Your complete guide to submitting a successful Express Entry PR application within 60 days
On This Page You Will Find:
- Step-by-step guide to completing your Express Entry PR application within the 60-day deadline
- Critical document requirements and translation guidelines that prevent application delays
- Payment structure breakdown including processing fees and biometric costs
- Common mistakes that lead to rejection and how to avoid them
- Expert strategies to maximize your approval chances
Summary:
Receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence is just the beginning. You now have exactly 60 days to submit a complete, error-free application that could determine your family's future in Canada. This comprehensive guide walks you through every critical step of the Express Entry PR application process, from document preparation to payment submission. Whether you're a first-time applicant or need clarification on specific requirements, you'll discover the insider strategies that immigration consultants use to ensure successful applications and avoid the costly mistakes that force thousands to restart the entire process.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- You have only 60 days from receiving your ITA to submit your complete PR application
- All non-English/French documents require certified translations with proper stamps or affidavits
- Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months; renewal requires updating your application
- Processing fees and biometric fees should be paid together to avoid delays
- Applications can be modified through the web portal until final submission
Maria Santos stared at her email inbox at 6 AM, her heart racing as she read the subject line: "Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence." After 18 months of preparation, language tests, and credential assessments, she finally received her ITA through Express Entry. But as excitement gave way to reality, one crucial detail hit her: she had exactly 60 days to complete what many consider the most important application of their lives.
If you're reading this with your own ITA in hand, you're probably feeling that same mix of excitement and pressure. The good news? Thousands of skilled workers successfully navigate this process every year. The challenge? One missing document, incorrect translation, or overlooked requirement can send you back to square one.
Understanding Your 60-Day Window
The moment you receive your Invitation to Apply, the clock starts ticking. This isn't a flexible deadline – it's exactly 60 calendar days, including weekends and holidays. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) system automatically locks your application after this period expires.
Here's what makes this timeline particularly challenging: most applicants underestimate the time needed for document preparation. While you might think you have everything ready from your Express Entry profile, the PR application requires significantly more detailed documentation.
What happens if you miss the deadline? Your ITA expires, your Express Entry profile returns to the pool (if it hasn't expired), and you'll need to wait for another draw. For many applicants, this means waiting 3-6 months for another invitation, assuming your Comprehensive Ranking System score remains competitive.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Access Your Application Forms
Log into your IRCC online account using the same credentials from your Express Entry profile. You'll find new forms and document checklists specific to your situation – single applicant, married, with dependents, etc.
Pro tip: Download and review all forms before starting. This gives you a complete picture of what's required and helps you organize your document collection efficiently.
Step 2: Document Preparation and Translation Requirements
This step trips up more applicants than any other. Every document not in English or French must be accompanied by:
- The original document (scanned copy)
- A certified translation
- Either a stamp from a certified translator OR an affidavit from the person who completed the translation
Common translation mistakes to avoid:
- Using Google Translate or informal translations
- Missing translator credentials or stamps
- Submitting translations without the original documents
- Inconsistent name spellings between original and translated documents
The translation process alone can take 2-3 weeks, which is why starting immediately is crucial.
Step 3: Passport Validity Check
Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months from your application date. If your passport expires within this window, you must renew it first.
Important: If you get a new passport, you'll need to update this information in your application. The passport number, issue date, and expiry date must match exactly what you submit.
Step 4: Complete Application Forms
Take your time with this step. Rushing through forms leads to inconsistencies that can delay processing or result in rejection. Pay special attention to:
- Personal history: Account for every month of the past 10 years
- Travel history: Include all trips outside your country of residence
- Work experience: Match exactly what you claimed in your Express Entry profile
- Education details: Ensure consistency with your Educational Credential Assessment
Critical reminder: You can modify your application through the web portal until you submit it. Use this feature to double-check everything before final submission.
Step 5: Fee Payment Structure
You'll need to pay several fees, and it's recommended to pay them all at once:
Processing fees:
- Principal applicant: CAD $1,365
- Spouse or partner: CAD $1,365
- Dependent child: CAD $230 per child
Biometric fees:
- Individual: CAD $85
- Family (2 or more people): CAD $170
Right of Permanent Residence Fee:
- CAD $515 per adult (can be paid now or after approval)
Paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee upfront can speed up your final processing once approved.
What Happens After Submission
Once you submit your complete application, federal authorities begin their review process. Current processing times average 6-8 months, though this can vary based on your country of residence and application complexity.
You'll receive updates through your online account. The IRCC may request additional documents or information during processing – respond to these requests quickly to avoid delays.
Two possible outcomes:
- Approval: You'll be asked to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (if not already paid) and will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Rejection: You'll receive detailed reasons for refusal and may need to address issues before reapplying
Maximizing Your Success Rate
Document organization strategy: Create a digital folder system matching the application checklist. This makes uploading documents faster and reduces the chance of missing requirements.
Quality control checklist:
- All documents are clear, legible scans
- Translations include translator credentials
- Personal information is consistent across all forms
- File sizes meet IRCC requirements
- All mandatory fields are completed
Professional support consideration: Many successful applicants work with Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) who specialize in Express Entry applications. While not required, their expertise can be valuable for complex cases or if you're unsure about any requirements.
Common Pitfalls That Cause Delays
Incomplete work history documentation: Failing to provide detailed employment records or reference letters that don't meet IRCC standards.
Police certificate timing: Some countries take months to issue police certificates. Start this process immediately if required.
Medical exam scheduling: Depending on your location, getting appointments with IRCC-approved panel physicians can take weeks.
Family composition changes: Marriage, divorce, or new children during processing require immediate notification and additional documentation.
