Unlocking Canada: The Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA) Explained
What is an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Express Entry?
The Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA) is the formal invitation issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to candidates in the Express Entry pool who have achieved a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score high enough to be selected during a draw. Receiving an ITA means you are eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada through programs such as:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
What ITA is not: It is not a guarantee of permanent residency. Instead, it is the invitation to submit your complete PR application, which is then reviewed by IRCC.
How Express Entry ITA Differs from Other Immigration Applications
Unlike Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Express Entry ITA is not tied to one region or employer. It is points-based, competitive, and federal in scope. While PNPs often focus on regional labour market needs, the ITA reflects nationwide selection and offers faster processing.
Motivation Example
Consider Ana, a 32-year-old nurse from the Philippines. She has several years of international work experience and strong English test scores. By entering the Express Entry pool, Ana secures an ITA after a draw where her CRS score ranks above the cutoff. With our RCIC-led full application processing service, Ana’s documents are reviewed, organized, and filed accurately. Her application avoids errors that commonly lead to refusals. Within six months, she is approved and boards her flight to Toronto, ready to start a new chapter in Canada as a permanent resident.
Why Hire Lawseph & Associates Inc.?
At Lawseph, our RCIC full application processing service focuses on risk reduction. Incomplete, inconsistent, or error-prone applications are among the top reasons for delays or refusals. We ensure:
- All documents are complete and consistent
- Forms are error-free and up-to-date
- Timely submissions aligned with IRCC deadlines
- Expert legal representation for complex cases
Associated Costs and Processing Times
- Government Fees: CAD $1,365 (Principal Applicant) + $1,365 (Spouse) + $230 (per dependent child)
- Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person
- Medical Exam: Approx. CAD $200–$350
- RCIC Legal Fees: Starting at CAD $3,000 for full processing service
- Processing Time: On average, 6–8 months after submission
Eligibility & Admissibility Requirements
Candidates must:
- Have sufficient CRS score to receive an ITA
- Meet requirements of one Express Entry stream (FSW, FST, or CEC)
- Provide valid language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF)
- Show proof of funds (unless exempt under CEC)
- Pass medical and security clearances
FAQs
- Q: Do I automatically get PR with an ITA?
A: No, the ITA is only the invitation to apply. You must submit a complete PR application for approval. - Q: How long do I have to apply after receiving ITA?
A: 60 calendar days. - Q: What happens if I make a mistake in my application?
A: Mistakes can lead to refusals. This is why hiring an RCIC consultant significantly reduces risk. - Q: Can I include my family in my ITA application?
A: Yes, your spouse and dependent children may be included. - Q: What if my CRS score is too low?
A: We can explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or other immigration pathways for you.
Further Reading
- IRCC – Express Entry Overview
- CIC News – Express Entry Updates
- CanadaVisa – Immigration Forum
- Immigration.ca – Express Entry Guidance
- Maclean’s – Express Entry Coverage
Next Steps: Get Started with Lawseph
Taking the next step towards Canadian permanent residency begins with expert guidance. Our RCIC team at Lawseph & Associates Inc. is ready to guide you through the entire Express Entry ITA process.
