Invitation to Apply Canada: What Happens After an ITA

Invitation to Apply Canada usually refers to the official invitation that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, commonly known as IRCC, sends to a selected Express Entry candidate.

Receiving an Invitation to Apply, often shortened to ITA, allows you to submit an online application for Canadian permanent residence under the Express Entry program identified in your account.

An ITA is an important milestone, but it is not permanent residence approval. You must still complete the full application, upload documents supporting the information in your Express Entry profile, pay the required fees and submit everything within the deadline.

This guide explains the current 60-day deadline, what to check immediately after receiving an ITA, how changes to your circumstances may affect the application, which documents may be required and what happens after submission.

Invitation to Apply Canada: Quick Overview

An Express Entry ITA gives a candidate permission to submit a permanent residence application. It does not confirm that IRCC has already verified every statement made in the Express Entry profile.

What Is an Invitation to Apply?

An Invitation to Apply is an electronic message sent through an applicant’s IRCC secure account. It identifies the Express Entry program under which the candidate has been invited and explains how to continue the application.

The federal immigration programs managed through Express Entry are:

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

Candidates with an Express Entry-linked provincial or territorial nomination may also receive an invitation through a Provincial Nominee Program round or another applicable round.

If a candidate qualifies for more than one Express Entry program, the system determines the program under which the invitation is issued. Candidates do not simply choose the program after receiving the ITA.

For an overview of profiles, eligibility and the Express Entry pool, read Express Entry Canada Explained: How It Works.

How Is an Express Entry ITA Issued?

IRCC conducts rounds of invitations throughout the year. Candidates are selected from the Express Entry pool according to the instructions established for each round.

IRCC currently uses three general types of invitation rounds:

• General rounds, which may include candidates eligible for any of the three federal Express Entry programs
• Program-specific rounds, which are limited to candidates eligible for a particular program
• Category-based rounds, which invite eligible candidates who meet the requirements of an established category

Candidates are still ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, commonly called the CRS. Category eligibility does not replace the need to qualify for an Express Entry program.

The minimum CRS score and number of invitations can change from one round to another. A score that was sufficient in a previous round does not guarantee an invitation in a later round.

Read CRS Score Explained: How Canada Ranks Express Entry Candidates for more information.

The 60-Day ITA Deadline

An Express Entry Invitation to Apply is valid for 60 days. The exact deadline appears in the applicant’s IRCC account.

Follow the date and time displayed in your account rather than calculating the deadline independently. Older online articles may still refer to a 90-day deadline, but the current standard ITA period is 60 days.

A practical preparation schedule could look like this:

This schedule is only an organizational example. The personalized checklist and deadline in your IRCC account remain controlling.

What to Check Immediately After Receiving an ITA

Confirm the Program

Read the invitation message carefully and confirm whether you were invited under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program or an Express Entry-linked provincial nomination.

The program affects matters such as qualifying work experience, proof of funds, job offer requirements and other eligibility conditions.

Record the Exact Deadline

Write down the exact deadline shown in the account. Set an earlier personal deadline so that you have time to correct upload or payment problems.

Compare the ITA With Your Current Situation

Review all information that affected your eligibility or CRS score, including:

• Marital or common-law status
• Accompanying and non-accompanying family members
• Language test results
• Canadian and foreign education
• Educational Credential Assessment details
• Canadian and foreign work experience
• NOC codes and employment duties
• Provincial or territorial nomination
• A valid job offer when it is relevant to program eligibility
• Canadian immigration status and work authorization
• Settlement funds

Check Document Validity

A document that was valid when the Express Entry profile was created may expire before the permanent residence application is submitted.

Pay particular attention to passport validity, language test results, Educational Credential Assessment results, immigration status documents and provincial nomination information.

Open the Application Immediately

The permanent residence application requests more detailed information than the initial Express Entry profile. Opening each section early helps identify missing dates, travel information or family documents.

What If Your CRS Score or Eligibility Changes?

Receiving an ITA does not freeze inaccurate or outdated information. If your situation or your spouse or partner’s situation changes, you should review your eligibility and recalculate your CRS score before submitting the permanent residence application.

