Key Points
- Identity: 2 pieces of government ID
- Income: pay stubs, T4s, or NOAs depending on employment type
- Employment: letter of employment confirming salary and tenure
- Assets: bank statements showing your down payment
- Property: accepted offer, MLS listing, property tax statement
One of the biggest sources of mortgage stress is scrambling for documents at the last minute. Here's your complete checklist — organized by category — so you can be ready.
Identity Documents
Two pieces of government-issued ID. At least one must be photo ID (passport, driver's licence, PR card). The second can be a SIN card, birth certificate, or health card.
Income Documents — For Salaried Employees
Most recent 2 pay stubs (or last 2 if paid bi-weekly). Letter of Employment on company letterhead, confirming your position, start date, salary, and employment status (full-time/part-time). Most recent 2 years of T4s.
Income Documents — For Self-Employed
Most recent 2 years of T1 General tax returns. Most recent 2 years of Notices of Assessment (NOA) from CRA. Business registration documents (certificate of incorporation or business license). May also require business bank statements or financial statements.
Down Payment Documents
Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your down payment (typically 90 days of history). If receiving a gift from a family member: a signed gift letter confirming the funds are a gift and not a loan, plus proof of the transfer.
Property Documents (Once You Have an Accepted Offer)
Accepted Agreement of Purchase and Sale (your signed offer). MLS listing for the property. If a condo: strata documents, management report, and recent meeting minutes.
Other Possible Requirements
Mortgage statements for any existing properties. Rental agreements if you have income properties. Separation or divorce agreement if applicable. PR card or work permit if not a Canadian citizen.
Getting these together before you apply speeds up the process significantly. I'll give you a customized checklist based on your specific situation when we talk.
Have a specific question about your situation? Every mortgage is unique. This article covers the general principles, but your circumstances might change the picture. Reach out and I'll give you a direct, honest answer.