You need 9 documents for a Canada Express Entry application from India. Missing even one will get your application returned — and your 60-day submission window doesn't pause while you scramble to get it.
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Document Checklist — Quick Answer
📄 WES ECA (credential assessment) — 6-12 weeks from India
🗣 IELTS General Training — CLB 7+ (6.0 each band)
👮 Police Clearance (PCC) — 1-3 weeks from PSK
🏥 Medical exam — panel physician only
💰 Proof of funds — CAD $15,263 (28 consecutive days)
📸 Passport photos — Canadian specs
🛂 Valid passport — 6+ months validity
💼 Reference letters — from every employer
🎓 Degree certificates — originals
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When you get your Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Express Entry, you have exactly 60 days to submit everything. If you're not prepared, that deadline will feel very tight.
Here's every document you need, in the order you should get them.
Start these first (they take the longest)
1. WES Educational Credential Assessment
Timeline: 6-10 weeks total
WES evaluates your Indian degree and confirms it's equivalent to a Canadian credential. The process itself takes 4-6 weeks, but your university needs to send transcripts directly to WES — and that often takes 2-4 additional weeks.
Start this immediately. Don't wait for your ITA.
- Apply at wes.org
- Request sealed transcripts from your university
- WES fee: approximately CAD $300
2. IELTS General Training
Timeline: 2-4 weeks for results
You need the General Training version, not Academic. Book through British Council or IDP in India — centers are available in all major cities. Results come in 13 days.
Minimum for most TEER 0-1 occupations: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 each band). But target CLB 9+ for a competitive CRS score.
3. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Timeline: 1-3 weeks from within India
Apply online through passportindia.gov.in, then visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in person. Processing takes 1-3 weeks for applicants within India.
If you're applying from outside India (already abroad): 5-6 weeks through the nearest Indian consulate. If you're in Canada specifically: 8+ weeks through BLS International in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver.
Your PCC is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Get these after you receive your ITA
4. Medical examination
Timeline: 1-2 weeks for results
You must use an IRCC-approved panel physician — you cannot use your own doctor. Find one at the IRCC website. In India, panel physicians are available in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other major cities.
The exam includes a physical examination, chest x-ray, blood tests, and urinalysis. Results are sent directly to IRCC electronically.
5. Proof of funds
Timeline: Ongoing (maintain for 6 months)
You need bank statements showing at least CAD $15,263 (single applicant) available for the past 6 months. This isn't just a snapshot — IRCC wants to see consistent funds, not a sudden deposit.
6. Work reference letters
Timeline: 1-2 weeks to obtain
Each reference letter must include your job title, dates of employment, hours per week, salary, and a detailed list of duties performed. A simple "To Whom It May Concern" letter confirming employment is not sufficient.
Get letters from every relevant employer for the past 10 years of skilled work experience.
Documents you already have
7. Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay. If it's expiring within 2 years, consider renewing before you apply.
8. Digital photos
Canadian visa photo specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
9. Birth certificate
Keep a scanned copy ready. If your birth certificate is in a language other than English or French, you'll need a certified translation.
10. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Required if you're including a spouse or common-law partner in your application.
The timeline if you start today
| Document | Start | Done by |
|---|---|---|
| WES assessment | Week 1 | Week 8-10 |
| IELTS booking + test | Week 1 | Week 4-6 |
| Police clearance | Week 2 | Week 4-5 |
| Build Express Entry profile | Week 6 | Week 6 |
| Receive ITA | Week 6-20 | Depends on CRS |
| Medical exam | After ITA | 1-2 weeks |
| Submit application | After ITA | Within 60 days |
All timelines and requirements verified from IRCC, WES, and Passport Seva official sources, March 2026.
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The Timeline That Catches Everyone
Start WES first. It takes 6-12 weeks from Indian universities. Everything else can be done in parallel, but WES cannot be rushed.
Book IELTS early. Test centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore fill up 3-4 weeks out. You need results before creating your Express Entry profile.
PCC from PSK vs abroad. In India: 1-3 weeks. From abroad (BLS Toronto): 8+ weeks. If you're already in Canada, start PCC immediately.
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✅ You qualify — ready to apply if: You have WES + IELTS + PCC + proof of funds all in hand.
❌ Common mistake: Submitting with expired IELTS results (must be <2 years old at time of PR application, not just profile creation).
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*A single missing document means your 60-day application window expires and you lose your invitation. You'd have to wait for the next draw.*