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Know About Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

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by Kathy Watkins

Application Invitation for Canada Immigration

The Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a crucial milestone in the Express Entry process, indicating that you are on the path to becoming a Canadian permanent resident with Immigration to Canada. Receiving an ITA represents your progress towards living and working in Canada.

Also known as the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR), this document serves as the foundation for the information you have provided in the Express Entry system. The eAPR is essential for ensuring that your application is complete and well-supported with the necessary documentation, helping you move closer to achieving your Canadian immigration goals. 

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

What is an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

In the Express Entry system for Canadian immigration, an Invitation to Apply (ITA) signifies that your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score has met or surpassed the threshold for that particular Express Entry draw. Essentially, an ITA is an invitation to submit an application for permanent residency in Canada.

Before you can receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must first ensure you are eligible for the Express Entry system and submit your profile through it. 

Receiving an Invitation to Apply for Canadian Immigration

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
The Express Entry system consists of three immigration programs, each with unique requirements. To begin, fill out a brief form that takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This will help determine which immigration program you qualify for.

Step 2: Set Up Your Express Entry Profile
Once you confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria, you should create an Express Entry online profile. To complete your profile, you will need the following documents:

After submitting your profile, you will join a pool of other eligible candidates. Your ranking within this pool will be determined by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors like work experience and education.

Step 3: Get an Invitation to Apply
If your CRS score meets or surpasses the cut-off score in an Express Entry draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. These draws can occur as often as every two weeks, so it’s essential to be prepared. Remember, you must complete your application within 60 days of receiving your ITA.

Essential Documents for Immigration to Canada

As highlighted previously, you have a 60-day period to complete your online application form. It’s advisable to collect all necessary documents in advance, ensuring that once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can immediately commence filling out the form. Upon being invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency, you must upload copies of documents to your Express Entry profile, along with the following: 

Depending on the specific immigration program, you might need to submit additional documents such as:

If you are ranked highly in the Express Entry pool, receiving an ITA could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

What If I’m Not Invited to Apply?

The Express Entry system offers the benefit of keeping your profile in the applicant pool for one year, even if you’re not selected initially. This period allows you to enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing the likelihood of receiving an ITA in future draws.

How to Enhance Your CRS Score for an ITA?

To boost your chances of obtaining an ITA, improving your CRS score is crucial. Here are some strategies to enhance your score while you await upcoming draws: 

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Invitation to Apply (ITA) Statistics for Express Entry to Canada

The Express Entry system for immigration to Canada has seen a variety of Invitation to Apply (ITA) numbers since its inception. The highest ITAs in a single draw reached an impressive 27,332 on February 13, 2021. On the opposite end, the smallest number issued was 250 on January 6, 2021, but this draw specifically targeted candidates with provincial nominations.

Since its launch, the annual breakdown of ITAs has shown significant growth: 

As of recent records, 2022 witnessed 46,539 ITAs being dispatched. In 2023, there has been an exponential increase, with a current tally of 214,000 ITAs.

Immigration to Canada: Category-Based Invitations

The landscape of Express Entry invitations has significantly evolved with the introduction of category-based selection. This new strategy allows candidates in the Express Entry pool to be invited based on specific categories set by the Minister to achieve distinct economic goals. These candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency by meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as language skills, work experience, and educational background.

Category-based invitation rounds enhance general and program-specific draws by focusing on top-ranking candidates whose skills align with Canada’s economic priorities. The categories for each year are announced beforehand, ensuring a transparent and predictable immigration process.

Candidates with Provincial or Territorial Nominations

Candidates who receive provincial or territorial nominations continue to be invited through general and Provincial Nominee Program-specific draws. These individuals have demonstrated their potential to make significant economic contributions to the regions that nominated them. 

Comprehensive Guide to Category-Based Selection in Express Entry

Discover the essential elements of category-based selection in Express Entry with Immigration to Canada:

Selecting and Announcing Categories Categories for Express Entry are determined through labor market analysis, collaboration with provincial and territorial partners, and input from stakeholders. The Canadian government presents an annual report to Parliament detailing chosen categories, the reasoning behind them, guidelines for their establishment, and the number of invitations issued per category. This data is also featured in the Express Entry Year-End Report.

Categories Chosen for 2023 The categories selected for 2023 include: 

Eligibility Standards To qualify for an invitation in a category-based round, candidates need to meet the Express Entry criteria and fulfill the specific conditions for each category. The 2023 categories have the following eligibility requirements:

Influence on CRS Score The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score remains crucial for Express Entry draws. Nonetheless, category-based invitation rounds consider only candidates within specific categories, enhancing their likelihood of receiving invitations.

Options if Your Occupation Isn’t Listed Candidates with unlisted occupations can still participate in general draws. Provinces and territories also utilize the Express Entry pool to find applicants, especially those holding provincial nominations.

Types of Invitation Rounds Express Entry will continue to conduct a variety of invitation rounds throughout the year, including:

Supporting Immigration Targets for 2023 – 2025 Canada’s strategy to address labor market shortages relies heavily on immigration. The immigration plan aims to attract the necessary skills for vital industries, including healthcare, skilled trades, and technology. Category-based draws help target roles with the highest shortages.

Over the next three years, Canada plans to increase its intake of new immigrants annually. The target is to welcome 465,000 new immigrants in 2023, increase to 485,000 in 2024, and rise further to 500,000 by 2025.

Ensure timely submission and accurate documentation with Immigration to Canada. Enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.

FAQ
What if I’m Not Ready to Apply for Permanent Residency Within 60 Days of Receiving My ITA?

If you’re not ready to proceed with applying for permanent residency within the 60-day window, you need to decline the Invitation to Apply (ITA) in your online account. Your profile will remain in the Express Entry pool and will stay active for the remaining validity period. You’ll continue to be considered for future ITA rounds, provided you maintain eligibility.

What Happens if I Don’t Respond to the ITA?

Failing to respond to an ITA within the 60-day timeframe results in its expiration, removing your profile from the Express Entry pool. If you wish to be reconsidered, you must submit a new profile via your online account.

Does IRCC Offer Extensions on ITA Deadlines?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not allow extensions beyond their strict 60-day deadline for submitting an Application for Permanent Residence (APR). It's crucial to monitor your online account frequently to stay updated.

How Do I Obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

To receive an ITA, begin by creating an Express Entry profile. You will then enter a pool of candidates ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is a points-based merit system. Candidates with higher rankings receive an ITA, allowing them to submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).

How Long Does It Take to Receive an ITA?

Express Entry draws by IRCC occur regularly. High-ranked candidates may receive an ITA within days to weeks. If not immediately selected, your profile remains valid in the pool for 12 months. If you don’t receive an ITA after several months, consider strategies to enhance your CRS score, such as retaking language exams or exploring provincial nomination options.

What Happens After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

Upon receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to complete your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) via the IRCC online portal. This process involves scanning and submitting all necessary documentation. For personalized guidance, visit Immigration to Canada for assistance.

 

 
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