Securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is critical for individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada through its Express Entry system. The ITA is an official invitation issued by the Canadian government that allows applicants to proceed with submitting their permanent residence application. However, obtaining an ITA is not easy, as it requires careful planning, a competitive profile, and meeting specific eligibility criteria.

We’ll explore everything you need to know about securing an ITA, including the process, requirements, and tips for improving your chances of receiving an invitation.

What is an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

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Once Express Entry candidates meet the minimum entry criteria (MEC) and, if applicable, register with Canada’s Job Bank, they are automatically entered into the Express Entry pool. In the pool, candidates become eligible for an ITA for the immigration programs that align with their qualifications, as declared in their profile. The ITA is automatically generated and sent through the candidate’s online account. It is issued to the top-ranking candidates in a round of invitations based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Candidates with provincial or territorial nominations receive an additional 600 points in the CRS, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA. These candidates are typically invited to apply for the next round of invitations for which they are eligible. If a candidate qualifies for multiple immigration classes, such as the:

This ensures that candidates are ITA under the most relevant category for their profile.

What is Included in The ITA?

The ITA invites candidates to apply under a specific class (FSWP, FSTP, CEC, or PNP). Candidates cannot apply under a different class, even if they are eligible for multiple. The ITA includes a chart detailing how the candidate's CRS score was calculated during the round of invitations using .

Key Factors Affecting CRS Score

Your CRS score determines your eligibility to receive an ITA. Here are the key factors that contribute to your CRS score.

  • Age: Younger candidates are awarded more points, as they are seen as having more years to contribute to Canada’s economy.
  • Education: Higher educational qualifications, such as a master’s degree or PhD, can significantly boost your CRS score.
  • Work Experience: The more years of skilled work experience you have, the better your chances of securing an ITA.
  • Language Proficiency: Strong language skills in English or French are critical. Higher language test scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), or Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) can help improve your CRS score.
  • Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add additional points to your profile.
  • Provincial Nominee Program: If you receive a nomination from a Canadian province, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
  • Spouse or Common-Law Partner: If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their language skills, education, and work experience can add extra points to your profile.
Express Entry Criteria Your CRS Score
CRS – Human Capital – Age Nr
CRS – Human Capital – Level of Education Nr
CRS – Human Capital – First Official Language Proficiency Nr
CRS – Human Capital – Second Official Language Proficiency Nr
CRS – Human Capital – Canadian Work Experience Nr
CRS – Spouse – Level of Education Nr
CRS – Spouse – First Official Language Proficiency Nr
CRS – Spouse – Canadian Work Experience Nr
CRS – Skill Transferability – Education Nr
CRS – Skill Transferability – Foreign Work Experience Nr
CRS – Skill Transferability – Certificate of Qualification Nr
CRS – Arranged Employment Nr
CRS – Provincial or Territorial Nomination Nr

Steps to Increase Your Chances of Securing an ITA

Securing an ITA requires strategic planning and preparation. While meeting the minimum eligibility requirements is essential, candidates must also focus on increasing their CRS score to increase their chances of being invited. Below are steps to improve your profile and enhance your likelihood of receiving an ITA.

Step 1: Improve Your Language Skills

One of the most effective ways to increase your CRS score is by improving your language proficiency. Based on their test scores, candidates can earn up to 136 points for language proficiency (in either English or French). To maximize your points, aim for high scores in all four language abilities:

  • Reading,
  • Writing,
  • Listening and
  • Speaking.

Many applicants repeatedly retake language tests to achieve the highest possible scores.

Step 2: Pursue Further Education

Higher levels of education can significantly boost your CRS score. For example, completing a master’s or doctoral degree can help you gain additional points. Moreover, you may be eligible to claim points for your educational credentials obtained outside of Canada by getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Ensure a designated organization assesses your foreign credentials to determine their equivalence to Canadian educational standards.

Step 3: Gain More Work Experience

Work experience is another crucial factor in boosting your CRS score. The more years of skilled work experience you accumulate, the more points you’ll earn. It’s important to note that only work experience gained within the last 10 years counts toward your CRS score. Additionally, you may earn additional points if your experience is in a high-demand occupation or related to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels.

Step 4: Secure a Valid Job Offer

A job offer from a Canadian employer can provide an additional 50-200 points, depending on the position and the job’s requirements. To qualify for points, the job offer must be for a permanent, full-time position that meets specific requirements, including the NOC classification. Make sure to explore job opportunities and network with Canadian employers to improve your chances of securing an offer.

Step 5: Apply For Provincial Nomination

One of the fastest ways to increase your CRS score is through the PNP. Canada's provinces and territories have immigration programs to address labor shortages in specific regions. If you receive a nomination from a province, you will automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points, which virtually guarantees an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.

Step 6: Consider The Federal Skilled Trades Program

If you have experience in a skilled trade, you may qualify for the FSTP. While FSTP applicants generally have lower CRS scores than those under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, they can still receive an ITA if they meet the program’s specific requirements.

What is The Deadline For Responding to an ITA?

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Upon receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 calendar days to take action. They can either submit a complete application for permanent residence (APR) through their online account, providing all required supporting documents, or decline the ITA if they are not ready to apply or if their circumstances change, making them ineligible.

If the ITA is declined, the candidate's profile remains active in the Express Entry pool for the remainder of its validity. It will be considered for future rounds of invitations as long as they meet the Minimum Entry Criteria (MEC). The invitation will expire if the candidate does not respond within 60 days, either by submitting an APR or declining the ITA.

The candidate will be removed from the pool and must submit a new profile to re-enter the process, where they will be reassessed for MEC. Candidates are responsible for regularly checking their online accounts, as IRCC does not offer extensions to the 60-day deadline. Failure to check the account or read the ITA letter is not a valid reason for an extension.

What Can I do if my Situation Changes After Receiving an ITA?

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If your situation changes after receiving an ITA, it is crucial to ensure that your Express Entry profile information is up-to-date and accurate. The profile becomes "locked" once an ITA is issued, meaning you cannot directly update your profile unless you decline the ITA through your online account. If you decline the ITA, your profile will be reactivated in the pool, and you can update the information before being considered for future rounds of invitations.

If a change in circumstance occurs after receiving an ITA, you should recalculate your CRS score using the Express Entry calculator on the IRCC website. For example, changes such as graduating from a higher-level program, gaining additional Canadian work experience, or improving language test scores may increase your CRS score. In contrast, a lower language test score or loss of a job offer can decrease it.

When submitting your APR, ensure any changes in circumstances are accurately reflected in your application. If the recalculated CRS score drops below the cutoff or you no longer meet the MEC for the program you were invited under, declining the ITA is recommended. Failure to provide proof of the information in your profile may lead to misrepresentation and the refusal of your application, with no refund of application fees.

FAQs

Is There Any Risk Involved in Providing False Information on my ITA Application?

Providing false or misleading information on your ITA application can have serious consequences. You may be denied permanent residence or have your application rejected. In some cases, you may be inadmissible to Canada for a period or permanently.

Can I Re-enter The Express Entry Pool After Receiving an ITA?

No, you cannot re-enter the Express Entry pool after receiving an ITA. Once you receive an ITA, you have a limited time to submit a complete application for permanent residence. If you do not submit your application within the specified timeframe, your profile will be removed from the pool.

How Often Are ITAs Issued?

ITAs are issued through regular Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The frequency and number of ITAs issued per Express Entry draw can vary. IRCC typically conducts draws regularly, but the exact schedule may change.