Mortgage Pre-Approval in Canada, Made Easy
Quick answer
Quick answer (Canada): A mortgage pre-approval estimates your maximum loan amount and payment based on income, credit, down payment, and the mortgage stress test. It also lets you hold a rate for a set period, often 90 to 120 days, while you shop. We underwrite your file once, then compare 100+ lenders so your budget and conditions are accurate before you bid.
See: Pre-Approval Guide · Mortgage Payment Calculator · Stress Test Calculator · Closing Costs
Consumer guidance on home buying and mortgage insurance is published by CMHC. Review the latest home-buying resources before you make an offer.
Know your budget, lock a rate, and shop with confidence. We compare 100+ lenders so your numbers are real and your offer is strong.
Learn more about mortgage pre-approval through the official Government of Canada Mortgage Guidelines for additional insights.
- Competitive interest rates tailored to your needs
- Expert guidance from start to finish
- Fast pre-approvals for a stress-free experience
Pre-Approval Pain Points, Solved with Genesis Group
- Unsure what you can afford? We model real numbers with taxes, condo fees, and utilities, not just headline rates.
- Worried about the stress test? We optimize ratios and map a path across lenders so you pass comfortably.
- No time for back-and-forth? Upload once. We package your file and handle lender requests for you.
- Rate volatility? We hold a competitive rate and re-shop if pricing improves before you close.
- Bank declined? We place you with credit unions or alt lenders now, then plan a return to bank pricing later.
- New to Canada or self-employed? We use alternative proofs where allowed so your real cash flow counts.
Why Choose Genesis Group for Your Pre-Approval
- 100+ lenders compared: Banks, credit unions, and private options in one pass.
- Concierge service: Clear steps, quick answers, and friendly guidance from start to keys.
- Licensed and transparent: FSRA-licensed with upfront costs and conditions, no surprises.
- Rate and structure strategy: Fixed, variable, or hybrid aligned to your horizon and penalties.
- Fast turnarounds: Same-day soft-check pre-approvals in many cases, with a rate hold up to 120 days.
5 Year - Fixed Term from
Get Started Now and Save Thousands!
No cost, no obligation—just your best rate in minutes.
At Genesis, we’re dedicated to securing the lowest rate possible for you. Your personalized rate depends on factors like credit score and home equity, in line with Canadian regulations. Get your tailored details quickly—with zero cost, zero obligation, and total peace of mind.
Types of Pre-Approval Scenarios We Handle
First-Time Buyers
Clear budget, closing-cost plan, and a strong offer letter.
Start pre-approvalSelf-Employed Buyers
Bank-statement reviews and professional add-backs where allowed.
See your optionsNew to Canada
Alternative credit evidence and verified funds for newcomers.
Talk to an advisorMove-Up and Downsizers
Bridge and timing plans so you avoid rushed sales.
Plan your timingInvestors
Rental add-backs, DSCR analysis, and cash-flow modelling.
Model cash flowMedical and Professionals
Program advantages for physicians, dentists, CPAs, and lawyers.
Ask about programsTools: Pre-Approval Guide · Payment Calculator · Stress Test · Closing Costs
Our Process
Simple, fast, and built around you. Here is how we go from pre-approval to offer ready.
- Apply in minutes online. Share a few details and connect documents securely.
- We review and package your file. One clean package for multiple lenders.
- Lenders compete. We compare pricing and conditions, then hold a rate.
- You shop with confidence. Offer letter ready with clear limits and conditions.
- Update as you shop. If rates or goals change, we re-shop before you go firm.
Soft check • No impact on credit • FSRA-licensed
Real Client Success: 5-Star Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Experience Guaranteed
My husband and I had used Kirk and his team upon closing a deal on our home. We couldn’t be more happy with everything Kirk and Brittney have done for... read more
Laura Vescio
11/13/2024I had a great experience with The Genesis Group. The process was smooth, with clear communication and competitive rates. Their team was responsive and helpful throughout. Highly recommend!
Breanna Bacik
09/13/2024Kirk is a class act! He helped me with my first home property mortgage and couldn’t have asked for a more professional person to deal with. Him and his team... read more
Lui Vescio Jr.
