Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Your Key Step Toward Canada’s Permanent Residency
The Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to candidates in the Express Entry Canada system. Receiving an ITA is one of the most important steps in the Canada PR process, as it allows you to submit a complete application for permanent residency in Canada.
The Canada Express Entry ITA is sent to candidates with high CRS scores in the draw. Once issued, you must submit an electronic application for permanent residence (e-APR) within 60 days.
Since the process is detailed and time-sensitive, consulting an authorized Canadian immigration consultant can help you prepare a strong application, avoid mistakes, and improve your chances of success.
Possible Outcomes After Receiving an ITA
| Situation | Explanation | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| ITA Accepted | Candidate accepts and submits a complete e-APR within 60 days. | IRCC reviews the application. Most Canada PR applications are processed in 6 months. |
| ITA Declined | Candidate chooses to decline ITA in their Express Entry profile. | The profile is returned to the Express Entry pool for future draws. |
| ITA Expired | Candidate does not apply within 60 days. | ITA becomes invalid. The candidate must create a new Express Entry profile to rejoin the pool. |
How Often Does IRCC Issue ITAs?
Documents Required After Receiving an ITA
When applying for permanent residence Canada after receiving your ITA, you must upload documents to verify the information in your Express Entry profile. The required list depends on your Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades, or Provincial Nominee Program).
Typical Canada PR documents include:
Important: Receiving an ITA does not guarantee PR approval. Your Canada PR application must meet all IRCC requirements. Collecting documents in advance increases your chances of success.
Post-Invitation to Apply (Post-ITA Stage)
After receiving an ITA in Canada Express Entry, candidates must submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR) within 60 days via the IRCC online portal.
The e-APR is a detailed application that confirms your eligibility for Canada PR. Many applicants choose to work with a Canadian immigration consultant to ensure all documents are correct and submitted on time.
Next Steps After Receiving an ITA
Processing Time: Most Canada PR applications under Express Entry are processed within 6 months.
Once approved:
Required Documents for e-APR
When submitting your permanent residence application, you will need to provide:
If you cannot submit a required document, upload a Letter of Explanation along with proof that it has been requested.
Expiry of ITA
If you cannot submit a required document, upload a Letter of Explanation along with proof that it has been requested.
How Westland Immigration Can Help You
Westland Immigration is a trusted consultancy with years of experience in Canadian immigration. We provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your goals. Start today with a FREE assessment and contact us for expert, reliable support.