Currently in the U.S.? Here's how to prepare Canadian PR documents from abroad.
- Grace Lee
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
If you're residing in the U.S., you can absolutely apply for Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).But one major concern often comes up:
“Can I properly prepare all the necessary PR documents while living in the U.S.?”
“What about originals, notarization, translations, police certificates... is it even possible?”
The short answer? Yes, it’s definitely possible. But you’ll need to prepare strategically and understand a few key IRCC requirements.
1. Identity and Civil Status Documents
Passport
Recommended to have at least 1+ year of validity
Include old passports if entry/exit stamps are needed
Birth Certificate
Required for some PNP streams
Can be issued by your home country or its consulate
Marriage/Divorce/Death Certificates
If translation is needed, it must follow IRCC-certified standards (translation + notarization)
TIP: Korean documents can often be translated and notarized at the Korean Consulate in the U.S.
2. Education and Employment Documents
Degrees & Transcripts – ECA (e.g., WES)
Have official sealed transcripts and graduation certificates sent directly from your school to WES
Most ECA applications are submitted online
Use FedEx/UPS for mailing
Reference Letters
Must align with your NOC code and include detailed job descriptions
Can be issued by U.S. employers (must include letterhead, contact info, and signature) Formatting reference letters in the Canadian style is crucial for success.
3. Police Certificates
If you’re currently in the U.S.:FBI Police Certificate (Identity History Summary)
Apply through the official FBI website
Fingerprints can be taken at local police stations or through FBI-approved channelers
Typically processed in 1–2 weeks (electronic copy first)
4. Proof of Funds
Recent 6-month bank statements
Obtainable from your U.S. bank (PDF format usually acceptable)
Must be in the applicant’s name
Balance Letter may be required for specific provinces (e.g., BCPNP)
5. Language Test (IELTS, CELPIP)
Only IRCC-approved exams are accepted (TOEFL and Duolingo are NOT)
IELTS test centers are available across the U.S. (computer-delivered available)
Results typically delivered electronically within 3–5 days
6. Other Important Tips
Item | Details |
Scanning & Uploading | IRCC portal accepts PDF or JPEG files |
Document Validity | Most documents must be issued within 6 months |
Address & Phone Number | U.S. address is acceptable; update IRCC if it changes |
Email Notifications | All updates from IRCC are sent via email |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will IRCC reject my application because I’m using a U.S. address?
A. No. It's common to apply from abroad, and using a U.S. address is perfectly fine.
Q. How do I get fingerprints for the FBI check?
A. Most local police departments and FBI-approved channelers offer fingerprinting services by appointment.
Q. Are paper documents ever required?
A. Most of the process is now digital. Physical copies are rarely requested unless explicitly asked for.
Final Thoughts
Even if you're living in the U.S., you can prepare a strong and strategic Canadian PR application. What really matters is accurate information and documents that meet IRCC standards.
A single document error can delay your application by a year,but a well-prepared one could get approved within just a few months.
Need expert help reviewing your documents or building your strategy?
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