Examples of changes that may affect the application include:

• A language test expired or new test results are lower
• An Educational Credential Assessment expired
• A provincial nomination was withdrawn
• Work experience was entered incorrectly
• The selected NOC does not match the applicant’s duties
• Marital or common-law status changed
• The applicant no longer has sufficient settlement funds
• A job offer relevant to program eligibility was withdrawn or changed
• Canadian work authorization or immigration status changed
• Points were claimed for information that cannot be documented

Not every correction automatically requires declining the invitation. A change may have no effect on your CRS score or program eligibility. The important step is to calculate the effect accurately and provide truthful information.

Do not keep an incorrect statement simply because correcting it could reduce the score. False information or the omission of important details can result in refusal, inadmissibility and a ban from applying to come to Canada for five years.

Job Offers and Express Entry CRS Points

As of March 25, 2025, IRCC no longer awards CRS points for job offers. The previous additional 50 or 200 CRS points for arranged employment were removed for current and future Express Entry candidates.

However, this does not mean job offers are irrelevant.

A valid job offer may still matter when:

• It is part of the Federal Skilled Trades Program eligibility requirements
• It contributes to Federal Skilled Worker selection criteria
• It is required by a particular Provincial Nominee Program stream
• It affects a proof-of-funds exemption or another program-specific requirement
• IRCC requests current employment or job offer information in the application

Continue to provide accurate job offer information when the online profile or application asks for it.

Documents Commonly Required After an ITA

IRCC generates a personalized document checklist after the applicant completes the online forms. This checklist is more important than a general document list found on a blog or forum.

Applicants commonly need some or all of the following documents:

Use the Express Entry Documents Checklist for Canada PR as a preparation guide, but always follow your personalized IRCC checklist.

Passport or Travel Document

Check that all identity information matches the passport. IRCC advises applicants whose passport will expire within six months from the application date to consider renewing it and updating the application with the new details.

Language Test Results

The test results must support the scores entered in the Express Entry profile and remain valid when the permanent residence application is submitted.

An expired language result can affect both eligibility and CRS points. Receiving an ITA does not preserve an expired result.

Education and ECA

Foreign education used for Federal Skilled Worker eligibility or CRS education points may require a valid Educational Credential Assessment for immigration purposes.

Review ECA Canada: Educational Credential Assessment Explained before submitting the education section.

Employment Reference Letters

Employment evidence should allow IRCC to understand the employer, position, employment dates, working hours, compensation and duties.

A job title alone may not prove qualifying work experience. The actual duties should support the NOC used in the application.

Read NOC TEER Canada: How to Choose the Right Code before finalizing your work history.

Police Certificates

The online system generally requests police certificates for the applicant and family members aged 18 or older for countries where they stayed for six consecutive months or longer during the relevant period shown in the current IRCC instructions.

For the country where the person currently lives, the certificate generally must have been issued no more than six months before the application is submitted.

For another country, the certificate generally must have been issued after the last time the person stayed there for six consecutive months or longer.

Country-specific procedures differ, so begin early and follow IRCC’s instructions for the issuing country.

See Police Certificate for Canada Immigration Explained.

Proof of Funds

Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades applicants generally need to demonstrate settlement funds unless an official exemption applies.

Canadian Experience Class applicants generally do not need to meet the settlement-funds requirement. However, every applicant should answer the online questions accurately and follow the generated checklist.

Settlement fund amounts are updated periodically. Check the current IRCC table rather than relying on a previous year’s amount.

For more information, read Proof of Funds Canada: Important Rules for Express Entry Applicants.

Family Documents

Applicants must declare required family members even when those family members are not accompanying them to Canada.

Depending on the circumstances, documents may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, common-law declarations, divorce documents, adoption records or custody documents.

Failing to declare a required family member can create serious immigration consequences and may affect the ability to sponsor that family member later.

Translations

Documents that are not in English or French generally need an acceptable translation together with the original document and any certification or affidavit required by IRCC.

All stamps, seals and handwritten information that are relevant to the document should also be translated.

Express Entry Medical Exam Rules

As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants are generally required to complete an upfront immigration medical examination before submitting the permanent residence application.

The examination must be performed by a physician on IRCC’s official panel physician list. A regular family doctor cannot complete the immigration medical examination unless that doctor is an approved panel physician.

Possible Exemption for Certain In-Canada Applicants

IRCC has extended a temporary public policy that may exempt certain foreign nationals already living in Canada from completing another immigration medical examination until October 5, 2029.

