Post-ITA Process: 3 Steps to Follow After ITA

Canada’s Express Entry immigration system receives thousands of applicants each year. Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirement for their chosen program are added to an Express Entry pool.

The highest-scoring ones are then issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). It is also an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). The applicants get 60 calendar days to prepare and submit an eAPR.

The “after ITA process” must be followed carefully to get your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR). This guide will explore an ITA and the steps applicants must follow once issued.

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to applicants in the Express Entry pool who receive a score above the minimum threshold for an Express Entry draw. With ITA, an applicant is eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

An applicant must meet two criteria to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry.
First, they must establish eligibility for one of the Express Entry-aligned skilled worker immigration programmes:

• Federal Skilled Worker Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Class
• Canadian Experience Class

If an applicant qualifies for at least one of these programmes, he or she can create an Express Entry profile and join the pool of candidates. Once the profile has been submitted and accepted as eligible, it will be assigned a score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on the information the applicant supplied while creating the Express Entry profile.

The Comprehensive Ranking System Score is the second criterion used for assigning ITAs. Express Entry is a competitive immigrant selection system, and the CRS score is a point system used for assessing candidates. ITAs are only given to the most competitive candidates.

Applicants must submit their Applications with all required documents for Permanent Residence (eAPR) within 60 days. Applicants who cannot gather the required documents before the deadline may decline their ITA. They will then be placed back in the Express Entry pool until they meet the points threshold for the next draw.

Application fee: A processing fee of CAD $850 each for the principal applicant and spouse is included on the application, and $230 per child is included. Also, paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of CAD $515 each is mandatory for the principal applicant and spouse.

Candidates must quickly gather the documents required by IRCC. A document list will be provided in their Express Entry Profile. Applicants who cannot provide a specific document must provide a letter explaining why they could not obtain and submit it.

All documents must be presented in English or French. This includes:

• A copy of their passport’s biographical data page or alternate travel document.
• A candidate must provide this from their own passport and the passports of any family members accompanying them.
• A birth certificate is as additional identity verification.
• Those who reside in countries that do not issue birth certificates can provide an alternate document that details their date of birth and the names of one or both parents.
• Candidates who provide this alternate document must include a letter explaining why they could not provide an official birth certificate.

Applicants must demonstrate their marital status by providing appropriate documents. The different documents for each material status are described below:

• Single (Never Married): No documents needed.
• Married: A valid marriage certificate.
• Common-Law Partnership: Evidence of a partnership.
• Divorced: A divorce certificate for each divorce the candidate has undergone.
• Widowed: An official marriage certificate and an official death certificate.

Candidates may be required to provide a combination of documents depending on their circumstances. For example, an applicant who has divorced one partner and remarried another will need to provide their divorce and new marriage certificates.

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their official language test results. Some language examination centers automatically send these results to IRCC. In other cases, applicants will need to submit these results themselves.

Candidates must provide documents demonstrating the work experience described on their Express Entry Profile. This includes:

• Employment reference letters
• Copies of employment contracts
• Payslip samples, if applicable

You may also like: Employment Reference Letter for Canada PR

Applicants must include education documents that verify the education credentials they stated on their Express Entry Profile. This includes:

• A copy of each degree, diploma, and certificate they have claimed education points for.
• A copy of transcripts for their high school, University, and College education.
• Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report. The original copy is required.

Candidates must demonstrate they possess enough funds to move to Canada and support themselves. The minimum settlement funds threshold changes regularly, so candidates must verify that they possess enough funds by consulting the Government of Canada website.

These applicants must provide proof in the form of official letters from their bank or other financial institutions where they are storing their money.

Applicants will be asked to undergo a medical examination after receiving their ITA. They must provide their examination results with their application.

Candidates must obtain a police clearance certificate from their country of residence and submit it with their application. This certificate may take several weeks or months to receive. Applicants must therefore plan accordingly.

Applicants must include two digital photos of themselves as well as family members accompanying them.

Applicants must pay their processing fees and provide proof of payment.

Candidates who have received a Provincial Nomination must submit a copy of this nomination with their application.

Applicants who have claimed Express Entry points for having relatives in Canada must provide proof of relation. This includes:

• Proof that the relative possesses Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident status.
• Proof that they are the candidate’s family.
• Proof that the relative is currently residing in Canada. This can be provided in the form of bank statements or utility bills.

Once the applicant has gathered the documents mentioned above, they can complete their Application for Permanent Resident (eAPR) and submit it online at IRCC’s web portal along with supporting documents.

IRCC typically takes six months to process most applications. They may also invite candidates to undergo an interview during this time. For the latest processing times please visit this useful tool available on IRCC’s website.

Candidates who are successful will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR). IRCC will then provide instructions on how to proceed next before entering Canada.

Prospective immigrants who have received an Invitation to Apply should reach out to us for assistance. Our qualified team of Regulated Immigration Consultants has assisted numerous immigrants with completing the post-ITA process and can ensure your application is completed according to IRCC’s requirements. Please contact us today to complete your journey to Canada.