Receiving Invitation To Apply: What Does It Mean?

Congratulations! You've been selected from the Express Entry pool and received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency. But how do you complete the e-APR (Electronic Application for Permanent Residency) form? Which supporting documents should be uploaded? What can you expect from now until you arrive in Canada?

This part of the process is often the slowest and most frustrating. To ease you into the process, this guide will explain everything.

What Is An Invitation To Apply (ITA)?

An invitation to apply (ITA) is a document from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent to individuals in the Express Entry pool. Receiving an ITA means you can apply for Canadian permanent residence, bringing you closer to your goal of immigrating to Canada.

How Do You Receive an ITA?

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Fill out a form that takes about 10-15 minutes. It will help you find out which of the three Express Entry programs you qualify for.

Step 2: Create An Express Entry Profile

If you meet the basic requirements, create an online Express Entry profile. You will need:

• Your passport

• Education credential assessment report

• Language test results

• Certificate of qualification in a trade occupation (if applicable)

• Proof of work experience (if applicable)

• Provincial Nomination (if applicable)

• Proof of funds

After submitting your profile, you will be ranked in a pool with other candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors like work experience and education.

Step 3: Receive An Invitation To Apply

If your CRS score meets the qualifying score for an Express Entry draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. Draws can occur as often as every two weeks. You have 60 days to complete the application after receiving the ITA.

What Is The Comprehensive Ranking System?

The Comprehensive Ranking System is a scoring system under which candidates participating in the Express Entry pool are scored out of 1200. The whole process is quite complex and dynamic. Applicants can find ways to increase their score and ranking, thus improving their chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

Here is how the selection process goes:

• Typically, the highest-ranked profiles are selected based on a cut-off threshold.

• Occasionally, IRCC conducts program-specific draws, prioritizing candidates under certain programs or those with a provincial nomination.

What Happens If You Decline The ITA?

In that case, there could be three scenarios:

Steps After Receiving The ITA

Step 1: Submit Your e-APR And Required Documents

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you need to complete and submit your electronic application (e-APR) and upload supporting documents. You have 60 days to do this. Some documents take time to gather, so start immediately.

Below are the essential documents you will need:

• Police Background Check: Needed for all places you've lived for 6 months or more.

• Medical Examination:

• Arrange with an IRCC-approved panel physician.

• Results were sent directly to IRCC.

• Employment References:

• Obtain letters detailing job responsibilities.

• Provide alternate evidence if references are unavailable.

Here is the checklist example:

The e-APR form should be filled out accurately and carefully. Ensure all required documents are included. Structure uploads logically with a contents page for clarity.

• Submit e-APR in the Express Entry Portal.

• Receive Acknowledgement of Receipt (AoR) confirming application is under review.

Step 2: Provide Your Biometrics

About a month after submitting the e-APR, you'll receive an electronic letter requesting your biometrics. Following are the steps to do it:

• Go to a third-party immigration center to submit your fingerprints.

• The portal will update to show that your biometrics have been received.

Step 3: Complete The Medical Exam

Around the same time, the portal will update to show your medical exam results. This exam should have been completed as soon as you received your ITA.

Step 4: Wait For Application Review

At this stage, you’ll likely experience a long waiting period without updates. The review of eligibility and background checks can take months. Stay patient and positive.

Step 5: Submit Your Passports

Six months after receiving the ITA, you’ll get an email asking for your passports. Here is what to do: 

• Submit a photocopy of your passports and two photos to the Canadian High Commission.

• If the instructions are unclear, confirm details with IRCC or the High Commission.

Step 6: Get A Permanent Residence (CoPR) Confirmation

About a week and a half after submitting your passports, you’ll receive the CoPR document. Do not sign this document until you meet with the Canada Border Services Agent.

Step 7: Plan Your Travel To Canada

Now, arrange your travel to Canada. Make sure to bring all required documents for landing. Upon arrival, complete the final steps to become a Canadian Permanent Resident.

Final Words

You can improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by boosting your Express Entry profile score. The most effective ways to enhance your score include contacting provinces and territories to be considered for the Provincial Nominee Program and securing a valid job offer in Canada. Additionally, you can improve your language skills, advance your education, and gain more relevant work experience. The chart below outlines the points you can earn in each category.