Short answer: Newcomers usually need four groups of documents: status (photo ID plus PR card, Confirmation of PR or work permit), income (a detailed job letter and recent pay stubs), down payment (90 days of statements, both sides of any international transfer, and a gift letter if applicable), and debts (the lender pulls credit and may ask for loan statements). A complete job letter and clean down payment trail prevent most delays.
1. Status Documents
- Government photo ID
- PR card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Work permit, for work permit holders
- Proof of Canadian address (sometimes)
→ Related: Mortgage Options for Work Permit Holders
2. Income Documents
- A job letter with your position, salary or hourly rate, start date and probation terms
- Recent pay stubs, usually the last two or three
- Employment contract (sometimes)
- An explanation of variable hours, bonus or commission, if any
3. Down Payment Documents
- Bank statements showing 90 days of history (sometimes longer)
- Sending account statements for international transfers
- Receiving account statements for Canadian deposits
- Transfer confirmations
- A gift letter and proof of deposit for gifts
A lender approves a documented down payment story, not just a number.
→ Related: Down Payment Rules for Newcomers
4. Debt Documents
- Canadian credit report (the lender pulls it)
- Car loan and line of credit statements
- Credit card statements if balances need explaining
- Support or other recurring obligations
After Your Offer Is Accepted
- Signed purchase contract and MLS listing
- Condo documents and fee confirmation, for condos
- Appraisal, when required
- Proof of home insurance
How to Organize Your File
- PDFs, not screenshots
- Clear file names, for example “Job Letter, Employer, Date”
- Separate folders for status, income, down payment and debts
- Every page of every statement
How We Help
We give you a checklist based on your status, review your job letter wording before submission, check your down payment trail and organize your file to cut underwriting questions. Book a free call.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do permanent residents need for a mortgage?
Government photo ID, PR card or Confirmation of PR, a job letter, recent pay stubs, 90 days of bank statements for the down payment, and details of any debts.
What documents do work permit holders need?
ID, the work permit showing its expiry date, a job letter, pay stubs and down payment statements. The permit type and time remaining affect requirements.
What should a newcomer's job letter include?
Your position, salary or hourly rate, start date, whether you're full time or permanent, and whether you're on probation.
Do mortgage documents have to be in English?
Most lenders need English documents. Documents in other languages usually need a certified translation.
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Rates, rules and programs change. Talk to a licensed mortgage broker about your situation. Lacroix Mortgage Group is licensed through Mortgage Connection Inc.