What To Do After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency in Canada - Sehli Global Visa Consultant
Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is one of the most important milestones in Canada’s immigration process.
It means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has selected your profile from the Express Entry pool and invited you to submit a complete application for Permanent Residency.
However, receiving an ITA does not automatically make you a permanent resident.
You still need to submit a complete application, provide supporting documents and satisfy IRCC that the information in your Express Entry profile is accurate.
This is what you should do next so you can avoid mistakes, or missed deadlines after receiving your ITA.
Step 1: Review Your Invitation and Confirm Your Information
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply, your Express Entry account will show a new message from IRCC.
You generally have 60 days to submit your complete Permanent Residency application. Before uploading documents, review every detail in your Express Entry profile.
IRCC will compare the information in your profile with the documents you provide.
Dates of employment, educational qualifications, language results, marital status, and work experience should match exactly.
Even small discrepancies can result in additional requests for information or application refusal.
If your circumstances have changed since creating your profile, it is important to determine whether those changes affect your eligibility or CRS score before proceeding.
Step 2: Gather Your Supporting Documents
Receiving an ITA means you now need to provide evidence supporting the information contained in your Express Entry profile.
Depending on your situation, IRCC may request:
- Passport or travel documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Educational credential assessments
- Language test results
- Employment reference letters
- Proof of work experience
- Proof of funds
- Marriage certificates
- Birth certificates for dependants
- Medical examination results
Some documents take longer to obtain than others.
Police certificates from certain countries may require several weeks or months to process.
This is why many applicants begin preparing important documents while they are still in the Express Entry pool.
Step 3: Complete Your Immigration Medical Examination
Most Permanent Residency applicants must complete an immigration medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
The purpose of the medical examination is to determine whether an applicant meets Canada’s health admissibility requirements.
The examination usually includes:
- Physical assessment
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Chest X-ray
Medical results are submitted directly to IRCC by the panel physician.
Applicants should schedule their examination early enough to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 4: Obtain Police Clearance Certificates
Police certificates help IRCC determine whether an applicant is criminally admissible to Canada.
Generally, applicants must provide police certificates from countries where they have lived for six months or longer since turning 18 years old.
Requirements vary by country.
Some certificates can be obtained quickly, while others may take several months.
Because processing times differ significantly, obtaining these documents early with the help of a licensed immigration consultant can help reduce pressure during the submission period.
Step 5: Prepare Proof of Funds
Some applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to settle in Canada.
Proof of funds is commonly required under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Applicants under the Canadian Experience Class are generally exempt from this requirement.
Acceptable proof of funds often includes official bank letters showing:
- Account balances
- Available funds
- Account history
- Outstanding debts or liabilities
The required amount depends on your family size.
Applicants should always verify current settlement fund requirements directly through IRCC before submitting their application.
Step 6: Upload Your Documents and Pay the Required Fees
Once your documents are ready, you can upload them through your online IRCC account.
You will also need to pay applicable fees, which may include:
- Permanent Residence application fees
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee
- Biometrics fee, if required
Before submission, review everything carefully.
Submitting incomplete documents or incorrect files can result in delays, requests for additional information or application refusal.
Step 7: Submit Your Permanent Residency Application
After uploading your documents and paying the required fees, you can submit your application.
At this stage, IRCC begins assessing your case.
Officers review:
- Eligibility requirements
- Work experience
- Education credentials
- Medical admissibility
- Criminal admissibility
- Security screening
IRCC may contact you if additional information or updated documents are required.
Step 8: Complete Biometrics
Some applicants may need to provide biometrics.
Biometrics include fingerprints and photographs used to verify identity.
If biometrics are required, IRCC will send instructions after your application has been submitted.
Applicants normally attend a designated biometrics collection centre to complete the process.
Step 9: Wait for IRCC’s Decision
Processing times vary depending on the immigration category and the complexity of the application.
Applicants can monitor their status through their online account.
IRCC may request:
- Updated police certificates
- Additional employment documentation
- Clarifications about previous information
- New medical examinations if earlier results expire
Responding promptly to these requests can help avoid delays.
Step 10: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence
Once approved, IRCC issues a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Applicants outside Canada may also receive a Permanent Resident visa if required.
The COPR confirms that your Permanent Residency application has been approved.
You can then complete the landing process and officially become a Permanent Resident of Canada.
What Happens If Your Circumstances Change After Receiving an ITA?
Changes after receiving an ITA should never be ignored.
Examples include:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth of a child
- Change of employment
- Expired language results
- Reduced proof of funds
Some changes may affect your CRS score or eligibility. Others may simply require updates to your application.
Ensuring to know what changes are significant is important before submitting your file.
Navigating the Post-ITA Process With Professional Guidance
Some applicants choose to prepare and submit their Permanent Residency application themselves, while others prefer professional guidance, particularly when their case involves uncertainty about supporting documents.
As a licensed RCIC Canada immigration consultancy, Sehli Global helps applicants navigate the post-ITA process and prepare complete Permanent Residency applications with confidence.
Conclusion
An Invitation to Apply is an opportunity, not a guarantee of Permanent Residency.
The period after receiving an ITA is where preparation matters most.
Gathering documents early, reviewing information carefully, meeting deadlines, and understanding IRCC requirements can make the process significantly smoother.
Applicants seeking additional guidance can also explore our guide on Express Entry versus Provincial Nominee Programs to better understand available pathways or book a consultation with Sehli Global to discuss their individual circumstances.
