Express Entry: Invitation to Apply

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada marks a significant milestone in the immigration journey of skilled applicants. However, it’s essential to understand the process and requirements associated with the ITA to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the ITA process and the steps applicants must take upon receiving this invitation.

Express Entry candidates who appear to meet the minimum entry criteria (MEC) and have registered with Job Bank, if applicable, are automatically entered into the Express Entry pool. Once in the pool, candidates are eligible to be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the program(s) whose requirements they appear to meet based on the self-declared information in their profile.

The ITA is an auto-generated correspondence issued to Express Entry candidates through their online account. The ITA is issued to candidates who rank the highest in a round of invitations, based on their score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Candidates with a provincial or territorial nomination certificate are awarded an additional 600 points in the CRS and are normally invited to apply at the next round of invitations to which they are eligible.

When there is a general round of invitations, and a candidate appears eligible for multiple classes (e.g., the federal skilled worker class and the Canadian experience class), the system automatically invites the candidate to apply under one of the classes in the following order:

• provincial nominee class (PNC);
• Canadian experience class (CEC);
• federal skilled worker class (FSWC);
• federal skilled trades class (FSTC).

Understanding the ITA Process:

1. Eligibility Verification: Applicants who receive an ITA are deemed eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The ITA serves as an official invitation from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to proceed with the application process.
2. Program Designation: Upon receiving the ITA, applicants will also receive guidance from IRCC indicating which skilled immigration program they should apply under. This designation is based on the applicant’s profile and eligibility criteria.
3. Submission of Application: It’s important to note that receiving an ITA does not guarantee approval for permanent residency. Applicants must submit a fully completed application for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving the ITA. The application will be assessed based on relevant criteria, and approval is contingent upon meeting all requirements.

Preparation and Considerations After Receiving an ITA:

1. Validating Language Test Results: Applicants should ensure that their language test results will remain valid on the day of submitting their permanent residence application. Language test results are typically valid for two years. If the results are set to expire before application submission, applicants must either retake the test or submit their application before the expiration date.
2. Obtaining Police Certificates: Permanent residence applicants and their family members over 18 must obtain police certificates from each country where they resided for more than six months while older than 18. Obtaining these certificates may take time, so applicants should initiate the process promptly.
3. Reviewing Program Requirements: Applicants should carefully review the requirements of the designated skilled immigration program under which they are applying. This includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canada Experience Class, ensuring that all criteria are met.
4. Updating Personal Information: Any changes in personal circumstances since receiving the ITA should be duly noted. Applicants can recalibrate their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score using online tools to assess their eligibility. If the revised score falls below the minimum threshold selected in the same draw, applicants may consider declining the ITA.

Declining an ITA and Pool Considerations:

In certain circumstances, applicants may opt to decline the ITA if it no longer aligns with their circumstances or if their CRS score has decreased significantly. Declining an ITA allows applicants to remain in the Express Entry pool and potentially receive another invitation in the future.

Maintaining Pool Eligibility: Applicants who decline an ITA or fail to respond within the stipulated timeframe will be returned to the Express Entry pool, provided they remain eligible for the program. While in the pool, candidates should keep their information up to date and explore avenues to enhance their CRS scores.

Embracing Opportunity: Your Path to Canadian Permanent Residency

Navigating the ITA process requires meticulous planning, attention to detail, and timely action. At [Your Company Name], we specialize in guiding skilled immigrants through every step of the Express Entry journey, ensuring clarity, confidence, and success.

Express Entry criteria	Your Score
CRS – Human Capital – Age	###
CRS – Human Capital – Level of Education	###
CRS – Human Capital – First Official Language Proficiency	###
CRS – Human Capital – Second Official Language Proficiency	###
CRS – Human Capital – Canadian Work Experience	###
CRS – Spouse – Level of Education	###
CRS – Spouse – First Official Language Proficiency	###
CRS – Spouse – Canadian Work Experience	###
CRS – Skill Transferability – Education	###
CRS – Skill Transferability – Foreign Work Experience	###
CRS – Skill Transferability – Certificate of Qualification	###
CRS – Arranged Employment	###
CRS – Provincial or Territorial Nomination	###
Your overall points score	###

Ready to Begin Your Express Entry Journey?

At WestSquare Immigration, today to embark on your path to Canadian permanent residency with expert guidance and support.

“Seize the opportunity to make your Canadian dream a reality with [Your Company Name] by your side!“