An applicant may qualify if all applicable conditions are met, including:

• The person is applying for permanent or temporary residence
• The person already lives in Canada
• The previous immigration medical examination was completed within the last five years
• The previous examination indicated low risk or no risk to public health or public safety

Applicants relying on a previous examination should include the previous IME number or unique medical identifier number in the current application and follow their personalized checklist.

Medical exam results are generally valid for 12 months. Applicants may need another examination if they do not become permanent residents within the validity period.

Read Medical Exam for Canada Immigration Explained before booking.

Completing the Online Permanent Residence Application

The permanent residence application asks for detailed information about the applicant and applicable family members.

Sections may include:

• Personal and contact information
• Passport and identity details
• Immigration status
• Family member information
• Education history
• Employment history
• Personal activity history
• Address history
• Travel history
• Background and statutory questions

Avoid Unexplained Gaps

Review personal, employment, education and address histories carefully. If a section requests a continuous history, account for unemployment, travel, study, caregiving and other activities rather than leaving unexplained periods.

Answer Background Questions Truthfully

Background questions may cover previous immigration applications, refusals, criminal matters, military or government service, medical history and other admissibility issues.

A previous visa refusal does not automatically mean a permanent residence application will be refused. Failing to disclose the refusal can be more serious than the refusal itself.

Upload Clear and Complete Files

Place each document in the correct upload field. When several related pages must be uploaded in one field, combine them into an organized file that meets the portal’s format and size requirements.

Check that pages are not blurred, cropped, upside down, missing or password-protected.

Pay the Required Fees

The online system will show the applicable processing, permanent residence and biometrics fees based on the application.

Fees may change, so confirm the current amount through IRCC’s official fee page rather than relying on an older article or screenshot.

What If You Cannot Get a Required Document in Time?

A letter of explanation does not automatically replace a required document. Applicants should first follow the instructions for the specific document they cannot obtain.

When IRCC permits an explanation, the submission should generally include:

• A clear explanation of why the document is unavailable or delayed
• Evidence showing that the document was requested
• Payment or confirmation receipts
• Delivery notices or tracking numbers
• Correspondence with the issuing authority or employer
• Alternative evidence supporting the same facts when relevant

Delayed Police Certificate

If a required police certificate is not available by the 60-day deadline, IRCC currently allows applicants to upload a letter of explanation and proof showing that they made their best effort to obtain it on time.

An officer will review the explanation. If the officer is not satisfied that the applicant made a reasonable effort, the application may be rejected as incomplete.

Declining an ITA or Letting It Expire

After receiving an Invitation to Apply Canada candidates generally have three possible outcomes.

When Might Declining Be Appropriate?

Declining may need to be considered when:

• The recalculated CRS score is below the round’s minimum score
• The applicant no longer meets the invited program’s requirements
• A provincial nomination was withdrawn
• A job offer required for program eligibility is no longer valid
• A language test or ECA is no longer valid
• Material CRS points cannot be supported with evidence
• A serious error in the profile affects eligibility

Declining an invitation does not itself reduce the chance of a future invitation. However, the profile must remain eligible, and its CRS score must be high enough for a future applicable round.

Do not simply allow the invitation to expire when you have already decided not to apply. Actively declining the invitation may allow an eligible profile to return to the pool, while taking no action results in removal after expiry.

What Happens After You Submit the Application?

Submission Confirmation and AOR

After successful online submission and payment, the applicant should retain copies of the completed application, uploaded documents and receipts.

IRCC may issue an Acknowledgement of Receipt or application number that can be used to identify and track the application. An AOR is not permanent residence approval.

Read AOR Canada: Acknowledgement of Receipt Explained.

Completeness Review

IRCC checks whether the application contains the required forms, fees, information and documents.

An application that is missing a required document may be rejected as incomplete, even when the applicant otherwise appears eligible.

Biometrics

Permanent residence applicants between 14 and 79 years old generally need to provide fingerprints and a photograph for every permanent residence application, even if previously provided biometrics are still valid for temporary residence purposes.

If biometrics are required, IRCC sends a biometric instruction letter, commonly called a BIL. The applicant generally has 30 days from the date on the letter to complete biometrics.

Giving biometrics does not mean that the permanent residence application has been approved.

See Biometrics for Canada Immigration Explained.

Eligibility and Admissibility Review

IRCC reviews whether the applicant meets the requirements of the invited immigration program and whether the submitted evidence supports the claimed qualifications and CRS score.

