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Build your pre-approval document checklist

Short answer

The documents depend on how you earn and where the down payment comes from. A self-employed couple using a gift and an FHSA needs 10 items, including two years of Notices of Assessment, about 90 days of statements and a signed gift letter. Tick what applies and print only those.

Figures as of 2026-11-02.
Facts checked How we check facts

Your pre-approval document checklist

Built from your situation: only the documents a lender is likely to ask you for. Print it, or keep the link.

Your main income
Documents to gather7for a salaried applicant

Identity

  • Government photo IDLenders must verify who you are (each borrower).
  • Consent to a credit checkA pre-approval includes a credit report pull; ask whether it's a hard or soft inquiry.

Income

  • Employment letter (recent, on letterhead)Confirms position, start date, salary or guaranteed hours, and whether you're past probation.
  • Most recent pay stubsConfirms current pay matches the letter.
  • Last two years' T4 slipsShows income history; key for hourly, overtime or bonus income.

Down payment

  • 90 days of statements for every account holding the down paymentLenders verify where the money came from; explain any large deposits.

Debts and property

  • Statements for loans, lines of credit and cardsConfirms balances and payments used in your TDS ratio.
Every lender's list differsThis is the common core. Your lender or broker will tell you exactly what they need; send clear, complete copies at once to avoid delays.

Estimate, not advice. Educational estimate only, not financial, mortgage, tax or legal advice. Lenders, insurers and governments set their own rules and can change them; confirm with a licensed professional before you decide.

7 documents for your situation.

Assumptions & sources

Assumptions

  • Built from lenders' published document lists and the FCAC's pre-approval guidance; 20 possible items.
  • Down-payment statements usually cover 90 days so the lender can verify the source of funds.

Sources

  1. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — Getting a mortgage pre-approval (rate lock 60 to 130 days) (effective October 15, 2025). Checked .
  2. Canada Revenue Agency — What is the Home Buyers' Plan. Checked .
  3. Canada Revenue Agency — First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Checked .

How does this calculator work?

The list is filtered from the common core lenders publish and CMHC's self-employed and newcomer programmes. Your lender's own list decides; send complete, clear copies at once. See the documents guide.

A self-employed couple using a gift and an FHSA
A self-employed couple using a gift and an FHSA: inputs, steps and result
IncomeSelf-employed, applying with a partner
Down payment fromSavings, a family gift and an FHSA
IdentityGovernment photo ID
IdentityConsent to a credit check
IncomeLast two years' Notices of Assessment (CRA)
IncomeLast two years' T1 General returns
IncomeBusiness financial statements or registration
Down payment90 days of statements for every account holding the down payment
Documents to gather10

Open this example in the calculator →Computed November 2, 2026.

Mitey the yeti ticks items off a checklist on a clipboard.
Mitey ticks the self-employed couple's list one line at a time: tax returns first, gift letter last.

Frequently asked questions

How many months of bank statements do I need for a mortgage?

Lenders typically ask for about 90 days of statements for the accounts holding your down payment, so they can trace the source of the funds.

Primary sources

  1. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — Getting a mortgage pre-approval (rate lock 60 to 130 days) (effective October 15, 2025). Checked .
  2. RBC Royal Bank — Getting pre-approved (rate guaranteed up to 120 days; online is a soft check). Checked .
  3. TD — Mortgage pre-approval (rate held 120 days; no score impact online). Checked .
  4. CMHC — Self-employed: homeowner mortgage loan insurance (24 months recommended, up to 95% LTV, NOA and T2125). Checked .
  5. Canada Revenue Agency — What is the Home Buyers' Plan. Checked .
  6. Canada Revenue Agency — First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Checked .
Documents guideBy income type.Open →Self-employedIncome proof.Open →Letter readerConditions to clear.Open →