Gathering documents ahead of time makes the mortgage process smoother and faster. Below is what you'll typically need — but every situation is unique, so we may ask for more or fewer items depending on your circumstances.
Two pieces of identification, at least one with a photo. Examples include driver's licence, passport, or BC Services Card. Your name must match across all application documents.
Three months of complete, formal bank statements showing your down payment funds. These must be official statements from your financial institution (not screenshots). The statements must clearly show your name, account number, institution name, and all transactions. Lenders need to verify the source and history of your down payment.
Your most recent Notice of Assessment confirms the income you reported on your tax return and whether you owe any taxes. It's issued by CRA after processing your return. Most lenders require the last two years. You can access it through your CRA My Account online, or request a copy by phone at 1-800-959-8281.
Issued by your employer each February for the previous tax year, the T4 shows your total employment income, taxes deducted, CPP and EI contributions. Box 14 shows your gross employment income. If you have multiple employers, you'll need a T4 from each. Your employer provides this, and it's also available in CRA My Account.
The T4A covers income from pensions, retirement benefits, scholarships, commissions, self-employment, RESP educational assistance payments, and other sources not covered by a T4. You'll receive this from the payer — it's common for retirees, contractors, and those with pension income.
This shows your current balance with CRA — whether you owe money or have a credit. Lenders may request this to confirm you're in good standing with your taxes. A zero or credit balance is ideal. Available through CRA My Account under "Accounts and payments."
A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position/title, salary or hourly rate, employment start date, employment status (full-time, part-time, contract), and guaranteed hours. Must be signed and dated within 30 days of your application.
Your most recent pay stub showing year-to-date earnings, deductions, and net pay. This confirms your current income matches your employment letter. If you're paid bi-weekly, provide the most recent one or two stubs.
The signed Contract of Purchase and Sale (or MLS listing if you're still looking). For pre-approvals, the MLS listing is sufficient. For a firm approval, we need the fully executed purchase agreement showing the price, address, completion date, subjects, and all signatures.
Your bank statements must clearly show:
Step-by-step instructions for downloading official PDF statements from Canada's major banks. You need 3 months of statements in PDF format — not screenshots.
All of these are available through your CRA My Account online, or by calling CRA at 1-800-959-8281.
Issued after CRA processes your tax return. It confirms your total income, deductions, credits, and whether you have a balance owing or a refund. This is the single most important CRA document for your mortgage application. You typically need the last two years.
Where to find it: CRA My Account → Tax Returns → Notice of Assessment
Your employer issues this each year by the end of February. It reports your total employment income (Box 14), income tax deducted, CPP contributions, and EI premiums. If you changed jobs during the year, you'll receive a T4 from each employer.
Where to find it: CRA My Account → Tax Information Slips → T4, or from your employer directly
Covers pension income, retirement allowances, annuities, commissions, self-employment income, RESP educational assistance payments, scholarships, and other non-employment income. If you're retired, this is likely your primary income document. Also common for subcontractors and commission earners.
Where to find it: CRA My Account → Tax Information Slips → T4A
This is your actual filed tax return — the full document you (or your accountant) submitted to CRA. Lenders may request this for self-employed borrowers to verify income details that go beyond the NOA. If your accountant prepared it, they should have a copy.
Where to find it: CRA My Account → Tax Returns → View Return, or from your accountant
Shows your current balance with CRA — any taxes owed, payments made, and credits. Lenders want to see that you don't have outstanding tax debt. A balance of $0.00 or a credit balance is ideal.
Where to find it: CRA My Account → Accounts and Payments → Account Balance and Statement of Account
Common mortgage terms explained in plain language.
We are more than happy to sit down and walk through every document, every term, and every step of the process with you in person. That's the opposite of a bank — and exactly why we're here.
Contact Us or call 250.388.9473