12/13/2024Had a great experience dealing with Brittney. Fantastic communication and really worked for me and my needs. Will never go anywhere else for my financial needs
Mark Winter
11/13/2024From the very first meeting to the joyous moment of receiving my keys, The Genesis Group, under the astute leadership of Kirk Bryan, has been nothing short of spectacular in... read more
Rohan Germain
01/13/2024If getting a mortgage was an Olympic sport, these guys would take gold—blindfolded, on a unicycle, while juggling flaming swords. They made the process so smooth, I was half convinced... read more
Samantha L
09/13/2024My partner and I have been in our first home for over a month now and we cannot thank Kirk and The Genesis Team enough! Kirk was patient, professional, supportive,... read more
stephanie B
01/13/2023As a first-time homebuyer, navigating the mortgage process can be incredibly daunting, but The Genesis Group made it not only manageable but truly rewarding. I had the distinct pleasure of... read more
Rohan Spence
05/13/2024Could not say enough about The Genesis Group. The level of dedication, professionalism, and knowledge is unmatched. When dealing with such a big life decision like buying a house -... read more
Maria Woychyshyn
11/13/2024
Gain access to our vast network of 100+ lenders offering tailored residential mortgages to suit your financial needs.
Real results from pre-approval to keys
First-time buyer
Same-day pre-approval, rate hold, and smooth offer process.
Read case studySelf-employed buyer
Bank-statement analysis unlocked approval at 80% LTV.
Read case studyNew to Canada
Alternative credit evidence with verified funds made it easy.
Read case studyMore wins: Physician purchase · Investor duplex · See all case studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mortgage pre-approval in Canada and how does it work?
A mortgage pre-approval estimates your maximum purchase price and payment using your income, credit, down payment, and the mortgage stress test. We underwrite your file, confirm ratios, and hold a rate so you can shop with confidence. Start with the Pre-Approval Guide and test payments on the Mortgage Payment Calculator.
How long does a mortgage pre-approval last in Canada and can I renew the rate hold?
Most lenders hold a rate for 90 to 120 days. If you do not buy within that window we can refresh the file and renew the hold, often with updated documents. If rates drop before you go firm, we re-shop for better pricing. Details vary by lender, so we confirm the exact expiry date and renewal rule for your file.
Does getting pre-approved hurt my credit score in Canada?
We start with a soft check where possible so there is no impact on your score. When you are ready to proceed, some lenders require a hard check to finalize the approval. Multiple mortgage inquiries in a short period are often treated as a single event, but we still plan pulls carefully.
What documents do I need for mortgage pre-approval in Canada?
Expect photo ID, recent pay stubs and a job letter or T4s, last two years of NOAs or tax returns, and 90 days of proof of down payment. Self-employed buyers provide business financials and bank statements. If using a gift, include a gift letter and proof of source. See our Pre-Approval Guide for a full checklist.
Pre-qualification vs mortgage pre-approval in Canada, what is the difference?
A pre-qualification is an estimate based on unverified information. A pre-approval verifies documents and credit, applies the stress test, and usually includes a rate hold. Sellers and agents prefer offers backed by a true pre-approval because it is more reliable.
What happens if mortgage rates change after I am pre-approved?
Your rate hold protects you if rates rise during the hold period. If rates fall, we re-shop your file and aim to secure the lower pricing before you remove conditions. We also review fixed, variable, and hybrid options so the total cost and penalties fit your plans. Compare structures in the Product Comparison Guide.
Can I get pre-approved if I am self-employed or new to Canada?
Yes. Self-employed buyers can use bank-statement analysis and professional add-backs where allowed. Newcomers can qualify with alternative credit evidence and verified funds. Rules vary by lender and insurer, so we confirm eligibility before you waive conditions. See Self-Employed Tips and New to Canada Mortgages.
Get started
Ready to shop with confidence? Get a firm budget, a rate hold, and a strong offer letter.
Soft check • No impact on credit • FSRA-licensed
Helpful tools and guides
Plan with confidence. Use these guides and calculators to map budget, payments, and approval steps.
- Pre-Approval Guide — what lenders check and the documents you need.
- Closing Costs Guide — legal, title, and land transfer tax.
- Mortgage Payment Calculator — test rates and amortization.
- Stress Test Calculator — see how the qualifying rate affects approval.
