After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through Express Entry, the next crucial step is to complete your permanent residency application. Below is a detailed guide on the steps you need to follow to successfully complete your application after receiving your ITA:
1. Review Your ITA and Profile
- Check the Details: When you receive your ITA, make sure to carefully review the details in your Express Entry profile, including the program you’re applying under (e.g., Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program).
- Eligibility: Ensure that all the information provided in your profile is still accurate, and that you are still eligible under the selected immigration program.
2. Prepare Supporting Documents
You have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence. Here’s a list of common documents you will need to submit:
- Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and your family (if applicable). This could include bank statements, investment certificates, or proof of employment.
- Language Test Results: Include results from an approved language test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF). Make sure the test results are valid (typically within two years).
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your education was completed outside of Canada, you must provide an ECA report from a designated organization to prove that your education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Work Experience Documents: Provide employment records such as letters from employers detailing your job duties, employment dates, salary, and the full-time status of your position.
- Police Certificates: If required, you must submit police certificates from each country or territory where you have lived for more than six months since the age of 18.
- Medical Examination: You must undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician. This is to ensure you meet Canada’s health standards.
- Passport and Travel Documents: A copy of your passport, as well as any other travel documents (e.g., national identity cards) you’ve used to travel.
3. Submit Your Application
- Complete the Forms: Fill out all the necessary forms accurately on the IRCC portal. The key forms you need to complete include:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008): This is the main form for the application.
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669): This form is required to gather your personal history.
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406): Required for all family members you plan to include.
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) (if applicable).
- Review Your Application: Double-check all your answers, as errors could delay processing or lead to a refusal. Verify that your supporting documents are complete and correctly uploaded.
- Pay Application Fees: Pay the applicable fees online, which include:
- Processing fee for you and any accompanying family members.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which can be paid after the approval of your application.
- If you have a dependent child, there may be an additional fee for their application.
- Submit Online: Once you’ve reviewed and uploaded all documents, and paid the fees, submit your application online via the IRCC portal.
4. Wait for IRCC to Process Your Application
- Processing Time: IRCC aims to process most permanent residence applications in 6 months or less. However, processing times can vary depending on your specific situation and the volume of applications.
- Check Status: You can track the status of your application through your IRCC account. Look out for updates, requests for additional information, or interview invitations.
5. Medical and Security Screening
- Medical Review: Once your application is submitted, IRCC will review the results of your medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements for entry to Canada.
- Security and Criminal Background Check: IRCC will perform a background check, including criminal and security clearances, based on the information in your police certificates.
6. Request for Additional Information or Interview (if applicable)
- Document Requests: IRCC may request additional documents during the processing stage if they find discrepancies or require further clarification. These requests are usually made through your IRCC account, and you will need to respond within a specific timeframe.
- Interview: In some cases, you may be requested to attend an interview to clarify certain aspects of your application. This is rare but may happen if there are issues with your documents or background check.
7. Approval and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Decision: After reviewing your application, medical exams, police certificates, and background checks, IRCC will issue a decision. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
- Visa (if applicable): If you are outside of Canada, you will also receive a visa in your passport (unless you are from a visa-exempt country). This visa will allow you to travel to Canada.
8. Prepare for Landing in Canada
- Plan Your Arrival: Once you’ve received your COPR, you can travel to Canada. You must arrive before the expiry date listed on your COPR.
- Meet Border Control: When you arrive in Canada, present your COPR and passport to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers. You may also need to undergo a brief interview at the port of entry.
- Receive Permanent Resident Status: Upon entry, you will be granted permanent resident status. You will then receive your PR card as proof of your status in Canada.
9. After Becoming a Permanent Resident
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which allows you to work in Canada and access government services.
- Health Coverage: Depending on the province you settle in, you will need to apply for provincial health coverage.
- Settle in Canada: Begin your life as a permanent resident in Canada. You will have access to many benefits, including healthcare, social services, and the ability to work, study, and live in any province or territory.