Your Next Steps
With your ITA in hand, time is your most valuable resource. Start document collection immediately, even if you're still gathering everything. The most successful applicants treat this 60-day period like a full-time project, dedicating several hours daily to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Remember, this application represents more than just paperwork – it's your gateway to building a new life in Canada. The extra effort you put in now to ensure everything is perfect will pay dividends when you receive that approval and can finally plan your move to Canada with confidence.
The 60-day countdown has begun. Make every day count, and soon you'll be holding your Confirmation of Permanent Residence, ready to start your Canadian journey.
FAQ
Q: What exactly happens during the 60-day window after receiving an ITA, and can this deadline be extended?
The 60-day countdown begins the moment IRCC sends your Invitation to Apply and is strictly enforced – no extensions are granted except in extraordinary circumstances like serious illness with medical documentation. During this period, you must complete detailed application forms, gather comprehensive documentation, obtain certified translations for non-English/French documents, and submit everything through your online portal. Unlike your initial Express Entry profile, the PR application requires extensive supporting documents including police certificates, medical exams, employment records, and educational credentials. The system automatically locks your application after 60 calendar days, including weekends and holidays. If you miss this deadline, your ITA expires and you return to the Express Entry pool (assuming your profile hasn't expired), potentially waiting months for another invitation.
Q: Which documents require certified translations and what are the specific translation requirements that prevent application delays?
Every document not in English or French must include both the original document and a certified translation with proper credentials. The translator must be certified by a provincial or territorial regulatory body, and translations require either an official stamp from the certified translator or a sworn affidavit confirming the translator's credentials and accuracy of the translation. Common documents requiring translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts, employment records, and police certificates. Critical mistakes include using informal translations, missing translator stamps, inconsistent name spellings between original and translated versions, and submitting translations without accompanying original documents. Processing translations typically takes 2-3 weeks, making immediate action essential. Some countries have pre-approved translation services that IRCC recognizes, which can expedite the process.
Q: What is the complete fee structure for Express Entry PR applications, and what's the optimal payment strategy?
The total fee structure includes processing fees, biometric fees, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. Processing fees are CAD $1,365 for the principal applicant, CAD $1,365 for spouse/partner, and CAD $230 per dependent child. Biometric fees cost CAD $85 for individuals or CAD $170 for families (2+ people). The Right of Permanent Residence Fee is CAD $515 per adult, payable either with your application or after approval. The optimal strategy is paying all fees together during application submission, including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee upfront, which can reduce final processing time by 2-4 weeks once approved. Payment must be made through the online portal using credit card or debit card, and you'll receive immediate confirmation. Keep all payment receipts as proof of payment.
Q: How should I organize my work experience documentation to match my Express Entry profile and avoid inconsistencies?
Your work experience documentation must exactly match what you claimed in your Express Entry profile, including job titles, employment dates, duties, and salary information. Gather official employment letters on company letterhead containing your job title, employment period, salary, hours worked per week, and detailed job duties that align with your claimed National Occupational Classification code. For companies that no longer exist or won't provide letters, submit alternative documentation like contracts, pay stubs, tax documents, and a sworn affidavit explaining the situation. Include reference letters from supervisors with their contact information and LinkedIn profiles when possible. Create a spreadsheet cross-referencing your Express Entry claims with supporting documents to ensure consistency. Any discrepancies between your profile and documentation can result in rejection or requests for additional evidence, potentially causing significant delays.
Q: What are the most critical mistakes that lead to application rejection, and how can I avoid them?
The most common rejection reasons include incomplete personal history (failing to account for every month of the past 10 years), inconsistent information between Express Entry profile and PR application, insufficient proof of funds documentation, and missing or inadequate employment verification letters. Document quality issues like unclear scans, missing translator credentials, or files exceeding size limits also cause problems. To avoid these issues, maintain detailed records of all dates and activities, use high-quality scanners for documents, double-check all information for consistency, and ensure employment letters include all required elements (job title, duties, salary, employment period). Create a quality control checklist and review your entire application multiple times before submission. Consider having someone else review your application for errors you might miss, and ensure all mandatory fields are completed before final submission.
Q: Can I modify my application after submission, and what should I do if my circumstances change during processing?
Once you submit your PR application, you cannot make changes through the online portal – it becomes locked for modifications. However, you must immediately notify IRCC of any material changes to your circumstances, including marriage, divorce, birth of children, new employment, address changes, or passport renewal. Submit changes through the IRCC web form with supporting documentation and your application number. Before submission, you can modify anything through the web portal, so use this feature extensively to review and perfect your application. Material changes after submission may require additional documentation and can extend processing times. Failing to report significant changes like marriage or children can result in application rejection or future immigration consequences. For passport changes, you must submit copies of your new passport pages immediately, as visa stamps will be placed in the passport you declare during processing.
Q: How long does processing take after submission, and what can I expect during the review process?
Current processing times for Express Entry PR applications average 6-8 months from submission, though this varies by country of residence, application complexity, and current IRCC workload. During processing, IRCC may request additional documents, medical exams, or clarification on specific points – respond to these requests within the specified timeframe (usually 30-60 days) to avoid delays. You'll receive updates through your online account, including acknowledgment of receipt, requests for additional information, and final decision notifications. Processing involves multiple stages: completeness check, eligibility review, security and background checks, and final decision. Some applications require interviews, though this is uncommon for straightforward cases. Avoid submitting additional unsolicited documents unless requested, as this can slow processing. Monitor your account regularly and ensure your contact information remains current throughout the process. Most successful applications result in Confirmation of Permanent Residence documents being issued electronically.
