Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA): What to Do in the Next 60 Days
An invitation to apply (ITA) gives you 60 days to submit a full permanent residence application. This guide shows what to prepare, what to pay and what happens next.
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What is an Express Entry ITA?
An invitation to apply (ITA) is IRCC’s invitation to submit a permanent residence application through Express Entry. IRCC sends it when your CRS score is among the highest in a round you are eligible for.
The invitation is valid for 60 days only (IRCC, 2026). You then complete a full application with your documents, medical results, police certificates and fees.
What if I miss the 60 days?
The invitation expires and IRCC removes your profile from the pool. You would need a new profile and a new invitation. If you decline on purpose, you return to the pool, but there is no guarantee of another invitation.
What to do first
- Open your account: find your invitation and the 60-day deadline
- Book your medical exam: you can only do it after you are invited
- Order police certificates: they take the longest
- Check your funds: know if you need proof of funds
Is this page for you?
This guide is for candidates who have an invitation, or expect one soon.
Read it now if you
- Received an invitation in your IRCC account
- Have a high CRS score or a nomination and expect an invitation soon
- Need to plan documents, medical exams and fees
Start somewhere else if you
- Are not in the pool yet: read how Express Entry works
- Do not know your score: use the CRS calculator
- Want to raise your score before a round: read how to improve it
See how Express Entry works, use the CRS calculator or read how to improve your CRS score.
What you must submit with your application
You must send copies of the documents you used for your profile, plus the items below. IRCC can refuse or reject an application that leaves them out. See IRCC for your personal checklist.
Profile documents
Copies of the documents behind your profile, such as language results, your ECA report, your passport and work reference letters.
Police certificates
For you and every family member 18 or older, from each country where you lived for 6 months in a row or longer in the last 10 years. Your current country’s certificate must be issued within 6 months of your application.
Medical exam
Get it after the invitation, from a physician IRCC accepts. The result must be valid when you apply and when you get permanent residence.
Proof of funds
Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades candidates need proof of funds, unless they can work in Canada and hold a valid job offer. Canadian Experience Class candidates do not. See the proof of funds amounts.
Civil documents
Birth, marriage, divorce or death certificates, as they apply to you and your family. Add the Use of Representative form if someone helps you apply.
Want your file checked?
We check your documents, dates and forms before you press submit.
Fees, rules and what happens next
Fees
You pay the processing fee, the right of permanent residence fee and biometrics when you submit. IRCC does not refund the processing fee once it starts processing.
Biometrics
Biometrics cost $85 per person, or $170 for a family of two or more. The system shows every fee before you pay.
If you decline
If you decline, you go back into the pool. There is no guarantee IRCC will invite you again.
If your file is incomplete
IRCC may refuse or reject an application that misses required documents. Fix gaps before day 60, not after.
Work permit while you wait
You can apply for a bridging open work permit only after you submit a complete PR application and get your acknowledgement of receipt. A profile in the pool is not enough.
Processing time
IRCC aims to process most complete Express Entry applications in 6 months. Your own timeline starts when IRCC receives a complete file.
Related pages
These pages explain the steps before and after your invitation.
Your 60-day checklist
Use this timeline. It leaves room for slow police certificates and medical results.
Day 1: Open your invitation
Sign in, open Continue my profile or application and select Continue application.
Week 1: Book your medical exam
Choose an IRCC-approved physician and book early. Do it after the invitation, not before.
Week 1: Request police certificates
Start now. If one certificate is late, send a letter of explanation and proof of your effort.
Weeks 2 to 6: Gather the rest
Collect civil documents, proof of funds, reference letters and translations. See the full document checklist.
Before day 60: Submit and pay
Upload everything, pay the fees and submit. Do not wait for day 60.
Want a second pair of eyes?
We check your file against IRCC’s list before you submit.
From invitation to PR, step by step
Six stages from your invitation to your decision.
Open your invitation
Sign in and read the invitation. Note the date it expires.
Start the slow documents
Order police certificates and book your medical exam first. They take the longest.
Complete medical and police
Finish the exam and collect every certificate. Keep receipts as proof of effort.
Upload and pay
Upload documents, answer every question, pay the fees and submit.
Confirm receipt
Look for your acknowledgement of receipt. It starts your wait and lets you apply for a bridging permit.
Receive your decision
IRCC reviews your file and decides. If approved, you receive your confirmation of permanent residence.
Five mistakes that cost candidates time
These mistakes use up your 60 days.
Waiting for the last week
Police certificates and medical results take time. Start in week 1.
Submitting an incomplete file
A missing document can lead to a refusal or rejection.
Letting the medical expire
The result must be valid when you apply and when you land. Time it close to your application date.
Forgetting police certificates
Every adult family member needs one for each country they lived in for 6 months or longer.
Ignoring changes in your life
A new baby, a marriage or a new job can change your forms. Tell IRCC.
ITA facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC’s Express Entry pages and fee list.
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Express Entry ITA FAQs
What is an Express Entry invitation to apply?
An invitation to apply (ITA) is IRCC’s invitation to submit a permanent residence application. IRCC sends it when your CRS score is among the highest in a round you are eligible for.
How long do I have to apply after an ITA?
You have 60 days. If you do not apply or decline, the invitation expires and IRCC removes your profile from the pool.
What documents do I need after an ITA?
Copies of the documents behind your profile, police certificates, proof of funds if your program asks for it, civil documents such as birth and marriage certificates, and your medical exam results.
When should I do my medical exam?
After you receive the invitation and before you apply. Your result must be valid when you apply and when you get permanent residence, so time it close to your application date.
Which police certificates do I need?
One for you and each family member 18 or older, for every country where you lived for 6 months in a row or longer in the last 10 years. The certificate for your current country must be issued within 6 months of your application.
What if my police certificate is late?
Send a letter of explanation and proof of your effort, such as a receipt, payment confirmation or tracking number. Start early so you do not need to.
How much does the application cost?
The IRCC fee is $1,590 per adult, including the right of permanent residence fee, and $270 per dependent child. Biometrics cost $85 per person or $170 per family. IRCC does not refund the processing fee once it starts processing.
Can I decline an invitation?
Yes. You return to the Express Entry pool, but there is no guarantee IRCC will invite you again.
Can I work while IRCC processes my application?
You may be able to. You can apply for a bridging open work permit only after you submit a complete PR application and receive your acknowledgement of receipt.
How long does processing take?
IRCC aims to process most complete Express Entry applications in 6 months. Your wait starts when IRCC receives a complete file. See the latest processing times.