Express Entry Invitation to Apply: Your 2026 Step-by-Step Submission Guide

Receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA) isn't the finish line. It is the starter's pistol for a high-stakes 60-day sprint where one missing document can reset your entire Canadian dream. You need to know what happens after submitting express entry application to stay organized and avoid costly mistakes. You have worked hard for your CRS score. It's natural to feel relief mixed with sudden panic about the ticking clock. Government terminology is dense. Will your documents pass the first human review? The fear of a $950 fee going to waste because of a simple upload error is a heavy burden.

You deserve to move from confusion to complete control. This guide will help you master the 60-day window and take total oversight of your PR submission. We will break down the mandatory document checklist, clarify the latest 2026 fee structures, and map out the post-submission timeline. It's time to map, track, and verify your way to a successful Canadian permanent residency. Let's replace the anxiety of the unknown with a methodical plan for success.

Key Takeaways

Secure your Canadian PR by navigating the non-negotiable 60-day submission window with logic and precision.

Use our 5-step roadmap to verify your personal history and digitalize mandatory documents like police certificates and medicals.

Gain total clarity on what happens after submitting express entry application, including the critical role of the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).

Protect your application from the "Expiry Trap" where essential credentials like IELTS or ECAs lapse before your final submission.

Equip yourself with smart tracking tools to manage your PR file independently, saving time and avoiding expensive consultant fees.

Table of Contents

Receiving Your Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Express Entry Invitation to Apply Steps: Your 5-Step Roadmap

What Happens After Submitting Your Express Entry Application?

Common Post-ITA Pitfalls to Avoid

Navigating the Journey with CanadaPathway

Receiving Your Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The ITA is your formal golden ticket. It's the moment the Express Entry system selects you based on your qualifications and invites you to prove your claims. You have exactly 60 days from the date of the invitation to submit your complete application. Miss this deadline, and your profile is removed from the pool entirely. You'd have to start over from scratch, hoping for another draw that fits your score. The ITA represents the critical pivot point where you cease being a passive candidate in the pool and become an active applicant for Canadian permanent residency.

The 60-Day Countdown: Why Every Hour Counts

Sixty days sounds like a generous window. It isn't. This timeframe includes weekends, international holidays, and potential administrative delays in your home country. If you are curious about what happens after submitting express entry application, you must first survive this countdown. IRCC is strict. They don't grant extensions for slow mail or bank delays. Aim to submit by Day 45. This 15-day buffer protects you against technical glitches, server maintenance, or last-minute document rejections. Waiting for "one last document" on Day 59 is a recipe for disaster. If that document has a typo, your chance is gone. Use our GCKey guide to ensure your portal access is secure before the final rush.

Accepting vs. Declining Your Invitation

Accepting is the default goal, but logic must prevail. If your personal circumstances changed significantly since you entered the pool, you might need to pause. Consider these factors before you hit accept:

Work Experience: Did you lose the job that gave you those extra points?

Credential Validity: Has your language test or ECA expired since the draw?

Family Composition: Did you get married or have a child?

If these changes drop your CRS score below the draw's minimum, accepting the ITA could lead to a rejection and a wasted $950 application fee. Declining is a strategic move. It keeps your profile active in the pool for future draws. You retain your original submission date and CRS score, adjusted for any changes. It's better to decline and fix your profile than to submit a flawed application and face a five-year ban for misrepresentation. Understanding what happens after submitting express entry application starts with ensuring the application you submit is bulletproof from day one.

Express Entry Invitation to Apply Steps: Your 5-Step Roadmap

Executing your ITA is a methodical exercise in data management. It's not just about filling forms. It's about building a digital vault of evidence that leaves no room for doubt. The IRCC portal is a machine; feed it exactly what it wants. Stop guessing. Start executing. Your transition from a candidate to a permanent resident depends on these five moves.

Step 1: Update History. Account for every single month in your personal and address history. IRCC hates gaps. If you were unemployed or traveling, state it clearly. No gaps. No excuses.

Step 2: Collect Documents. Gather your police certificates, medical exam confirmation, and proof of funds. For a single applicant, you must show at least $14,690 CAD as of June 2026.

Step 3: Pay Fees. You will pay $950 for the processing fee and $600 for the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) per adult.

