Prepare These Documents Before the New TR to PR Pathway Opens

Canada is expected to launch a new temporary-to-permanent residence (TR to PR) pathway soon. If you want to maximize your chances of applying on time, preparing your documents in advance is essential.

When the first TR to PR pathway opened in 2021, it reached its intake cap on the same day. Many eligible applicants missed the opportunity because they did not have key documents ready—especially language test results and police certificates. This time, preparing early can make a significant difference.

According to the latest Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government will introduce a one-time measure to help 33,000 temporary residents transition to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027. Below is a complete list of documents to prepare ahead of the program launch.

Documents to Prepare in Advance

Proof of Language Proficiency

• Language test results from an IRCC-approved provider.
  
  

Proof of Criminal Background Check

• Police certificates for countries where you lived for six months or more in the last 10 years.
  
  

Proof of Education

• Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for foreign degrees
• Transcripts for Canadian degrees
  
  

Travel History

• Travel log
• Airline booking confirmations
• Passport copies
  
  

Proof of Employment History

• Full employment history
• Reference letters from employers
• T4s for Canadian jobs
• Copies of employment contracts
  
  

Proof of Current Employment in Canada

• Work permit
• Employer reference letter
• Recent pay stubs
• Employment contract
  
  

Organizational Affiliations

• List of organizations you have volunteered with or donated to
• Reference letters
• Donation receipts
  
  

Identity Documents

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage or adoption documents
  
  

Translations

• Certified translations for documents not in English or French
• Translator affidavit when required
  
  

Additional Documents for Applicants Inside Canada

Proof of Status in Canada

• Valid work permit, study permit, or visitor record
• Entry stamp or online entry record
• Evidence of maintained status (if applicable)
  
  

Documents Required for Accompanying Family Members

Identity Documents

• Passport copies
• Birth and marriage documents
• Civil status documents
  
  

Travel History

• Travel logs
• Airline booking confirmations
• Passport copies
  
  

Police Certificates

• Required for all family members aged 18+ for each country lived in for six months or more in the last 10 years
  
  

Documents Required Only in Specific Situations

Letters of Explanation (LOE)

• Used to clarify missing documents, discrepancies, name variations, or gaps in history
  
  

Proof of Common-Law Relationship

• IMM 5409 form
• Joint leases, bills, bank accounts, or credit card statements
• Proof of 12 months of continuous cohabitation
  
  

Name Change Certificates

• Certificates showing legal changes in name
  
  

Key Document Details You Should Understand

1. Language Test Results

Language test results are mandatory for economic immigration pathways. Tests must be from IRCC-approved providers such as CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.
Results are valid for two years, and must still be valid on the date you apply.

2. Police Certificates

Police certificates help IRCC determine whether an applicant is criminally inadmissible.
They may take several months to obtain depending on the country, so early preparation is recommended.

Certificates must be:

• Issued within six months of your PR submission if you currently live in that country
• Issued after your last trip of six months or more if you no longer reside there
  
  

3. Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs)

Foreign education needs to be assessed by an approved ECA provider.
ECAs are valid for five years.

4. Travel History

Applicants must list all travel outside their home country for the past 10 years (or since age 18).
Keep a detailed log to avoid errors.

5. Employment Documents

Most economic streams require proof of work experience.
IRCC examines reference letters, pay stubs, contracts, T4s, and NOAs to confirm your job duties, hours, and duration of employment.

6. Identity and Civil Status Documents

These documents confirm your identity and family relationships.
Ensure all information is consistent across documents.

7. Translations

IRCC only accepts documents in English or French.
All foreign-language documents require a certified translation and a copy of the original.

Tips for Preparing Your PR Application Package

• Scan and label all documents clearly in advance.
• Track document validity periods, especially language test results, ECAs, police certificates, and passports.
• Ensure employer reference letters include detailed job duties, hours, salary, and employment dates.
• Follow IRCC’s translation requirements exactly.
• Use a Letter of Explanation if you cannot obtain certain documents or need to clarify gaps.
• Double-check all documents before applying to ensure nothing is missing or expired.

Preparing your TR to PR application early can significantly improve your chances of submitting on time, especially if the program fills quickly. Taking these steps now will help you apply efficiently and accurately when the new pathway opens.