The application may also involve medical, criminality, security and other admissibility assessments.

Additional Document Requests

IRCC may request additional documents, updated information, clarification or an interview. Read every message carefully and respond before the deadline stated in the request.

Application Updates

Applicants should monitor their IRCC account for messages and available status updates.

Read Canada Immigration Application Status: How to Check Online for information about official tracking options.

Reporting Changes After Submission

Applicants should notify IRCC about important changes, such as:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Change of address, email address or telephone number
• Change of immigration representative
• Withdrawal of a provincial nomination
• Change to a job or job offer when relevant
• A request to withdraw the application

IRCC’s web form may be used for many application updates. See IRCC Web Form: How to Contact IRCC Online.

Final Decision

If IRCC approves the application, the applicant receives instructions for confirming permanent resident status.

Depending on the applicant’s location and travel-document requirements, the final process may involve a Confirmation of Permanent Residence, passport-related instructions or the PR Confirmation Portal.

Does an ITA Give You Status in Canada?

No. Receiving an Express Entry ITA does not give permanent resident status, extend temporary resident status or provide authorization to work in Canada.

Submitting the permanent residence application also does not automatically extend an expiring work permit or study permit.

Applicants in Canada must maintain valid temporary status separately and submit any required permit extension before the applicable deadline.

Some permanent residence applicants may later qualify for a bridging open work permit, but receiving an ITA alone is not sufficient. Separate eligibility requirements apply.

Common Problems After Receiving an ITA

Assuming the ITA Is Permanent Residence Approval

An ITA only gives the candidate an opportunity to submit the permanent residence application. IRCC still needs to verify eligibility, CRS-related information, documents and admissibility.

Waiting Too Long to Open the Application

Applicants may discover late that they need additional travel dates, address information, police certificates, translations or family records.

Failing to Recalculate the CRS Score

A material change can affect the score or program eligibility. Review the current situation before submitting instead of assuming the ITA permanently protects the original profile.

Believing a Job Offer Still Gives CRS Points

Job offer CRS points were removed on March 25, 2025. A job offer may still matter for program eligibility, but applicants should not add the former 50 or 200 CRS points to their current calculation.

Uploading Weak Employment Evidence

An employment letter that confirms only the job title and dates may not prove the required duties or qualifying work experience.

Leaving Gaps in Personal History

Unexplained periods or inconsistent dates may lead to questions. Review employment, education, unemployment, travel and address periods carefully.

Failing to Declare Family Members

Non-accompanying family members may still need to be declared and may be subject to medical or background requirements.

Using Unacceptable Translations

Translations should meet IRCC requirements and be accompanied by the original document and any additional certification or affidavit required for the situation.

Submitting at the Last Minute

Technical problems, rejected payments, upload errors and missing pages are difficult to correct when only a few hours remain.

Keeping Information That You Know Is Incorrect

Never keep an incorrect answer simply because changing it may reduce the CRS score. Material false statements or omissions can lead to serious misrepresentation consequences.

Invitation to Apply Canada Checklist

• □ I opened the ITA message in my official IRCC account.
• □ I confirmed the immigration program under which I was invited.
• □ I recorded the exact 60-day submission deadline.
• □ I compared my current situation with my Express Entry profile.
• □ I recalculated my CRS score if any information changed.
• □ I confirmed that I still meet all program requirements.
• □ I did not add the former job offer CRS points.
• □ My language test results will be valid when I submit.
• □ My Educational Credential Assessment is valid if required.
• □ My employment evidence supports my claimed work experience.
• □ My work duties support the NOC codes I selected.
• □ I requested all required police certificates.
• □ I completed the required upfront medical exam or confirmed whether the in-Canada exemption may apply.
• □ I included my previous IME or UMI number if relying on previous medical results.
• □ I prepared proof of funds if required.
• □ I declared all required family members.
• □ I prepared acceptable translations for documents not in English or French.
• □ My personal, address, travel and employment histories are complete.
• □ I answered all background questions truthfully.
• □ Every uploaded file is clear, complete and placed in the correct field.
• □ I reviewed the current IRCC fees before payment.
• □ I saved copies of my complete application and payment receipts.