Step 4: The Letter of Explanation (LOE). This is your voice. Use it to clarify minor discrepancies or document variations that don't fit into standard forms.

Step 5: Final Submission. Apply your electronic signature and hit submit. Knowing exactly what happens after submitting express entry application starts with the confidence that this upload was flawless.

Document Digitization and Translation

IRCC only accepts documents in English or French. If your birth certificate or police clearance is in another language, you must provide a certified translation. Keep your files under the 4MB limit. Use clear naming conventions like "Passport_John_Doe.pdf" to help the officer navigate your file. If you are struggling with the interface, our GCKey Guide provides a visual walkthrough of the portal to prevent technical errors.

Handling Fees: Processing vs. RPRF

As of April 30, 2026, the principal applicant fee is $950. The RPRF is an additional $600. While you can pay the RPRF later, paying it upfront is a "smart disruptor" move. It prevents the IRCC from pausing your file to send a payment request later, which often saves four to six weeks in total processing time. Ensure your credit card has "international" clearance and a sufficient limit before you start. A payment failure on Day 60 is a nightmare you can avoid with a quick call to your bank. For those who want a protective layer of oversight, the Pro Plan offers automated tracking to ensure your documents never expire during this phase.

Understanding what happens after submitting express entry application is easier when you know your financial and digital foundations are solid. Move fast. Verify everything. Submit with authority.

What Happens After Submitting Your Express Entry Application?

Hitting the "Submit" button triggers an immediate digital shift. Your IRCC dashboard status flips from "Invited" to "Submitted" almost instantly. Within minutes, a formal Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter should appear in your profile messages. The AOR is the legal proof that your application is officially in the queue and your processing time has begun. For those currently working in Canada, this letter is a lifeline. It is the primary document required to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), allowing you to maintain your legal status while IRCC processes your PR file.

Understanding what happens after submitting express entry application helps manage the inevitable anxiety of the "waiting game." You have moved from the active sprint of document gathering into the passive phase of government oversight. The power is now in the hands of the IRCC agents, but your role as a vigilant tracker remains just as vital. You are no longer just a candidate; you are an applicant with a file number.

The First 30 Days: Completeness Check

The first month is the most critical window for technical survival. IRCC agents perform a manual completeness check to ensure every mandatory document is present, legible, and properly translated. They aren't judging your eligibility yet; they are checking your organization. This is where "The Rejection" usually strikes. If a police certificate is missing a page or a digital scan is blurry, the officer will cancel the application as "incomplete." Your fees will be refunded, but your ITA is gone. If you realize you made a typo or missed a document after hitting submit, your only remedy is the IRCC Webform. It's a slow, unreliable tool. Accuracy before submission is your only real protection.

Biometrics and Medical Requests

Once you pass the completeness gate, the system moves to verification. You will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) via your portal. You must book an appointment at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photo. Don't delay. You typically have 30 days to complete this step. Simultaneously, keep an eye on your medical exam status. While you submitted your upfront medical confirmation earlier, the status will eventually update from "Not Started" to "Passed." This update is a major milestone. It signals that a medical officer has reviewed your results and cleared you for the next stage of the background check. Your journey is moving from administrative verification to final security clearance.

Knowing what happens after submitting express entry application allows you to stay proactive. If you don't see these updates within the standard 6 to 8 month processing window, you'll know exactly when to start asking questions. Stay organized, stay patient, and keep your contact information updated in the portal.

Common Post-ITA Pitfalls to Avoid

The 60-day window is a minefield of technicalities. Many candidates assume that once they receive an ITA, the hard part is over. It isn't. The transition from your initial profile to your final e-APR (electronic Application for Permanent Residence) requires surgical precision. One date mismatch or one expired certificate can trigger an immediate rejection. You must ensure your final submission is a perfect mirror of your initial claims, updated with current reality. For a deeper dive into common errors, see our How to Avoid Express Entry Rejection guide.

Changes in personal circumstances are the most common source of confusion. Did you get married last week? Did you welcome a new child? These aren't just life milestones; they are material changes to your application. If you fail to add a dependent or spouse before submitting, you risk a permanent ban for misrepresentation. Conversely, if a job loss drops your CRS score below the draw cutoff, you must reassess your eligibility immediately. Understanding what happens after submitting express entry application is only useful if the application you submit is legally accurate.

