Important Documents Checklist

For your first-time landing formalities, there are certain documents you must have at immigration. You may also need many of the other documents listed below at a later date or you might not need them at all but it's best to carry whatever you have with you.

Essential documents checklist needed for immigration:

• A Canadian immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member travelling with you. (If dependents are not travelling with you carry photocopies of their visas and COPR)

• A valid passport for each family member travelling with you

• Two copies of a list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you (Explained in detail later)

• Two copies of a list of items that will follow. (If you want to ship your goods at a later date after you arrive in Canada, as new immigrants if you were to present this list during your first time landing you don't pay any customs or taxes on it. This is only a one-time advantage for goods shipped at a later date. The only exception to this is Jewelry. You need to mention any jewelry in this list that you will be carrying with you in your second visit to avoid duties and customs on it)

• CBSA declaration card (You will get this on the plane)

• Proof of funds (Explained in detail later in the document)

• SIN Apps Form (NAS 2120) - Not Needed at the Airport [Can be done later at Services Canada]

Other documents beneficial to bring:

• Birth certificate if you have

• Marriage certificate or divorce certificate

• Death certificate for a deceased spouse

• Adoption records for adopted children

• Educational diplomas and certificates, transcripts that list the courses you took to obtain a degree

• Trade or professional certificates and licenses

• Certificates of any trainings attended

• Academic credential evaluation report

• Letters of reference from former employers

• Copies of your updated resume

• Medical and dental records ( Needed for any serious procedures done in India )

• Immunization records ( only for children )

• Official school records for children Basic Documentation

• Private health insurance as most provinces have a waiting period of 3 months for the healthcare coverage

• Current driver’s license, International Driver’s Permit (if you wish to start driving immediately upon arrival. It will only be valid for 60 days), driving extract (letter from RTO that shows your driving experience) and a letter from your auto insurance company (stating your driving record)

• Car registration documents (if you are importing a motor vehicle into Canada)

• Photographs and valuation certificate for Jewelry if you are planning to carry real Jewelry with you

• Record of any current foreign income, properties or investments as worldwide income is taxable in Canada

• Additional photos - not generally asked for, but is better to carry. They may ask you to re-submit photos for the PR Card application at the time of landing, but generally, if there is an issue with photos, a mail will be sent to you regarding this

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TIPS

• Copy and paste both checklists into your own document system (Word, iNotes, or another organizing file), so that you can keep track of your required documents.

• All important documents must be translated into English or French (Depending on where you are moving) before arriving to make it easier for people in Canada to understand them.

• Do not pack these documents in your luggage. Keep them with you at all times.

• Photocopies of all essential and important documents are necessary, in case the originals get lost (be sure to keep the photocopies in a separate place from the originals).

• Do not laminate your documents. There are reports of some laminated documents not being accepted.

  NOTE: The more you are organized before hand, the better 1st impression you deliver with the IO/CBSA officer. This will help you get through faster.