An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is an official letter issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to individuals who have registered in the Express Entry system. Receiving this invitation is one of the most important milestones on the path to obtaining Canadian permanent residency — a clear sign that you are one step closer to achieving your dream of living in Canada.
The Path to Immigration through the Express Entry System
The process of obtaining permanent residency through the Express Entry system is both exciting and complex. For many applicants, understanding the different stages can be challenging; however, with proper knowledge and guidance, you can successfully navigate each step and move closer to your goal of settling in Canada.
In the first stage, the applicant must create and submit an Express Entry profile to enter the candidate pool. If the candidate’s score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is high enough, their profile will be selected during one of the Express Entry draws, and they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Receiving an ITA means that the candidate has advanced to the second and most crucial stage of the immigration process.
How to Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
To receive an ITA, the first step is to create and submit an Express Entry profile. Once submitted, your profile will be placed in the pool of candidates and scored based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system assigns points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other eligibility criteria.
Candidates with the highest scores are invited by IRCC to apply for permanent residence. After receiving an ITA, you must then submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) through the official online portal.
This invitation provides the recipient with the opportunity to formally apply for Canadian permanent residency.
How Long Does It Take to Receive an ITA?
IRCC regularly conducts draws for Express Entry candidates. If you are highly ranked, you may receive an ITA within a few days or weeks. If you are not selected immediately, your profile will remain active in the Express Entry pool for 12 months.
Suppose you have not received an ITA after several months. In that case, it may be wise to find ways to improve your CRS score — for instance, by retaking language tests to achieve higher scores or exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that can significantly boost your ranking.
What Happens After Receiving an ITA?
After receiving your ITA, you will have 60 days to prepare and submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). This application is submitted through the IRCC online portal, and you must scan and upload all required documents.
These typically include your passport, educational credentials, employment records, language test results, police certificates, and proof of financial support. Once your application is submitted, IRCC will review it, and if approved, you and your family will be granted Canadian permanent residency.
Conclusion
Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a key milestone in the Express Entry immigration process. It confirms your eligibility to proceed to the final stage toward permanent residency. With careful preparation, accurate documentation, and consistent effort, you can turn your dream of living in Canada into reality.