Your complete guide to Express Entry success after receiving an invitation
On This Page You Will Find:
- The exact steps to receive your Express Entry invitation (and why 67% of candidates miss these crucial requirements)
- Your complete 60-day action plan after getting an ITA - including the $2,335 fee breakdown most people get wrong
- Critical documentation mistakes that trigger automatic rejections (plus the misrepresentation trap that bans you for 5 years)
- Pro insider tips for navigating Canada's glitchy online application system
- What happens next: Timeline, costs, and your path to permanent residence
Summary:
Getting an Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA) is just the beginning of your Canadian immigration journey. You have exactly 60 days to submit a flawless application - no extensions, no second chances. This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about receiving, preparing for, and successfully submitting your permanent residence application. From the moment you enter the Express Entry pool to holding your permanent resident card, we'll walk you through each critical step, common pitfalls that derail applications, and insider strategies that immigration consultants use to ensure success.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- You need a competitive CRS score and eligibility for Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades programs to receive an ITA
- ITAs are valid for exactly 60 calendar days with zero extensions - missing this deadline means starting over completely
- Application fees total $2,335 for a couple: $950 processing fee each plus $575 Right of Permanent Residence fee each
- Misrepresentation (even innocent mistakes) triggers a 5-year ban from entering Canada
- Processing takes 6-12 months after submission, during which you can apply for a bridging work permit if eligible
Maria Rodriguez refreshed her email for the hundredth time that morning. After 14 months in the Express Entry pool, watching her CRS score fluctuate and seeing draw after draw pass her by, she'd almost given up hope. Then it happened - the subject line that changed everything: "Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence."
But as Maria quickly discovered, receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) isn't the finish line - it's the starting gun for the most critical 60 days of your immigration journey.
If you're in the Express Entry pool or planning to enter it, understanding the ITA process could mean the difference between becoming a Canadian permanent resident and watching your dreams slip away due to a missed deadline or documentation error.
What Exactly Is an Express Entry Invitation to Apply?
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is your golden ticket - a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that gives you permission to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Think of it as Canada saying, "We want you, but now you need to prove everything you claimed in your Express Entry profile."
Here's what makes ITAs so powerful: invited applicants can immigrate with their entire family, including spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children. But there's a catch - every family member must have been included in your original Express Entry profile. You can't add your newborn baby or new spouse after receiving an ITA.
The invitation doesn't guarantee approval. It's more like getting called for a job interview after submitting your resume - impressive, but the real work starts now.
How to Actually Receive an Express Entry ITA (The Two-Step Process)
Getting an ITA requires meeting two non-negotiable criteria that trip up thousands of hopeful immigrants every year.
Step 1: Prove Eligibility for a Federal Program
You must demonstrate eligibility for at least one of these three programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Class: For professionals with foreign work experience, education, and strong English/French skills. This is the most popular route for immigrants worldwide.
Canadian Experience Class: For temporary workers and international students who already have Canadian work experience. If you've worked in Canada for at least one year, this might be your fastest path.
Federal Skilled Trades Class: For electricians, plumbers, welders, and other skilled trades workers. Often overlooked but incredibly valuable for Canada's labor market.
Step 2: Achieve a Competitive CRS Score
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines everything. This points-based system evaluates:
- Age (maximum 110 points for core factors)
- Education (maximum 150 points)
- Language ability (maximum 160 points)
- Work experience (maximum 80 points)
- Additional factors (maximum 600 points, including provincial nominations worth 600 points alone)
The brutal reality? CRS cut-offs typically range from 470-490 points for general draws. Without a provincial nomination (worth 600 points), you need near-perfect scores in multiple categories.
The Waiting Game: How Long Until You Receive an ITA?
This question keeps thousands of Express Entry candidates awake at night, and the answer isn't what most people want to hear: it depends entirely on your competitiveness.
High-scoring candidates (500+ points): Often receive ITAs within 1-3 draws (roughly 2-6 weeks)
Moderate scores (470-499 points): May wait 3-8 months, depending on draw frequency and cut-offs
Lower scores (under 470 points): Could wait the full 12 months their profile remains active, or never receive an invitation
The harsh truth? Many candidates never receive an ITA during their profile's 12-month lifespan. If this happens, you must create an entirely new profile and start over.
Your 60-Day Sprint: What Happens After Receiving an ITA
The moment you receive an ITA, your Express Entry profile locks. You cannot make changes, updates, or receive another invitation. You have exactly 60 calendar days to submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) - and IRCC grants zero extensions, regardless of circumstances.
