Maple News reports that if you’ve received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Canada’s Express Entry system, you’re now on a critical path toward becoming a permanent resident. The ITA is a formal invitation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to submit your application for permanent residence. You will have 90 days from the receipt of your ITA to compile and submit a complete, accurate application through the IRCC portal.
The ITA will specify which Express Entry-managed program you’ve been invited under—such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Once determined, IRCC will provide you with a personalized document checklist within your online profile, outlining everything you need to gather for your application.
Generally, applicants must submit civil status documents (such as birth certificates), language test results, proof of education and work experience, medical exam results from IRCC-approved doctors, police clearance certificates, financial proof, photos, and other documents relevant to your profile. If you’ve lived in any country for six months or more in the last ten years, you will need a police certificate from that country.
Medical exams must be completed by a physician approved by IRCC. Biometrics are also required unless you have provided them within the last ten years under a previous visa, work, or study application. IRCC is currently offering flexibility on biometric deadlines where collection centers are closed due to public health restrictions.
According to Maple News, Canada has demonstrated unprecedented openness toward new immigrants. In a bold move, the country recently invited over 27,000 CEC candidates in a single draw, with an all-time low CRS score requirement of 75. This signals Canada’s strong commitment to meet its ambitious immigration target of welcoming over 400,000 new permanent residents this year, despite the ongoing global situation.
After submitting your application, processing times typically range up to six months, although delays are possible due to COVID-19. IRCC may also conduct a short virtual interview before a final decision is issued. If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and receive instructions for your final steps—either landing at a Canadian port of entry or submitting your passport to a Visa Application Centre (VAC), depending on your location and visa requirements.
Even if you’re currently outside Canada, IRCC is continuing to accept applications through Express Entry. With draw patterns shifting frequently—sometimes with significantly lowered CRS thresholds—now may be an opportune time to enter the pool and prepare for potential selection. By the time your application is processed, travel restrictions could ease, allowing you to move forward without delay.
Being invited to apply through Express Entry is a major milestone. Successful completion of this stage could result in permanent residence, opening up a range of rights and opportunities in Canada for you and your family.