Canada Permanent Residence from Bangladesh
Applicants from Bangladesh commonly use Express Entry, provincial programs or family sponsorship. Whichever route you use, a few documents from Bangladesh take time, and starting them early is one of the best things you can do.
Police certificates
IRCC requires police certificates from countries where you have lived for six months or more since turning 18. For Bangladesh, the certificate comes from the Bangladesh Police. If you live outside Bangladesh, the High Commission of Bangladesh in Ottawa describes a process where you apply through a nominated relative in Bangladesh, with an authorization letter and passport copies attested by the High Commission. Follow IRCC's current instructions for Bangladesh, including how long a certificate stays valid. After an Express Entry invitation you have a limited time to submit everything, so waiting until after the invitation can cause problems.
Education assessment
Express Entry candidates with education from Bangladesh generally need an Educational Credential Assessment from an approved organization to earn points for it. Start this early, because it can take weeks.
Language tests
Use one of the tests IRCC approves for your program. Results usually expire after two years, so time your test around your application.
Translations and civil documents
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, national ID and academic records in Bengali need certified English translations. Names, dates and spellings must match across every document and your passport. Differences in how your name is spelled are a common source of questions from IRCC.
Family sponsorship
For spousal sponsorship, the strength of your relationship evidence matters, and every family member must be declared. See our family sponsorship guide. New Parents and Grandparents Program intake is paused, and the Super Visa is an alternative for visits.
Medical exams
Permanent residence applicants need an immigration medical exam with an IRCC panel physician. IRCC keeps the official list of physicians in Bangladesh. The physician normally sends the results to IRCC electronically. Your results must still be valid when you submit your application, so for Express Entry it is best to get the exam after you are invited, as close to your application date as possible.
Get help from a licensed consultant
I can map out your route, check your documents, and plan the timeline so nothing expires at the wrong moment. I work in English and Bengali. No one can guarantee an invitation or an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a police certificate from Bangladesh? Yes, if you lived there for six months or more since turning 18.
Can I get it from outside Bangladesh? The High Commission of Bangladesh in Ottawa describes a process through a nominated relative in Bangladesh. Check IRCC's current guidance.
Do my Bengali documents need translating? Yes, with certified English translations.
When should I start collecting documents? Before you apply, and before an Express Entry invitation if possible.
Sources: IRCC; High Commission of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Ottawa.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.