Critical First Steps (Do This Within 24 Hours)
- Verify your eligibility: Double-check that you still meet the minimum CRS cut-off and program requirements
- Confirm your program: Check which immigration program your ITA was issued under - this determines your documentation requirements
- Review the checklist: Download your personalized document checklist immediately
Your Three Options After Receiving an ITA
| Option | What It Means | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Accept | Submit complete application within 60 days | IRCC processes your application (6-12 months) |
| Decline | Click the decline button in your ITA notice | Profile returns to Express Entry pool for future draws |
| Let it expire | Take no action within 60 days | Must create entirely new Express Entry profile |
The Documentation Marathon: What You Actually Need
After receiving an ITA, the documentation requirements explode from basic profile information to extensive proof of every claim you made. The exact checklist varies based on your immigration program, nationality, and personal circumstances, but here are the universal requirements:
Mandatory Documents for Everyone
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months
- Birth certificate: Official government-issued document
- Language test results: IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores
- Work experience documentation: Reference letters, employment contracts, pay stubs
- Police clearance certificates: From every country where you lived 6+ months since age 18
- Medical examination: Completed by IRCC-approved panel physicians
- Photographs: Meeting specific size and quality requirements
Additional Documents (Situation-Dependent)
- Education credentials: Transcripts, diplomas, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Proof of settlement funds: Bank statements showing required minimum amounts
- Marriage/divorce certificates: If applicable
- Certified translations: For any documents not in English or French
💡 Pro tip: Start gathering documents before receiving your ITA. Some documents, like police clearances from certain countries, can take 2-3 months to obtain.
The $2,335 Reality: Express Entry Application Costs
Many candidates underestimate the financial commitment required after receiving an ITA. Here's the complete breakdown for a married couple:
Government Fees (Non-Refundable)
- Processing fee (main applicant): $950
- Processing fee (spouse): $950
- Right of Permanent Residence fee (main applicant): $575
- Right of Permanent Residence fee (spouse): $575
- Children under 22: $260 each (processing fee only)
Total for couple: $3,050 Total with one child: $3,310
Additional Costs to Consider
- Medical examinations: $200-500 per person
- Police clearances: $50-200 per country
- Document translation: $50-150 per document
- Biometrics: $85 per person
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) can be paid later in the process, but paying upfront often speeds up processing once your application is approved.
Navigating Canada's Online Application System (eAPR)
IRCC's online application system can be your biggest ally or worst enemy. Many applicants find the system glitchy, with frequent timeouts and confusing navigation. Here's how to master it:
Technical Requirements That Save Your Sanity
PDF Management: The system requires all related documents to be combined into single PDF files under 4MB each. Invest in PDF editing software before you start.
File Organization: Create a folder system matching your document checklist. Name files clearly: "MainApplicant_Passport_2025.pdf"
Browser Compatibility: Use Chrome or Firefox. Clear your cache before each session. Save your work frequently.
The Submission Process
⚠️ Critical Warning: You cannot make ANY changes after submitting your application. Triple-check everything before hitting submit.
The application typically takes 4-8 hours to complete if you have all documents ready. Don't rush - this application determines your family's future in Canada.
The Misrepresentation Trap That Destroys Dreams
Here's what keeps immigration lawyers awake at night: misrepresentation. Providing false or misleading information - even accidentally - triggers a 5-year ban from entering Canada. This isn't just about intentional fraud; innocent mistakes count too.
Common Misrepresentation Scenarios
Employment dates: Claiming you worked somewhere longer than you actually did to boost CRS points
Job duties: Exaggerating responsibilities to match National Occupational Classification (NOC) requirements
Family status: Failing to declare a spouse or child, even if you don't plan to bring them to Canada
Education: Overstating academic achievements or credentials
How to Protect Yourself
- Provide exact dates and details matching your supporting documents
- If unsure about something, provide additional explanation in a letter of explanation
- Have a third party review your application for inconsistencies
- When in doubt, under-promise rather than over-claim
After Submission: Your 6-12 Month Journey to Permanent Residence
Once you submit your eAPR, the waiting game begins again. IRCC aims to process applications within 6 months, but 6-12 months is more realistic given current volumes.
What Happens During Processing
Biometrics request: Usually within 30 days of submission. You have 30 days to complete this at a Visa Application Centre.
Medical examination: Can be done upfront or when requested. Valid for 12 months.
Additional document requests: IRCC may ask for updated documents or additional proof. Response deadlines are typically 7-30 days.
Background verification: IRCC verifies employment, education, and criminal history.
Can You Travel During Processing?
Yes, but with caution. Consider these factors:
- Can you easily access requested documents while traveling?
- Do you have proper visas for re-entry to your current country?
- Will travel interfere with biometrics or medical examination appointments?
Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP)
If you're already working in Canada on a valid work permit, you can apply for a BOWP after submitting your eAPR. This allows you to continue working while your permanent residence application processes.
BOWP eligibility requirements:
- Currently working in Canada on a valid work permit
- Work permit expires within 4 months
- Submitted a complete eAPR
Your Next Steps: From ITA to Permanent Resident Card
The ITA represents the beginning of your final sprint toward Canadian permanent residence. Success requires meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and realistic timeline management.
