- 1275 Finch Avenue West Unit 406, North York, ON M3J 0L5
- info@immigrationtocanada.com
Dreaming of a fresh start in Canada? The Invitation to Apply (ITA) is your golden ticket in the Express Entry system. It’s the official nod from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that says you’re a top pick for permanent residence. At Immigration to Canada (Ever North), we guide skilled workers, families, and professionals through this exciting step. With rising demand for talent in 2025, more ITAs are going out than ever—over 100,000 already this year. This page breaks down everything about the Express Entry ITA: what it means, how to get one, what comes next, and tips to make your Canada immigration dream real. Whether you’re eyeing the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC), understanding the ITA process puts you ahead.
Canada’s economy thrives on newcomers like you. Express Entry ITAs target those who can jump in and contribute right away. Key factors like your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score—based on age, education, work experience, and language skills—decide if you get invited. In 2025, IRCC aims for 500,000 new permanent residents, with Express Entry handling a big share. If your CRS hits the mark, an ITA could land in your inbox soon. Our Ever North team has boosted scores and secured ITAs for clients worldwide—let’s explore how you can join them.
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is more than just an email; it’s your green light to submit a full application for Canadian permanent residence (PR). Issued through the Express Entry portal, it comes after IRCC reviews profiles in the candidate pool during regular draws. Only those with the highest CRS scores get picked—think of it as a merit-based shortlist.
The ITA confirms you’ve met the cut-off for a specific draw, whether general, program-specific like Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or category-based for sectors like healthcare or STEM. Once you have it, you shift from hopeful candidate to active applicant. This step unlocks benefits like work permits while waiting and a path to citizenship in just three years. But remember, ITAs aren’t forever—they expire after 60 days if you don’t act.
Since Express Entry launched in 2015, ITAs have welcomed over 800,000 people to Canada. In recent years, the focus has shifted to targeted skills, making ITAs more accessible for niche experts. For instance, French speakers or trades pros often see lower CRS thresholds. If you’re new to this, start by checking your eligibility. Tools like the CRS calculator on the IRCC site give a quick score estimate. At Ever North, our free profile review spots gaps early, so you’re draw-ready.
Getting an ITA starts with entering the Express Entry pool. It’s a simple online process, but preparation is key. First, confirm you qualify for one of the core programs: FSWP for skilled pros abroad, FSTP for tradespeople, or CEC for those with Canadian work experience. You’ll need proof of language skills (like IELTS or TEF), education credentials via an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and work history.
Once eligible, submit your profile—IRCC ranks it instantly with a CRS score out of 1,200. The pool holds about 250,000 profiles as of October 2025, with draws happening every one to two weeks. High scorers (500+ CRS) often get ITAs fast, while others wait or tweak their score.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the steps to land your ITA:
This flow keeps things fair and fast. Profiles stay active for 12 months, so update anytime for a re-score. We’ve seen clients jump 50 CRS points with small fixes, turning waits into wins.
IRCC mixes up draws to match Canada’s needs, and each type issues ITAs differently. General draws pull top overall scorers, but they’re less common now—cut-offs hover at 520-550 in 2025. Program-specific ones, like CEC or PNP, target groups: PNP adds 600 CRS points via nomination, making ITAs a slam dunk.
Category-based draws, rolled out in 2023 and expanded for 2025, are the game-changer. They prioritize 11 hot areas, from healthcare (NOC codes like nurses) to agriculture and French proficiency. These ITAs go to candidates with at least six months’ experience in the field, often with CRS as low as 350. In October 2025 alone, over 10,000 category ITAs dropped, easing backlogs.
Why does this matter? It opens doors for specialized folks. A mechanic might snag a trades ITA at 400 CRS, while a general applicant waits longer. Track trends on the IRCC site—our Ever North dashboard sends alerts tailored to your skills. This smart targeting aligns with the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, boosting spots for in-Canada workers and francophones.
Congrats – your ITA arrives! Now the real work begins. You have exactly 60 days to upload your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). Log into your Express Entry account, where a checklist appears. Complete it fully, pay fees (around CAD 1,365 per adult), and hit submit. IRCC issues an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) right away if everything’s in order.
From there, processing takes about six months on average, though category ITAs can wrap in four. During this time, you can apply for an open work permit if in Canada, letting you earn while waiting. Biometrics and medicals happen early—book them via the portal. If approved, get your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and land in Canada to activate PR status.
Miss the deadline? Your ITA vanishes, but your profile returns to the pool (if still valid). No penalties, but time’s ticking. Pro tip: Start docs before the ITA—many clients do this with our prep kits. Post-ITA, settlement eases in: think SIN numbers, healthcare cards, and job hunts. Ever North’s post-PR support includes resume tweaks and city guides for seamless starts.
Submitting your eAPR means rounding up proofs that back your profile claims. IRCC wants clear, certified copies—scans work fine. Upfront items like medical receipts and police checks go first; others follow as needed. Organize by category to avoid rushes.
Expect to pay processing fees online too. If using a rep like us, include the IMM 5476 form. Families add docs per member – spouses and kids count toward your CRS but need their own checks.
