What to do when you receive an Express Entry ITA?

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Express Entry ITA

Navigating Express Entry ITA: A Comprehensive Guide to Permanent Residence Application

 

Excerpt: Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry is a crucial step towards Canadian permanent residence. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of accepting an ITA, gathering necessary documents, and submitting your application. Learn about deadlines, potential pitfalls, and how to maximize your chances of success in your journey to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Invitation to Apply (ITA)

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a pivotal moment in your Express Entry journey. It signifies that you’ve been selected from the pool of candidates to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), an ITA is based on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and the specific draw requirements.

The Significance of an ITA

Receiving an ITA is not a guarantee of permanent residence, but it’s a significant step forward. It means:

  • You’ve met the minimum eligibility criteria for at least one of the federal economic immigration programs
  • Your CRS score was high enough to be selected in an Express Entry draw
  • You now have the opportunity to submit a complete application for permanent residence

Key Steps After Receiving an Express Entry ITA

Once you receive an ITA, the clock starts ticking. Here are the crucial steps you need to take:

1. Review Your Eligibility

Double-check your eligibility for the program you were invited under. Ensure that your CRS score hasn’t decreased below the cut-off for your invitation round. If your situation has changed and you no longer qualify, you should decline the invitation.

2. Gather Required Documents

Start collecting all necessary supporting documents immediately. This process can be time-consuming, so begin as soon as possible.

3. Submit Your Application Within 60 Days

You have a strict 60-day deadline to submit your complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). This deadline is non-negotiable, and no extensions are granted.

4. Pay Required Fees

Ensure you pay all applicable processing fees when submitting your application.

5. Wait for Processing

Most Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months. During this time, you may be asked to provide additional information or documents.

6. Prepare for Potential Arrival

While waiting for a decision, start preparing for your potential move to Canada.

Required Documents for Your Application

The documents you need to submit with your application can vary based on your individual circumstances. However, here’s a general list of documents you’ll likely need:

Mandatory Documents for All Applicants

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Language test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP)
  • Educational credentials and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if applicable
  • Work experience documentation
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Recent photographs

Additional Documents Depending on Your Situation

  • Proof of funds
  • Provincial or territorial certificate of qualification (for skilled trades)
  • Job offer letter (if applicable)
  • Proof of family relationships in Canada (if applicable)
  • Marriage or divorce certificates
  • Children’s documents (if applicable)
  • Travel documents
  • Legal documents for name or date of birth changes

Submitting Your Application

When submitting your application, keep these key points in mind:

  • Accuracy is crucial: Ensure all information is correct and up-to-date
  • Completeness matters: Submit all required documents and forms
  • Meet the deadline: Submit your application within the 60-day window
  • Pay attention to details: Follow all instructions carefully

Consequences of Incomplete Applications

Submitting an incomplete application can have serious consequences:

  • Your application will be rejected
  • Your ITA will be invalidated
  • You’ll need to create a new Express Entry profile
  • There’s no guarantee of receiving another ITA

Remember: There are no second chances with incomplete applications. IRCC will not accept the same application back after it has been returned due to incompleteness.

Declining an ITA: What You Need to Know

If you’re not ready to apply or your circumstances have changed, you can decline the ITA. Here’s what happens:

  • Your profile returns to the Express Entry pool
  • There’s no negative impact on future draws
  • Your CRS score and eligibility remain unchanged
  • You may be considered for future draws

However, declining an ITA doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive another one. The frequency and CRS cut-off scores of future draws can vary.

ITA Expiration: Understanding the Implications

If you don’t respond to an ITA within 60 days, it expires. Here’s what happens:

  • The ITA becomes invalid
  • Your Express Entry profile is deleted from the system
  • You’ll need to create a new profile to re-enter the pool
  • There’s no guarantee of receiving another ITA

Pro tip: If you know you won’t be able to apply, it’s better to actively decline the ITA rather than let it expire.

Seeking Expert Assistance

Navigating the Express Entry system and responding to an ITA can be complex. Many applicants choose to seek professional assistance to ensure their application is complete and accurate. Amir Ismail & Associates, with over 30 years of experience in Canadian immigration, offers expert guidance throughout the Express Entry process.

Key benefits of working with experienced immigration consultants include:

  • Personalized advice tailored to your unique situation
  • Assistance with document preparation and application review
  • Guidance on improving your CRS score
  • Support throughout the entire immigration process

If you’re interested in learning more about your immigration options, you can complete our free assessment form.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get an extension on the 60-day deadline to submit my application?

No, IRCC does not grant extensions on the 60-day deadline to submit your application after receiving an ITA.

2. What happens if my circumstances change after I receive an ITA?

If your circumstances change after receiving an ITA, you should update your profile accordingly. If the changes affect your eligibility, you may need to decline the invitation.

3. Can I apply for a different program than the one I was invited to?

No, you must apply under the program for which you received the ITA. If you want to apply under a different program, you would need to decline the current ITA and wait for a new one.

4. How long does it take to process an Express Entry application after submitting it?

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within 6 months, but processing times can vary.

5. Can I work in Canada while my permanent residence application is being processed?

Having an application in process does not automatically give you the right to work in Canada. You would need a valid work permit unless you already have a status that allows you to work.

Navigating the Express Entry system and responding to an ITA can be a complex process, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can maximize your chances of a successful application. Remember, if you need assistance, professional immigration consultants can provide valuable guidance throughout your journey to Canadian permanent residence.

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