You need certain documents at different stages of the Express Entry application process.
I need help filling out and signing forms
PDF forms that need to be signed
You must fill out any PDF forms as set out in the instructions in the online application. These include (if they apply to you):
- Common-law union form (PDF, 2.22 MB)
- Use of a representative form (PDF, 137 KB)
- Authority to release personal information to a designated individual form (PDF, 1.74 MB)
If you need to add a dependent after you applied (birth of a child, getting married, etc.) contact us through the web form to find out which other documents you need to send.
How to sign forms
Hand signature (also called a wet signature): Print and sign the form by hand.
Digital signature: Insert on PDF forms. You can type your name, use DocuSign or use secure signatures.
Signing the finished application
You (the principal applicant) need to follow these instructions (IRCC secure account).
Documents for your profile
You don’t need to upload documents to submit a profile, but you may need information from some or all of these documents:
- a passport or travel document
- Venezuelan passport holders: You may need to complete extra steps when you create a profile or fill out your application.
- language test results
- proof of Canadian education or an educational credential assessment report for immigration purposes if
- you’re applying through the Federal Skilled Workers Program, or
- you want to get points for the education you got outside Canada
- provincial nomination (if you have one)
- written job offer from an employer in Canada (if you have one)
- proof of work experience
- certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a competent Canadian authority- for example, a Canadian province or territory (if you have one)
- proof of funds
Documents for your application for permanent residence
As of October1, 2023, you no longer have to get an upfront medical exam before you submit your application for permanent residence through Express Entry. Find out when to get your medical exams and what documents you need to submit.
If we invite you to apply, you’ll need to upload copies of the documents you used for your profile (see list above). Most applicants will also need to upload the following:
- police certificates
- proof of funds
- birth certificate, if you’re declaring dependent children
- Use of a Representative form (PDF, 137KB), if you’ve hired a representative
- common-law union form (PDF, 2.22MB), if you’ve declared your marital status as “common-law”
- marriage certificate, if you’ve declared your marital status as “married”
- divorce certificate and legal separation agreement, if you’ve declared your marital status as “divorced”
- death certificate, if you’ve declared your marital status as “widowed”
- adoption certificate, when a dependent child is listed as “adopted”
Other documents
You only need to submit these if we included them in your personalized document checklist. Your application may not be refused or rejected if you don’t submit these documents. They’re only used to check if you meet the requirements of the program you’re applying for.
- proof of relationship to a relative in Canada
- digital photos to confirm your identity
- other name to confirm aliases
- authority to release personal information to a designated individual form (PDF, 1.74MB)
- any other documents that you feel are relevant to your application
Next step
If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed
Follow these steps, if the printed expiry date has passed, and you’re creating a profile or submitting an application under Express Entry:
- Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field when creating your profile or submitting your online application.
- Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for five years.”
Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, you cannot use it to create a profile or submit an application through Express Entry.