Related Immigration Guides

• Express Entry Canada Explained: How It Works
• CRS Score Explained: How Canada Ranks Express Entry Candidates
• Express Entry Documents Checklist for Canada PR
• NOC TEER Canada: How to Choose the Right Code
• Proof of Funds Canada: Important Rules for Express Entry Applicants
• Police Certificate for Canada Immigration Explained
• Medical Exam for Canada Immigration Explained
• Biometrics for Canada Immigration Explained
• AOR Canada: Acknowledgement of Receipt Explained
• Canada Immigration Application Status: How to Check Online

Helpful Official Resources

• IRCC: Apply for Permanent Residence Through Express Entry
• IRCC: Express Entry Rounds of Invitations
• IRCC: Get Your Express Entry Documents Ready
• IRCC: Express Entry Job Offer Rules
• IRCC: Express Entry Police Certificates
• IRCC: Medical Examination for Permanent Residence Applicants
• IRCC: What Happens After an Express Entry Application

FAQ About Invitation to Apply Canada

What is an Invitation to Apply in Canada?

An Invitation to Apply is an official invitation from IRCC that allows a selected Express Entry candidate to submit an online application for Canadian permanent residence.

Does receiving an ITA mean permanent residence is approved?

No. IRCC must still review the complete application, documents, program eligibility, CRS-related information and admissibility requirements.

How long do I have to apply after receiving an ITA?

An Express Entry ITA is currently valid for 60 days. Follow the exact submission deadline displayed in your IRCC account.

Can the 60-day ITA deadline be extended?

Applicants should not assume that an extension will be available. Begin preparing immediately and follow the account deadline. Where a particular document is delayed, follow the official instructions for that document and provide supporting evidence if permitted.

What happens if I decline an ITA?

If you decline the invitation, your profile generally returns to the Express Entry pool if you remain eligible. Receiving another invitation is not guaranteed.

What happens if I let the ITA expire?

If you do not submit or decline within 60 days, the invitation expires and your profile is removed from the pool. You generally need to submit a new eligible Express Entry profile to be considered again.

Can I correct information after receiving an ITA?

You should provide accurate information in the permanent residence application and explain material corrections where appropriate. Confirm that the correction does not reduce your score below the invitation threshold or make you ineligible.

What if my CRS score falls after I receive an ITA?

If your recalculated score is below the minimum score for your invitation round, IRCC advises declining the invitation. Submitting below the applicable score may result in refusal.

Do job offers still give Express Entry CRS points?

No. IRCC removed the former 50 and 200 job offer CRS points on March 25, 2025. A valid job offer may still be relevant to the eligibility requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program or some PNP streams.

Do Express Entry applicants need an upfront medical exam?

Express Entry applicants are generally required to complete an upfront medical exam before submitting the permanent residence application. Certain applicants already living in Canada may be exempt from completing another exam if they meet all conditions of IRCC’s temporary public policy.

How long does the in-Canada medical exam exemption last?

The current temporary public policy is scheduled to remain available until October 5, 2029. Applicants must still meet all eligibility conditions, including the previous-IME and public-health requirements.

Can I submit without a police certificate?

If a required certificate cannot be obtained before the deadline, IRCC currently allows applicants to upload a letter of explanation and evidence showing their best efforts. Acceptance is not guaranteed, and the application may be rejected if the officer is not satisfied.

Do I need biometrics again for permanent residence?

Applicants between ages 14 and 79 generally need to provide biometrics for each permanent residence application, even if they previously provided valid biometrics for a temporary residence application.

Does an ITA allow me to work or stay longer in Canada?

No. An ITA does not provide temporary status, extend a permit or authorize employment. Applicants in Canada must maintain their immigration status separately.

What happens after I submit my Express Entry application?

IRCC reviews the application for completeness, requests biometrics when required, assesses eligibility and admissibility, may ask for additional information and then makes a final decision.

Final Thoughts

Receiving an Invitation to Apply Canada is a major step in the Express Entry process, but it is the beginning of the full permanent residence application rather than final approval.

Use the 60-day period carefully. Confirm the invited program, review your current circumstances, recalculate your CRS score when necessary and begin collecting documents immediately.

Remember that job offers no longer receive additional CRS points, although they may still affect program eligibility. Express Entry applicants should also address the upfront medical requirement while checking whether the current in-Canada medical exam exemption applies to their situation.

Before submitting, review the complete application for missing pages, inconsistent dates, invalid documents, incorrect answers and unreadable uploads. After submission, monitor your IRCC account and respond promptly to biometrics or additional document requests.

Last updated: July 2026