Express Entry Immigration Tips
I Got an ITA. Now What? Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Next 60 Days
Congratulations, you received an Invitation to Apply (ITA)! After months, maybe years, of building your profile and watching the draws, an ITA in your Express Entry account is a huge win. But it is also the start of a strict, unforgiving clock.
You have 60 days from the date of your invitation to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Miss that window and your ITA expires. There is no extension and no appeal.
The good news is that 60 days is enough time to do this right, as long as you know exactly what to do and in what order.
Here is your roadmap.
Step 1: Confirm the Details of Your Invitation
Before anything else, log into your Express Entry account and check:
- Which program were you invited under (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades, or a Provincial Nomination)
- Your exact deadline date
- Whether your profile information is still accurate
If there have been any changes to your details since the date of submission (a new job, a change in marital status, or a new child), you need to reflect those changes in your application accurately.
Discrepancies between your Express Entry profile and your PR application are among the most common reasons files are flagged for extra scrutiny.
Step 2: Start Gathering Documents Immediately
Do not wait until week six to start pulling documents together. Some of the items below take weeks to arrive, and a missing document can hold up your entire submission. At a minimum, you will typically need:
- Valid passport for you and any accompanying family members
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF) that are still valid
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was completed outside Canada
- Proof of funds showing you meet the settlement fund requirement, unless you are currently working in Canada with a valid work permit
- Police certificates from every country you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18
- Digital photos that meet IRCC specifications
- Employment reference letters confirming job title, duties, hours, and salary for any work experience you are claiming points for
Immigration Tip 💡
Police certificates are usually the slowest item to arrive, especially from countries with strict requirements or backlogs. Request these the same week you receive your ITA.
Step 3: Book Your Medical Exam Early
You will need an upfront medical exam from an IRCC-approved panel physician. In many cities, appointments book out weeks in advance.
Results can take a few more weeks to process on top of that. This step alone can eat a third of your 60 days if you leave it too late, so book it as soon as your ITA lands.
Immigration Tip 💡
If you are living in Canada and have already completed your medical exam, you may be eligible to apply without obtaining a new one if it’s less than five years old. Learn more about this temporary public policy here.
Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Application Through the IRCC Portal
Once your documents are in hand, you will complete your application in your online IRCC account, upload every required document, pay the application fees (including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, if applicable), and submit.
A few details that trip people up at this stage:
- File names and formats matter. IRCC has specific requirements for how documents should be labelled and uploaded.
- Every family member included in your application, even those not accompanying you to Canada, needs to be declared and, in most cases, needs their own documentation.
- Incomplete applications are not just delayed; they can be returned entirely, and you do not get your 60 days back.
Step 5: Watch for Your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
Once IRCC confirms your application is complete, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt. This is the official start of processing. From here, IRCC will typically request biometrics if they are not already on file, and your application moves into background and security checks.
What Happens After Submission
After AOR, most of the work is done on your end. IRCC may reach out for additional documents or information. Respond to any request quickly and completely, since slow or incomplete responses are one of the most common causes of processing delays.
Eventually, you will receive confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and, if you are outside Canada, a permanent resident visa.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Derail an ITA
- Waiting too long to request police certificates or book a medical exam
- Submitting employment letters that do not match the job duties claimed in the Express Entry profile
- Underestimating proof of funds requirements
- Missing a family member’s documentation
- Letting a language test or ECA expire before submission
Any one of these can cost you your ITA if it is not resolved inside the 60-day window. This is exactly the point in the process where a second set of experienced eyes on your file makes the biggest difference.
A returned or refused application does not just cost you time; it can mean going back into the pool and waiting for another invitation.
If you would like our team to review your file before you submit, contact us, and a member of the Canadim team will reach out to discuss next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to submit my application after receiving an ITA?
You have 60 calendar days from the date the ITA is issued to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
Can I get an extension on my 60-day ITA deadline?
No. IRCC does not grant extensions on the 60-day window. If you miss the deadline, your invitation expires, and you would need to reapply to the Express Entry pool and wait for a new invitation.
What happens if my application is incomplete when I submit it?
An incomplete application can be returned to you rather than processed, and you do not receive additional time to fix it. This is why gathering documents early and reviewing your file carefully before submission matters.
Do I need a lawyer or consultant to apply after receiving an ITA?
It is not a legal requirement, but many candidates choose to work with an immigration lawyer during this stage specifically because the stakes and the deadline are unforgiving. A professional review can catch document issues before they cause an application to be refused.
What is the difference between an ITA and a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)?
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We want to help you achieve your Canadian immigration goals. Our team of lawyers and legal professionals will guide you throughout the ITA application process, from gathering your documents to final submission, so nothing gets missed within your 60-day window.
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