ITA (Invitation to Apply), Express Entry Explained

What an ITA Means for Your Client

When your client receives an ITA, they have officially been selected from the Express Entry pool based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This is not an approval of permanent residence but rather permission to submit a full application with supporting documents. The ITA arrives through the candidate's IRCC online account and by email. It specifies which program they're invited under, either Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades, or a Provincial Nominee Program stream. The invitation locks in the program requirements as they existed on the date of the ITA, which protects candidates if rules change during processing. Once issued, the ITA cannot be transferred, extended beyond the 60 days, or reused if it expires. Practitioners should immediately confirm receipt with clients and begin gathering documents because the countdown starts the moment IRCC issues the invitation, not when the client logs in.

How Candidates Receive an ITA

IRCC conducts regular Express Entry draws where they invite the highest ranking candidates above a minimum CRS cutoff score. Some draws are program specific, targeting only Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class candidates, while others are general and include all programs. Category based draws launched in 2023 focus on occupations like healthcare, trades, or STEM, or on French language ability. During each draw, IRCC ranks all eligible pool members by CRS score and issues ITAs to those at or above the cutoff, working down from the highest scores. If multiple candidates share the cutoff score, IRCC uses the date and time they entered the pool as a tiebreaker, with earlier entries getting priority. Candidates receive a message in their online account and an email notification. The ITA includes details about which draw they were selected in, the minimum score for that round, and instructions for the next steps. It is crucial to verify that all profile information remains accurate because any material changes could affect eligibility.

Documents and Information Required After ITA

Once invited, your client must upload a comprehensive set of documents to prove everything they claimed in their Express Entry profile. This includes passport copies, language test results from approved agencies, Educational Credential Assessments for foreign degrees, police certificates from every country where they lived six months or more since age 18, and proof of funds showing they have enough money to settle in Canada unless they have a valid job offer or Canadian work experience. You will also need detailed employment reference letters on company letterhead describing job duties, hours worked, salary, and dates of employment. If applicable, include a provincial nomination certificate, a job offer with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment, and proof of any sibling, French language, or other bonus points claimed. Medical exams must be completed by IRCC approved panel physicians. All documents must be clear, legible, and translated into English or French by certified translators if in other languages. Using a case management system like My Briefcase helps you track which documents are received, which are pending, and which need follow up, ensuring nothing is missed before the 60 day clock runs out.

Submitting the Application and What Happens Next

Your client submits the application electronically through their IRCC account by uploading all documents and completing any additional forms or questions. You cannot submit the application on their behalf through a representative portal, so the client must grant you access or you guide them through the submission. After submitting, IRCC conducts a completeness check to ensure all mandatory documents are included, then assigns the file to an officer for a full review. Processing times vary but are generally around six months for most Express Entry applications, although some take longer due to security checks or additional verifications. IRCC may request additional documents, schedule an interview (rare), or ask for updated police certificates or medical exams if the originals expire. Clients can check their application status online and should respond promptly to any IRCC requests. My Briefcase allows you to set up tasks and reminders for key milestones like medical exam expiry dates, police certificate renewals, or expected decision timelines, helping you stay proactive and keep clients informed throughout the process.

Managing ITA Cases in Your Practice

Handling ITA cases requires strict deadline management, detailed document tracking, and clear client communication. The 60 day window is unforgiving, so you need systems that keep everyone on the same page. Create a standard checklist for every ITA case, breaking down tasks by week and assigning responsibilities to team members and clients. Schedule regular check-ins to review document collection progress and address any obstacles early. Use secure methods to collect sensitive documents like police certificates and medical reports, and keep everything organized in a central location that is accessible to your team but protected from unauthorized access. Many practitioners find that case management software designed for immigration practices significantly reduces the risk of missed deadlines and lost documents. My Briefcase provides a 60 day ITA countdown on every case dashboard, automated reminders at customizable intervals, and staged checklists that guide you and your client through pre-ITA preparation and post-ITA submission phases. The secure client portal allows clients to upload documents directly into their case file, sign retainer agreements and other e-documents, and see real time status updates in English or French, which reduces back and forth emails and keeps everything organized and audit ready.

Frequently asked questions