Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Express Entry: Complete Guide

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is one of the most important milestones in the Express Entry process. The ITA means that IRCC has selected you from the Express Entry pool and is inviting you to submit a complete application for Canadian permanent residence. However, receiving an ITA is not a guarantee of approval — it is the beginning of the most document-intensive phase of the process.

This guide explains what happens after you receive an ITA, what documents you need, the critical 60-day deadline, and how to submit a strong application.

Official information is available from IRCC at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html.

How ITAs Are Issued

IRCC conducts regular Express Entry draws, typically every two weeks. In each draw, IRCC sets a minimum CRS score and invites all candidates in the pool who meet or exceed that score. Draws can be:

• General draws — all Express Entry programs are eligible
• Program-specific draws — only candidates in a specific program (FSWP, CEC, FSTP) are invited
• Category-based draws — candidates are invited based on specific attributes such as occupation, French language ability, or provincial nomination

When a draw occurs:

1. IRCC determines the number of invitations and the minimum CRS score
2. All candidates at or above the cut-off score receive an ITA
3. If multiple candidates are tied at the cut-off score, the tie is broken by the date and time the Express Entry profile was submitted (earlier submissions receive priority)
4. Invited candidates receive a notification in their IRCC online account

You can check the latest draw results at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile/rounds-invitations.html.

The 60-Day Deadline

Once you receive an ITA, you have exactly 60 calendar days to submit your complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR). This is a firm deadline — there are no extensions.

If you do not submit your application within 60 days:

• Your ITA expires
• Your Express Entry profile returns to the pool (if it is still valid)
• You can be invited again in a future draw if your CRS score meets the cut-off
• There is no penalty for letting an ITA expire, but you lose the time and may need to wait for another draw

The 60-day clock starts the moment the ITA is issued, not when you first log in and see it. Check your IRCC account regularly if you are expecting an ITA.

Documents Required After Receiving an ITA

The documents you need to submit with your e-APR fall into several categories:

Identity Documents

• Valid passport for you and all family members (copies of all pages, including blank ones)
• National identity card (if applicable)
• Birth certificate for you and all dependent children
• Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
• Divorce or annulment certificate (if applicable)
• Death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)

Language Test Results

• Official test results from an IRCC-approved language test
• English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General
• French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
• Results must be less than two years old at the time of ITA issuance
• You must upload the test results, and IRCC will verify them directly with the testing organization

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

• Required if your education was completed outside Canada
• Must be from a designated organization (WES, IQAS, CES, ICAS, or MCC)
• The ECA must be less than five years old at the time of ITA issuance
• Upload the ECA report along with copies of your original diplomas and transcripts

Work Experience Documents

• Reference letters from each employer listed in your Express Entry profile
• Each reference letter must include:
  • Company letterhead with contact information
  • Your name, job title, and dates of employment
  • Your main duties and responsibilities
  • The number of hours worked per week
  • Your annual salary and benefits
  • The signature of your supervisor or HR representative
• Employment contracts (recommended but not mandatory)
• Pay stubs (recommended as supporting evidence)

Police Certificates

• From every country where you have lived for six months or more since age 18
• From your country of nationality
• Must be less than 12 months old (see the separate police certificates guide for country-specific instructions)

Immigration Medical Exam

• Must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician
• Results are submitted electronically by the physician to IRCC
• You include the medical exam confirmation number in your application
• Results are valid for 12 months

Proof of Funds

• Official bank letters showing account balances and six-month history
• Required for FSWP and FSTP applicants without a valid job offer
• Not required for CEC applicants

Provincial Nomination (if applicable)

• If you received a provincial or territorial nomination, include the nomination certificate
• The nomination adds 600 CRS points, so this is a critical document

Photographs

• Digital photographs meeting IRCC specifications for you and all family members
• Specific size, background, and format requirements apply (see IRCC photo specifications)

Additional Documents

• Proof of relationship (for accompanying spouse or partner): photos together, joint financial accounts, communication records, etc.
• Custody documents (if you have dependent children from a previous relationship)
• Military service records (if applicable)
• Travel history for the past 10 years
• Previous immigration applications to Canada or other countries (if applicable)

How to Submit Your e-APR

Step 1: Log In to Your IRCC Account

Log in to the same account where you created your Express Entry profile. You will see the ITA notification and a link to begin your permanent residence application.

