The Invitation to Apply (ITA) process is a crucial step in Canada’s Express Entry system for permanent residency. It signifies that a candidate has met the necessary criteria and is now eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the ITA process:
1. What is an ITA?
- An ITA is a formal invitation issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to candidates in the Express Entry pool. It allows them to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
- To receive an ITA, candidates must be among the highest-ranking candidates based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
2. How Does the ITA Process Work?
- Express Entry Pool: Once you create an Express Entry profile, you are placed in a pool of candidates who are eligible for various immigration programs (e.g., Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, etc.).
- CRS Score: Each candidate is assigned a CRS score, which is calculated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and additional factors (e.g., job offers, provincial nominations).
- Draws: IRCC conducts regular Express Entry draws, typically every two weeks, where a specific CRS score threshold is set. Candidates who have a CRS score higher than or equal to the cutoff are issued an ITA.
- Invitation Issued: If you receive an ITA, you are invited to submit an application for permanent residence.
3. Eligibility for Receiving an ITA
- Minimum CRS Score: To be eligible for an ITA, you must meet or exceed the CRS score cutoff for the draw. The minimum CRS score cutoff changes with each draw, depending on the number of candidates and available spots.
- Program Requirements: You must be eligible for one of the Express Entry programs under which you are applying, based on your qualifications (e.g., work experience, education, etc.).
- Valid Profile: Your Express Entry profile must be valid at the time of the draw. If your profile expires before a draw takes place, you will need to create a new profile to be considered.
4. What Happens After You Receive an ITA?
- Timeframe to Submit Application: After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.
- Documents Required: You need to gather and submit supporting documents, including:
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP).
- Educational credential assessment (ECA) report (if applicable).
- Proof of work experience.
- Police clearance certificates.
- Medical exam results (if applicable).
- Proof of funds (unless you have a valid job offer or provincial nomination).
- Review of Application: IRCC will review your application to ensure that all information is accurate and that you meet all the requirements for permanent residence.
- Processing Time: The processing time for permanent residence applications varies but is generally six months or less.
5. What if You Don’t Receive an ITA?
- Remain in the Pool: If you don’t receive an ITA, you remain in the Express Entry pool with your CRS score. Your profile stays active for one year. If your score changes (due to new qualifications, better test results, or changes in your work experience), you can receive an ITA in subsequent draws.
- Re-enter the Pool: If your profile expires, you will need to create a new one and enter the pool again. However, the CRS score you had will no longer be valid, and you may need to meet a new cutoff in the next draw.
- Improving Your CRS Score: If you didn’t receive an ITA, you can take steps to improve your CRS score:
- Improve language test scores.
- Obtain a provincial nomination (this adds 600 CRS points).
- Gain more work experience.
- Complete additional education.
- Get a valid job offer (if applicable).
6. Types of ITAs You Can Receive
- Program-Specific ITA: In some cases, you might be invited to apply for a specific immigration program. For example:
- If you are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program but not the Canadian Experience Class, you may receive an ITA specific to the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) ITA: If you receive a provincial nomination (PNP), you will automatically receive 600 points, which significantly boosts your CRS score. This guarantees that you will receive an ITA in the next draw.
7. Impact of Receiving an ITA
- Permanent Residence Application: Once you receive an ITA and submit your application, it will be reviewed. If your application is approved, you will be invited to become a permanent resident of Canada.
- Invitation for Spouse/Family: If you include your spouse or dependents in your profile, they will also be included in the application for permanent residence. Your spouse may need to undergo a medical exam or submit additional documents.
8. What Happens If You Miss the 60-Day Deadline?
- If you fail to submit your permanent residence application within 60 days of receiving an ITA, your invitation will expire.
- You will need to create a new profile and enter the Express Entry pool again, but you won’t automatically be considered for the next draw. If you still meet the eligibility criteria and the CRS score cutoff, you may receive another ITA.
9. Special Circumstances
- Changes After ITA: If your circumstances change after receiving an ITA (e.g., a job change, family situation), you must update your application with the new information. However, these changes must be in line with the information provided in your profile.
- Withdrawal of ITA: In rare cases, IRCC may withdraw an ITA if the applicant provides incorrect or misleading information, or if they no longer meet the requirements for permanent residency.