays and refusals.

These checklists are based on IRCC requirements current as of May 2026. Every application is unique - a licensed RCIC at VMC Immigration Services can review your specific situation before you submit.

Choose Your Application Type

30 items

Express Entry

Complete document checklist for Express Entry PR (FSW, CEC, FST): mandatory and supporting documents with practical tips from Licensed RCICs. Free guide.

13 mandatory documents

View Checklist

21 items

Work Permit

Complete document checklist for Canadian work permits: employer-specific, LMIA-backed, and LMIA-exempt, with every document explained by Licensed RCICs.

6 mandatory documents

View Checklist

18 items

Study Permit

Complete document checklist for Canadian study permit applications. Includes SDS (Student Direct Stream) and regular stream documents, with licensed RCIC tips.

9 mandatory documents

View Checklist

28 items

Spousal Sponsorship

Complete document checklist for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner for Canadian PR, inland and outland, with documents explained by Licensed RCICs.

18 mandatory documents

View Checklist

19 items

Visitor Visa

Complete document checklist for a Canadian visitor visa (TRV), with tips on proving ties to your home country, the most common refusal reason. Free guide.

5 mandatory documents

View Checklist

At a glance

Quick Comparison: Fees & Processing Times

Express Entry
Government Fee:
$1,325 CAD (principal applicant) + $1,325 (spouse) + $230 (per dependent child)
Processing Time:
6 months (after ITA)
Work Permit
Government Fee:
$155 CAD (work permit) + $100 open work permit (if applicable)
Processing Time:
60-120 days (varies by stream and country)
Study Permit
Government Fee:
$150 CAD (study permit) + $85 (biometrics if required)
Processing Time:
SDS: ~20 days | Regular: 8-16 weeks
Spousal Sponsorship
Government Fee:
$1,050 CAD (sponsorship fee) + $570 (PR application) + $575 (biometrics for applicant)
Processing Time:
~18 months outland · ~26 months inland (IRCC, Sept 2026)
Visitor Visa
Government Fee:
$100 CAD (single/multiple entry)
Processing Time:
14-90 days (varies by country and application type)

Application	Government Fee	Processing Time
Express Entry	$1,325 CAD (principal applicant) + $1,325 (spouse) + $230 (per dependent child)	6 months (after ITA)
Work Permit	$155 CAD (work permit) + $100 open work permit (if applicable)	60-120 days (varies by stream and country)
Study Permit	$150 CAD (study permit) + $85 (biometrics if required)	SDS: ~20 days \| Regular: 8-16 weeks
Spousal Sponsorship	$1,050 CAD (sponsorship fee) + $570 (PR application) + $575 (biometrics for applicant)	~18 months outland · ~26 months inland (IRCC, Sept 2026)
Visitor Visa	$100 CAD (single/multiple entry)	14-90 days (varies by country and application type)

Government fees and processing times as of May 2026. Subject to change - always verify at ircc.canada.ca.

Why Use a Licensed RCIC Instead of Applying Alone?

Refusal prevention

Most refusals come from preventable mistakes - wrong documents, inconsistent details, or inadequate ties evidence. An RCIC catches these before submission.

Faster processing

Complete, well-organized applications process faster. We ensure your application is in order from day one.

Custom checklist for your case

Every situation is different. The RCIC assigned to you will create a personalized document list based on your specific circumstances.

Ongoing support

We respond to IRCC queries on your behalf, track your application, and keep you informed throughout the process.

Not sure which documents apply to you?

Book your Expert Consultation, a one-on-one session with a licensed RCIC. We'll review your situation and give you a personalized document checklist.

Book your Expert Consultation

Loading…