Quick Guide: How to get an ITA and what to do next

Mar 12, 2024 | Business Immigration, Canadian Experience Class, Citizenship, Complete Representation, Federal Skilled Trades, Humanitarian & Compassionate, Permanent Residency, Processing Times

Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence Canada (ITA)

If you are interested in becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada, you will need to be invited through an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This ITA is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After receiving an ITA, applicants will have the chance to apply for Canadian permanent residence and bring their accompanying family members, such as their spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children, along with them.

Step-by-step process of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to immigrate to Canada:

1. Create an Express Entry profile to enter the Express Entry pool.

The first step involves submitting information about your skills, language ability, education, and work experience. If you meet the criteria for immigration to Canada, you will be placed in the Express Entry pool.

2. Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score.

You will then be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on the information in your Express Entry profile. The CRS score is used to rank candidates based on their skills and other factors.

3. Boost Your CRS Score

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points based on your human capital factors like skills, education, age, language proficiency, and work experience. A higher score increases your chances of receiving an ITA. Consider these strategies:

• Improve Language Skills: Aim for high scores on English or French language tests like IELTS or CELPIP. Strong language abilities are essential for integrating into Canadian society and the workforce.
• Gain Work Experience: Relevant Canadian or international experience boosts your score. Look for opportunities in fields listed in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) for additional points.
• Pursue Higher Education: A Canadian degree, diploma, or relevant post-secondary qualification can be advantageous. Consider Canadian institutions or programs approved by Canadian education credential assessment services.
• Secure a Valid Job Offer: A job offer from a Canadian employer with LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) approval adds significant points and demonstrates your employability in Canada.
• Provincial Nomination: Receiving a nomination from a Canadian province/territory can significantly increase your CRS score. PNPs target skilled workers to address specific labor market needs. Research programs offered by provinces that align with your skills and experience.

4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your score is above the cut-off threshold score.

IRCC regularly conducts draws inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. The cut-off score for each draw varies depending on the number of applications received by IRCC.

If your CRS score is higher than the cut-off threshold score for that specific Express Entry draw, you will receive an ITA.

5. Submit a complete application for permanent residence (APR) in your online account.

Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence (APR) in your online account. This involves providing documents such as passport, language test scores, job offer letter, and more.

Read more about: GCKey: Apply Online For Canada Immigration and Visa

6. Receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and/or a Permanent Residence Visa.

After your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and/or a Permanent Residence Visa.

7. Live and work in Canada as a Permanent Resident.

Finally, once you have your permanent residence visa, you can travel to Canada and live and work as a Permanent Resident.

National Occupational Classification (NOC) and Express Entry

The NOC is a system used by the Canadian government to categorize jobs based on skill level, type of work performed, and educational requirements. When creating your Express Entry profile, you’ll need to identify the NOC code that best reflects your primary work experience. Occupations in higher NOC skill levels (typically NOC 0, A or B under NOC 2016 or TEER levels 3, 4 or 5 under NOC 2021) are generally eligible for Express Entry.

Here’s how the NOC can influence your Express Entry profile:

• Eligibility: Choosing the correct NOC code ensures your work experience aligns with eligible occupations for Express Entry.
• CRS Points: Certain NOC codes may award more points under the CRS compared to others. Jobs requiring higher skill levels or those in high demand by Canadian employers tend to receive more points.

Research the NOC carefully and choose the code that most accurately reflects your main work duties. A mismatch can affect your eligibility or CRS score. You can find the NOC list and descriptions on the Employment and Social Development Canada website: Find your National Occupation Classification (NOC).

What Should You Do After You Receive an ITA

If you have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have only 60 days to put together and submit all of your required supporting documents. To ensure that you’re ready to apply and make the most of the two-month period, it is important to begin collecting and organizing the necessary documents ahead of time.

In case you are unable to submit your application within the 60-day period, you will have the option to re-enter the Express Entry pool and start the process over.

How to Get an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence

To receive an ITA, you must first be eligible to immigrate by meeting the minimum requirements for the Express Entry pool. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is used to assess a candidate’s eligibility.

The CRS score ranks an individual based on:

• Skills
• Education
• Language ability
• Work experience,
• and other factors.

Invitations to apply (ITA) will be given to those with a minimum CRS score or higher of that specific Express Entry draw.

Read more about: Changes in Express Entry in 2023

Documents you will need to apply for Permanent Residency

You will need the following documents to apply for a Canadian Permanent Residence:

• Passport
• Language Test score results
• Birth Certificate
• Work experience documentation
• Police Verification report
• Upfront medical receipt
• Medical report

PNP programs may require additional documents, including:

• Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Proof of Funds
• Offer letter from a Canadian employer
• Provincial Nomination Certificate or territorial certificate of nomination
• Marriage certificates or divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Your Personal reference code
• Express Entry Profile Number
• Job seeker validation code
• Letter of recommendation from previous employers.

Not Getting an ITA?

If you don’t receive an ITA in this round, don’t be discouraged. Consider these options:

• Re-entering the Express Entry pool: Keep your profile updated and look for ways to improve your CRS score. Aim to gain more work experience, improve your language proficiency, or pursue further education.
• Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Research targeted provincial nominations that align with your skills and experience. These programs can boost your CRS score and provide a direct path to permanent residence in a specific Canadian province.

We Can Help You Determine Your Eligibility! Talk to an adviser today! (Click here)

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