To keep it simple, focus on these core must-haves for a smooth ITA hand-in:
Conditional adds might include proof of funds (CAD 13,757 for one person in 2025), marriage certs, or a job offer letter if it boosted your CRS. Double-check for translations if not English/French. Our Ever North checklist tool flags misses—clients submit error-free 98% of the time.
Even strong profiles hit bumps. Misrepresentation tops the list: fudging work years or scores leads to five-year bans. IRCC spots it via cross-checks—be honest, even on small things. Another trap? Incomplete apps—uploading blurry scans or missing fees halts progress.
Timeline slips happen too. That 60-day clock starts the moment your ITA issues, so calendar it. If abroad, visa waits for medicals can delay; plan buffer time. PNP-tied ITAs add province rules—coordinate early.
Category mismatches confuse some: if invited for healthcare, stick to that narrative. And don’t ignore updates—IRCC tweaks rules yearly, like 2025’s stricter fund proofs. At Ever North, we audit apps pre-submit, catching 90% of issues. One client dodged a refusal by clarifying a job title tweak—now thriving in Toronto.
No ITA yet? Don’t sweat—the pool’s dynamic. Your profile’s good for a year, so refine it. Retake language tests for CLB 9+ bumps (up to 50 extra points). Gain Canadian experience via a visitor visa job hunt or study permit.
PNP routes shine: provinces like Ontario or BC nominate for 600 points, often with streams for your NOC code. Job offers add 50-200, but network smart—LinkedIn groups or our job board partners help.
For categories, align your experience: six months in transport? Highlight it. French skills? TEF tests open low-cut-off draws. We’ve coached 200+ clients to ITAs this way, like a software dev who added a PN and scored in weeks.
Midway through your wait, try these targeted boosts to climb the CRS ranks:
These moves average 40-60 point gains. Track pool size (down to 240,000 in late 2025) for odds—fewer rivals mean quicker ITAs.
This year’s Express Entry ITAs reflect bold shifts. With CEC pauses early on, category draws surged—82% of invites by October 23, 2025. French proficiency leads with 28,000 spots, cut-offs at 300-350. Healthcare follows at 12,000, favoring nurses and techs amid shortages.
PNP ITAs hold steady at 55,000, but general rounds dipped to 15% of total. Overall, 105,000 ITAs issued, pacing for 120,000 by December. Cut-offs eased in summer: CEC at 490, trades at 380.
Check this quick view of recent 2025 draws and their ITA outputs:
| Draw # | Date | Type/Category | ITAs Sent | Min CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 374 | Oct 22, 2025 | French Proficiency | 3,200 | 342 |
| 373 | Oct 15, 2025 | Healthcare | 2,800 | 465 |
| 372 | Oct 14, 2025 | PNP | 400 | 785 |
| 371 | Oct 8, 2025 | CEC | 600 | 505 |
| 370 | Oct 1, 2025 | STEM | 1,200 | 452 |
| 369 | Sep 24, 2025 | Trades | 1,500 | 395 |
| 368 | Sep 17, 2025 | Transport | 900 | 428 |
| 367 | Sep 10, 2025 | PNP | 700 | 710 |
| 366 | Sep 3, 2025 | Agriculture | 1,100 | 380 |
| 365 | Aug 27, 2025 | General | 3,500 | 540 |
These trends favor specialists—general wait times stretch to 4-6 months, but categories deliver in 1-2. IRCC’s 2025-2027 plan eyes 1.5 million total immigrants, with Express Entry at 40%. If your profile fits, now’s prime time.
Solo ITA prep works for some, but pros like Ever North make it foolproof. We’re Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). From CRS audits to doc packs, we handle the heavy lift—our 97% approval rate speaks volumes.
What sets us apart? Personalized roadmaps: a teacher client nailed a CEC ITA via language coaching; an engineer grabbed a STEM one with PNP ties. We offer virtual sessions, 24/7 portal checks, and settlement webinars. Plus, free eligibility scans—no strings.
In a sea of consultants, Ever North focuses on you: transparent fees, real stories, and lifelong support. Hundreds of families crossed the border with us—your ITA story could be next.
Curious about details? We get these daily:
For deeper dives, our blog covers 2025 updates. Questions? Chat us anytime.
The Invitation to Apply isn’t just paperwork—it’s your bridge to Canada’s opportunities: free healthcare, safe communities, and endless adventures. With draws ramping up, 2025’s your year. Stay proactive, lean on pros, and watch that email ping.
To seal the deal, here’s your action list:
Contact Immigration to Canada (Ever North) for your custom ITA plan. We’re here to turn invites into homes—northward bound, together.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application for permanent residence. You must declare all family members, whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not. Family members who will come with you must also undergo medical exams and provide police certificates.
You'll need to provide several documents including: valid passport, language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF), Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report, police certificates from all countries where you've lived for 6+ months, proof of work experience (reference letters), and proof of funds (bank statements). Additional documents may be required depending on your situation.
No, you cannot update your Express Entry profile after receiving an ITA. However, if your circumstances change (such as getting married, having a child, or gaining more work experience), you must update your permanent residence application to reflect these changes. Any changes that affect your CRS score must be documented and explained.
info@immigrationtocanada.com
1275 Finch Avenue West Unit 406, North York, ON M3J 0L5
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