Invitation to Apply (ITA)
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued to candidates in the Express Entry pool who have achieved a competitive score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Receiving an ITA is a major milestone—it means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is officially inviting you to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application.
How Do I Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
To receive an ITA, you must first submit a profile through the Express Entry system.
Once your profile is submitted:
- You enter into the Express Entry pool
- You are assigned a CRS score based on your qualifications
- IRCC conducts regular draws and invites top-ranking candidates
If your score meets the cut-off in a draw, you will receive an ITA and a request to submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
👉Click here to see the latest Express Entry draws and the CRS score needed.
👉Click here to calculate your CRS score
How Long Does it Take to Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
Express Entry draws are held regularly, often every few weeks.
- High-ranking candidates may receive an ITA within days or weeks
- Others may remain in the pool for up to 12 months
If you do not receive an invitation right away, your profile remains active, giving you time to improve your score.
Immigration Tip 💡
If you haven’t received an ITA after several months, consider improving your CRS score by retaking language tests or applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Documents Required After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
After receiving an ITA, you must submit all required documents within 60 days.
Core Documents
- Valid passport(s) for you and accompanying family members
- Birth certificates
- Language test results
- Proof of work experience
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
- Passport-sized photographs
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), if applicable
Additional Documents
Depending on your situation, you may also need:
- Canadian education credentials (diplomas, transcripts)
- Valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- Proof of settlement funds
- Marriage, divorce, or common-law documents
- Children’s birth or adoption records
- Child custody documents
- Proof of relationship to a Canadian relative
What Documents Should I Prepare Before Receiving an ITA?
Because of the strict 60-day deadline, it is important to prepare early.
We recommend gathering the following in advance:
- Ensure passports are valid for at least two years
- Request any missing birth or adoption certificates
- Collect proof of common-law relationships (if applicable)
- Obtain employment reference letters from previous employers
- Gather proof of relationships to Canadian relatives
Documents You Should Wait to Prepare
Some documents must be recent, and you should only obtain them after receiving your ITA:
- Passport photos (must be less than six months old)
- Police certificates (typically valid for six months)
- Reference letters from your current employer to ensure the date is recent
- Medical exams (valid for 12 months)
What Happens After You Receive an ITA?
Once you submit your application for permanent residence, the process continues as follows:
Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
After submission, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming that your application has been received.
This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days.
Biometrics
Within a few weeks, IRCC will issue a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).
You will have 30 days to complete biometrics, which includes:
- Fingerprints
- Digital photograph
Biometrics fees:
- $85 per individual
- Up to $170 per family
For a complete list of IRCC fees, click here.
Immigration Tip 💡
Children under 14 and individuals over 79 are typically exempt from providing biometrics.
How to Improve Your Chances of Receiving an ITA
If your CRS score is not competitive, consider the following strategies:
- Improve your language test scores
- Gain additional work experience
- Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Pursue higher education credentials
Ready to Start?
Contact Us
An Invitation to Apply is your gateway to a Canadian future—but timing, preparation, and strategy are critical. Speak with an immigration expert to improve your CRS score and secure your ITA!
Get in touch
Related Links
Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!