If you haven't received an ITA yet, focus on improving your CRS score through additional education, language training, or securing a provincial nomination. If you have received an invitation, treat these 60 days as the most important deadline of your immigration journey.
Remember Maria from our opening story? She successfully navigated her 60-day window, submitted a complete application, and received her permanent residence confirmation 8 months later. Today, she's building her new life in Toronto with her family.
Your Canadian dream is within reach. The ITA is your invitation to make it reality - but only if you're prepared to sprint across the finish line.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is an Express Entry ITA and how competitive is it to receive one?
An Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA) is an official document from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that permits you to apply for permanent residence. Think of it as Canada's way of saying "we want you" based on your skills and qualifications. To receive an ITA, you need a competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score - typically 470-490 points for general draws. The reality is stark: 67% of candidates never receive an invitation during their profile's 12-month lifespan. High-scoring candidates (500+ points) often receive ITAs within 2-6 weeks, while those with moderate scores (470-499) may wait 3-8 months. The invitation allows you to immigrate with your entire family, including spouse and dependent children, but only those declared in your original Express Entry profile. Remember, an ITA doesn't guarantee approval - it's permission to prove everything you claimed in your profile through comprehensive documentation.
Q: I just received my ITA - what are the exact steps I need to take in the next 60 days?
Congratulations! You now have exactly 60 calendar days to submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) - IRCC grants zero extensions. Within 24 hours, verify your eligibility, confirm which immigration program your ITA was issued under, and download your personalized document checklist. Your mandatory documents include valid passport, birth certificate, language test results, work experience documentation, police clearances from every country where you lived 6+ months since age 18, medical examination from IRCC-approved physicians, and proper photographs. Start with documents that take longest to obtain - police clearances can take 2-3 months from certain countries. Organize files according to your checklist, combine related documents into single PDFs under 4MB each, and use clear naming conventions. The application takes 4-8 hours to complete if documents are ready. Triple-check everything before submission - you cannot make ANY changes afterward.
Q: What are the complete costs involved after receiving an ITA, and when do I need to pay them?
The total government fees for a married couple are $3,050, breaking down as follows: processing fee of $950 each for main applicant and spouse, plus Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $575 each. Children under 22 pay only a $260 processing fee. Additional costs include medical examinations ($200-500 per person), police clearances ($50-200 per country), document translations ($50-150 per document), and biometrics ($85 per person). The RPRF can be paid later in the process, though paying upfront often speeds up final processing. Budget an additional $1,000-2,000 for medical exams, police clearances, and translations. All processing fees must be paid when submitting your eAPR. Payment is non-refundable even if your application is rejected, so ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission. Consider these costs when calculating your settlement funds requirements.
Q: What is misrepresentation and how can I avoid the 5-year ban that comes with it?
Misrepresentation occurs when you provide false or misleading information to IRCC, triggering an automatic 5-year ban from entering Canada - even for innocent mistakes. Common scenarios include claiming longer employment periods to boost CRS points, exaggerating job duties to match National Occupational Classification requirements, failing to declare family members (even if not accompanying you), or overstating education credentials. To protect yourself, provide exact dates matching your supporting documents, include letters of explanation for any unclear situations, and have someone review your application for inconsistencies. When uncertain, under-promise rather than over-claim. Double-check that employment letters match your claimed responsibilities and dates. Ensure education credentials align with your Educational Credential Assessment. Remember, IRCC conducts thorough background verification and can detect discrepancies years later. The key is absolute accuracy and transparency - your future in Canada depends on it.
Q: How long does processing take after submitting my application, and what happens during this period?
After submitting your eAPR, processing typically takes 6-12 months, though IRCC's official target is 6 months. During this period, expect a biometrics request within 30 days (you have 30 days to complete this at a Visa Application Centre). IRCC will verify your employment, education, and criminal history through background checks. They may request additional documents or updated information with response deadlines of 7-30 days. Medical examinations are valid for 12 months, so timing matters. You can travel during processing, but ensure you can access requested documents and have proper re-entry visas. If you're working in Canada on a valid work permit expiring within 4 months, you can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to continue working. Once approved, you'll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence, allowing you to land in Canada and receive your permanent resident card within 2-3 months.
Q: Can I make changes to my application after receiving an ITA, and what are my options if I can't meet the 60-day deadline?
Once you receive an ITA, your Express Entry profile locks completely - you cannot make any changes or updates. You have three options: accept and submit your complete application within 60 days, decline the invitation (returning your profile to the Express Entry pool for future draws), or let it expire by taking no action (requiring you to create an entirely new Express Entry profile). IRCC provides zero extensions regardless of circumstances - medical emergencies, document delays, or technical issues don't qualify for deadline extensions. If you can't gather all required documents within 60 days, it's better to decline the invitation rather than submit an incomplete application, which will be rejected and waste your fees. Declining allows you to receive future ITAs if your score remains competitive. However, if you let the invitation expire, you must start completely over with a new Express Entry profile, losing your place in the system and any previous draw history.
