ITA (Invitation to Apply) is also known as eAPR (electronic Application for Permanent Residence). It is the final step of the Express Entry program and the application provides the documents that support the details listed in candidate’s initial Express Entry profile.
One has to submit an Express Entry profile in order to obtain an ITA. Once the profile is submitted, the applicant enters into a pool of candidates and is ranked on the basis of a merit-based points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Candidates ranking higher receive an ITA and then asked to submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). In case the eAPR gets approved successfully, the applicant (and the dependent family members, if included) is granted Canada permanent residence.
After receiving an ITA, the applicant is given 90 days to prepare and submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) in Canada. This application is submitted through the IRCC online web portal and the applicant is asked to scan and submit copies of all required documents.
According to IRCC, nearly 80% of eAPRs are processed within six months from the date of submission. If an application is approved, the applicant (and members included in the application) is issued visa that allows him/her to travel to a Canadian Port of Entry (POE) in to obtain his/her official permanent resident documents! After becoming a Canadian permanent resident, individuals should make sure they educate themselves on the PR requirements in order to stay eligible to renew their permanent residence card or apply for Canadian citizenship in future.
The documents of qualifications claimed in the Express Entry profile must be furnished along with the proof that the applicant is not inadmissible to Canada. If the applicant is not able to provide a requested document, he/she must provide a letter of explanation outlining why it cannot be obtained. Alternatives must be arranged, if possible. One can use services of a Canadian immigration attorney to explain to the visa office as to why the documents are not as requested, if any. Important: The submitted documents must be in English or French. If not, the same must be translated by a certified translator.
Here’s a list of documents that need to be submitted.
1. IDENTITY AND CIVIL STATUS DOCUMENTS
Passports
A copy of the passport (biographical data page) of the main applicant and accompanying family members.
Birth Certificates
Birth certificate of everyone included in the application or a document that confirms the details of date of birth and at least one of parent’s names. A letter of explanation is required if not providing official birth certificate. Adoption certificates are required for adopted children, if any.
Marital Status
Single (never married): No documents required to prove single status in most of the cases.
2. LANGUAGE TEST RESULTS
Though IRCC may already have access to the test results, there are times the IRCC may request a copy of the language test results. However, it should be included with the application. The same must be done for spouse.
3. DOCUMENTS OF WORK EXPERIENCE
Proof of work experience mentioned on Express Entry profile. One may provide the following for this:
- Reference letters, should include following:
o Job title
o Salary
o The average hours/week worked
o A detailed list of employment duties
o The dates of employment
- Electronic copies of employment contracts and a sample of payslips (if possible)
Reference letters will be required from every employer in the last 10 years.
If one has claimed Canadian work experience, following must be provided:
- T4 tax information slips
- Notice of Assessment and Option C printouts from CRA
- A copy of work permit/employment authorization
4. EDUCATION DOCUMENTS
- Copies of certificates, diplomas or degrees for each completed program of post-secondary study one has claimed points for
- Copies of transcripts for each completed secondary and post-secondary program
- An original Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
- If one has claimed Canadian educational credentials, he/she must provide proof of successful completion of the program
5. PROOF OF FUNDS
The applicant will need to prove that he/she has sufficient funds to support their relocation to Canada. Below are the funds that may be required, depending upon the family size (accompanying members). It is referred to as settlement fees and is waived off in case the applicant has an arranged employment offer.
Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
1 | $12,960 |
2 | $16,135 |
3 | $19,836 |
4 | $24,083 |
5 | $27,315 |
6 | $30,806 |
7 | $34,299 |
For Each Additional Family Member | $3,492 |
6. CONFIRMATION OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION
The applicant will need to provide the electronic copies of confirmation of medical examination.
7. POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES
The applicant and the accompanying family members will need to provide police clearance certificates from every country they have resided in (for six months or more since attaining age of 18). The certificates are valid for 12 months and must be provided within 90 days from receiving the ITA to submit the application. Therefore, one should get the certificates accordingly.
8. PHOTOGRAPHS
Two (2) digital photographs of main applicant along with spouse/partner and each dependent child must be provided.
9. GOVERNMENT PROCESSING FEES
- Principal Applicant: $1325
- Spouse: $1325
- Dependent Children: $225/child
10. PROVINCIAL NOMINATION
In case the applicant has claimed points for a provincial nomination, he/she will need to provide a copy of the nomination.
11. PROOF OF RELATIVE IN CANADA
If the applicant has claimed points for a relative in Canada, the following must be provided:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship/permanent resident status for the relative
- Proof that the relative is residing in Canada. This may include utility bills, Canadian tax documents or banking records
- Proof of familial relationship with the relative in Canada
12. OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT
A job offer is not required; however, if the applicant has claimed a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in his/her profile, the applicant will need to prove the offer to be legitimate. The following documents can be provided:
IRCC issues draws for Express Entry applicants on a regular basis. The candidates who rank high can expect an ITA within a few weeks or within 6 months. If the applicant doesn’t receive an ITA, he/she can work towards boosting the CRS score by either retaking language tests or looking into provincial nomination programs. It should be noted that the candidate’s profile remains active in the Express Entry pool for 12 months, after which it may be resubmitted.
The cost of submitting an eAPR may depend on the factors like applicant’s family size, the number of countries they have lived in, if their documents need to be translated, etc. Here’s an overview of prices.
- Principal Applicant: $1325
- Spouse: $1325
- Dependent Children: $225/child
- Biometrics: $85/person
- Medical Examination Fees (average cost): $450/adult & $250/child
- Police Clearance Certificates (average cost): $100/country
Regional District of Employment |
|
Regional District of Employment |
Points |
Stikine, Central Coast, Northern Rockies, Mount Waddington, Skeena-Queen Charlotte, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Kootenay-Boundary, Alberni-Clayoquot |
10 |
Kitimat-Stikine, Bulkley-Nechako, Squamish-Lillooet, Strathcona, Columbia-Shuswap, East Kootenay |
8 |
Peace River, Comox Valley, Cariboo, Central Kootenay |
6 |
Okanagan-Similkameen, Cowichan Valley, North Okanagan, Fraser-Fort George |
4 |
Thompson-Nicola, Nanaimo, Central Okanagan |
2 |
Capital, Fraser Valley |
2 |
Greater Vancouver |
0 |
Maximum Score Available |
10 |