Step 2: Complete the Online Forms

The e-APR consists of several sections that must be completed online:

• Personal details (confirm and update information from your Express Entry profile)
• Contact information
• Education history
• Work history
• Language test details
• Travel history
• Family information
• Background questions (criminal history, medical conditions, previous immigration refusals, etc.)

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents in the formats specified by IRCC (typically PDF or JPEG). Each document has a specific upload slot in the application. Ensure documents are:

• Clear and legible
• Properly oriented
• Within the file size limits
• In English or French (with certified translations if in another language)

Step 4: Pay Application Fees

The following fees are payable at the time of submission:

| Fee | Amount (CAD) | |-----|-------------| | Processing fee (principal applicant) | $850 | | Processing fee (spouse/partner) | $850 | | Processing fee (dependent child) | $230 | | Right of Permanent Residence Fee (per adult) | $515 | | Total for single applicant | $1,365 | | Total for couple | $2,730 | | Total for couple + 1 child | $2,960 |

The Right of Permanent Residence Fee can be paid at the time of application or before the final PR decision, but paying upfront avoids delays.

Step 5: Submit and Receive Acknowledgement

After submitting your application, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming that IRCC has received your application. The AOR includes an application number that you can use to check your application status online.

After Submission: What Happens Next

Application Processing

After submitting your e-APR, IRCC will:

1. Verify your information — IRCC checks your claims against supporting documents and may verify information directly with employers, educational institutions, and testing organizations
2. Conduct background checks — Security and criminality checks are performed using your police certificates and other intelligence
3. Assess medical results — IRCC's medical officers review your immigration medical exam results
4. Request additional documents — IRCC may ask for additional information or documents through your online account. Respond promptly to any requests.

Processing Time

Express Entry applications are typically processed within six months from the date of submission, though this timeline is not guaranteed. Some applications may take longer if:

• Additional background checks are required
• Medical follow-up is needed
• Additional documents are requested
• There are concerns about the application

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

If your application is approved:

1. You receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa (for passport holders who need one)
2. If you are outside Canada, you must travel to Canada and present your COPR to a border officer to complete your landing
3. If you are in Canada, you may complete a landing process electronically or at an IRCC office
4. Your PR card will be mailed to your Canadian address within several weeks of landing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing the 60-day deadline — This is the most critical and irreversible mistake. Start gathering documents before you expect to receive an ITA.

2. Inconsistent information — Ensure that all information in your e-APR matches your Express Entry profile exactly. Discrepancies between your profile and your application can trigger additional review or refusal.

3. Incomplete reference letters — Reference letters must include all required details. A letter that simply confirms your employment without listing duties, hours, and dates is insufficient.

4. Expired documents — Language test results (2-year validity), police certificates (12-month validity), and medical exams (12-month validity) must all be valid at the time of submission.

5. Poor document quality — Blurry scans, photos of documents taken with a phone, or documents with cut-off edges can cause delays.

6. Not declaring family members — You must declare all family members, including those not accompanying you to Canada. Failing to declare a family member is misrepresentation.

7. Not answering background questions honestly — Questions about criminal history, previous immigration refusals, and military service must be answered truthfully. Misrepresentation can result in a five-year ban.

Pre-ITA Preparation Checklist

To maximize your chances of meeting the 60-day deadline, prepare these documents before you receive an ITA:

• [ ] Valid language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
• [ ] Educational Credential Assessment (if educated outside Canada)
• [ ] Police certificates from all required countries
• [ ] Reference letters from all employers
• [ ] Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining
• [ ] Proof of funds (bank letters)
• [ ] Photographs meeting IRCC specifications
• [ ] Immigration medical exam (can be completed after ITA, but booking early helps)

Useful Resources

• IRCC Apply for Permanent Residence: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html
• Express Entry Rounds of Invitations: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile/rounds-invitations.html
• Document Checklist: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence/documents.html
• IRCC Photo Specifications: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/pr-card/photos.html