Identity and family documents
- Passport (check its validity)
- Identity card and birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if your spouse is applying)
- Children’s birth certificates (to prove the relationship)
Police certificates
Most programmes require police certificates from the countries or regions you have lived in. Validity is usually limited, so time them with your application rather than applying too early.
Medicals
Some countries, such as the US and Canada, require an immigration medical by an approved doctor. Results also expire.
Education and employment evidence
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for some Canadian streams
- Employment letters, references and salary evidence
Proof of funds
Investment immigration requires proof of the lawful source and transfer path of your funds — salary, business income, property sales or gifts. This usually takes longest, so start first.
Translation and certification
Documents not in English or the local language generally need translation, and some need notarisation or certification.