Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry is an exciting milestone — but what comes next is critical. You have exactly 60 days to submit a complete, accurate permanent residence application.
What Is an ITA?
An Invitation to Apply is IRCC's formal invitation for you to submit a permanent residence application under one of the Express Entry programs. ITAs are issued following each draw from the Express Entry pool. When you receive an ITA, a 60-day countdown begins immediately. Missing this deadline means your ITA expires and you must re-enter the pool and wait for another draw.
What Happens in the First 48 Hours
When you receive an ITA, log into your IRCC account and carefully review the details — confirm which program it is under (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC) and verify the 60-day deadline date. Start organizing your documents immediately, because some items (like a medical exam or police certificates from certain countries) can take several weeks to obtain. Do not wait until day 50 to start gathering documents.
Document Checklist After an ITA
Identity documents: A valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date), two passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications, and any previous passports covering the last 10 years if you need to account for time spent in other countries.
Language tests: Your original language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada). These must still be valid (issued within two years of your application date).
Education: Your ECA report (if education was completed abroad), and copies of diplomas, degrees, or transcripts if requested.
Work experience: Employment reference letters on company letterhead, signed by an authorized representative, stating your job title, start and end dates, hours per week, salary, and main duties. Some applicants also include pay stubs, T4 slips (for Canadian employment), tax returns, or ROE forms to support their reference letters.
Police certificates: From every country where you have lived for six or more months since age 18. Canadian applicants need an RCMP certificate; others need their country's equivalent. Processing times vary dramatically by country — some take a few days, others take six to eight weeks. Start these immediately.
Medical exam: You must visit an IRCC-designated panel physician. Bring your passport and any medical records relevant to your health. Results are submitted directly to IRCC by the physician. Exams are valid for one year.
Proof of funds: Recent bank statements (typically last three to six months) showing you have the required settlement funds. Funds must be accessible and unencumbered.
Fees to Pay
The PR application fees are: $1,325 CAD for the principal applicant's processing fee, $550 CAD for the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), $1,325 CAD for an accompanying spouse or common-law partner (processing fee), and $225 CAD per dependent child. The RPRF can be paid upfront or deferred until after approval. Fees must be paid online through the IRCC portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most serious mistake is misrepresentation — providing false information or omitting relevant facts. This can result in a five-year ban and rejection of future applications. Other common mistakes include: submitting reference letters that don't match the duties listed under your NOC code, providing police certificates that expire before IRCC processes your application, using photos that don't meet IRCC's exact specifications, and forgetting to declare all countries of residence for the police certificate requirement.
After Submission
Once you submit your application, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) with your unique application number. Use this to track your application through the IRCC portal. IRCC may request additional documents (called an "additional document request") — respond promptly. After all checks are complete (biometrics, medical, criminality, security), you will receive a Passport Request (PPR), confirming approval. You then mail in your passport to have the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) stamped, and make your landing in Canada.