Having the correct documents ready in advance could be the key to securing Canadian permanent residence through the soon-to-launch temporary to permanent residence (TR to PR) pathway.
When Canada introduced the first TR to PR pathway in 2021, the intake limit was reached on the very first day. Many eligible applicants missed their chance because they didn’t have essential documents such as valid language test results prepared ahead of time.
Processing certain documents, including police clearance certificates, can take several months. That’s why gathering and organizing your paperwork before the program opens is strongly recommended.
As outlined in Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government aims to provide a one-time pathway that will allow around 33,000 temporary residents to become permanent residents in 2026 and 2027.
To ensure you are ready the moment the new pathway opens, here are the main documents you should begin preparing now:
Documents to Prepare in Advance
| Document Type | What You Need |
| Proof of language proficiency | Approved language test results |
| Criminal background checks | Police certificates from required countries |
| Proof of education | • Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for foreign education• Transcripts for Canadian education |
| Travel history | • Travel logs• Flight confirmations• Passport stamps and pages |
| Employment history | • Full details of previous work• Employer reference letters• T4s for Canadian work• Copies of work contracts |
| Current employment in Canada | • Work permit• Employer reference letter• Recent pay stubs• Employment contract |
| Organizational affiliations | • List of volunteer or charitable activities• Reference letters• Donation receipts |
| Identity documents | • Passport• Birth certificate• Marriage or adoption documents |
| Translations | Certified translation or translator affidavit for non-English/French documents |
For Applicants Inside Canada
| Document Type | What You Need |
| Proof of legal status | • Valid work or study permit, visitor record• Entry records• Proof of maintained status if applicable |
Documents for Accompanying Family Members
| Document Type | What You Need |
| Identity documents | Passports, birth/marriage certificates, civil status documents |
| Travel history | Trip records for spouses/children aged 18+ |
| Criminal background checks | Police certificates for adults 18+ who lived abroad for 6+ months |
Documents Needed Only in Certain Cases
| Document Type | What You Need |
| Letters of explanation | Written clarification for any issues such as missing documents, history gaps, name discrepancies |
| Common-law relationship proof | Evidence of 12 months of continuous cohabitation (joint leases, bills, bank accounts), plus form IMM 5409 |
| Name change certificates | Documents confirming name changes for any applicant |
Key Details About the Main Requirements
Language Test
Applying early is essential because:
- Only results from IRCC-approved tests (IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, TCF Canada) are accepted.
- Language test scores remain valid for two years.
- If your results expire before submitting your PR application, you must take the test again.
Police Certificates
- Required for every country where the applicant lived for six months or longer since turning 18.
- Not needed for time lived in Canada.
- Current country certificates must be issued within six months before applying.
Processing timelines vary by country so request these early.
Education Proof
- Foreign credentials typically require an ECA (valid for five years).
- Canadian-educated applicants can submit transcripts and proof of graduation without an ECA.
Travel History
Applicants must declare all travel from the past 10 years or since age 18. A detailed travel log can prevent errors.
Employment Verification
IRCC checks:
- Job duties
- Duration of work
- Full- or part-time hours
- Skill level/NOC alignment
Reference letters must meet IRCC requirements and should be supported with documents like pay stubs and T4s.
Translations
Any document not in English or French must include:
- Certified translation OR
- Original document + translation + sworn affidavit from translator
(Family members cannot provide translations.)
Preparation Tips to Stay Ready
- Scan and label everything with clear names like:
DocumentType_LastName_FirstName_YYYYMMDD.pdf - Monitor document expiry dates (language tests, ECAs, passports, police checks)
- Ensure passport validity throughout the process
- Provide complete, accurate personal history with no gaps
- Use Letters of Explanation when something is missing or unclear
- Review the entire package twice before submitting
Getting a head start on documentation can significantly improve your chances of submitting a complete application before caps are hit or deadlines close. With proper preparation, you’ll be ready to apply for permanent residence as soon as the new TR to PR pathway becomes available.