The Danger of Outdated Documents

Documents have "shelf lives" that IRCC monitors with vigilance. Your IELTS results and ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) must be valid on the day you hit submit. If they expire on Day 58 and you submit on Day 59, your application is dead on arrival. Police certificates are another "Expiry Trap." They generally must be issued within six months of your submission date if they are from a country where you currently reside. If you lived in a country in the past, the certificate must have been issued *after* you last lived there. Use our Expiry Alerts tool to track these dates automatically. Don't let a clerical oversight destroy months of work.

Misrepresentation vs. Honest Mistakes

IRCC doesn't care about your intentions. They care about facts. If you claim three years of experience but your reference letter only proves two, that is misrepresentation. The penalty is a five-year ban from entering Canada. This is why the Letter of Explanation (LOE) is your most powerful tool. Use it to clarify minor typos or explain why a document looks different than expected. It bridges the gap between your data and the officer's understanding. If you find a mistake after the fact, knowing what happens after submitting express entry application involves using the webform to correct it, but there are no guarantees. Accuracy is your best defense. If you want a methodical partner to help you verify every detail, consider upgrading to the Pro Plan for a final document audit.

Navigating the Journey with CanadaPathway

Your ITA is a high-stakes project. It demands a level of organization that basic spreadsheets cannot provide. This is where the Pro Plan becomes your ultimate tactical advantage. We provide the tools to help you bypass traditional gatekeepers who often charge $5,000 or more for simple data entry. Our approach is "DIY with a Safety Net." You keep total control of your file while we provide the protective layer of oversight. It is about self-sufficiency. It is about logic. It is about making a complex government process feel like a series of small, manageable victories.

Automated alerts are your first line of defense. We track the validity of your IELTS, ECA, and police certificates in real-time. If a document is set to expire during your 60-day window, you'll know before it becomes a crisis. Our personalized checklists evolve with you. They don't just list forms; they map your specific journey from the moment you receive your ITA to the final electronic signature. You will never have to guess what happens after submitting express entry application because our system tracks every milestone for you. We replace the "expiry trap" with vigilant, automated monitoring.

Your Digital PR Dashboard

Centralize your entire Canadian journey in one secure location. Our dashboard mirrors the logic found in our Express Entry 2026 Guide, ensuring your documentation stays ahead of current IRCC standards. Organized progress bars replace submission anxiety with a sense of momentum. You can see exactly how close you are to the finish line. When you understand what happens after submitting express entry application through a clear visual roadmap, the "waiting game" becomes a structured countdown rather than a period of panic. No more digging through emails. No more lost PDFs. Everything is in one place.

Join the Community of Self-Managed Applicants

Thousands of successful residents are ditching high-priced consultants in favor of digital-first alternatives. We believe in the democratization of information. Our mission is to equip you with the same tools the experts use, without the gatekeeper tax. Read more About our commitment to transparent, efficient immigration. You are the primary actor in your story. We simply provide the map and the vigilance required to succeed. Don't let confusing terminology or financial stress hold you back. Get started with your first checklist today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada with absolute confidence.

Take Command of Your Canadian Future

The 60-day ITA window is a high-stakes test of your organization, not just your eligibility. You now have the roadmap to dodge the document expiry trap, verify your personal history, and anticipate exactly what happens after submitting express entry application. Don't leave your permanent residency to chance or overpay for traditional, high-priced gatekeepers. Our users save over $3,000 on average by choosing a smarter, self-managed path to Canadian PR.

You deserve a submission process defined by logic, clarity, and momentum. By utilizing real-time document expiry alerts and step-by-step personalized checklists, you equip yourself with the same tools used by seasoned experts. It's time to transition from a candidate in the pool to a confident applicant who is fully in control. Your new life in Canada is no longer a distant dream; it is a series of achievable steps. Move fast, verify every detail, and hit submit with total authority. Secure your ITA success with the CanadaPathway Pro Plan today. Your future is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to submit my application after receiving an ITA?

You have exactly 60 days from the date your invitation was issued to submit your complete application. This is a firm, non-negotiable deadline that includes weekends and holidays. If you miss this window, your profile is automatically removed from the pool. You would then need to create a new profile and wait for a future draw. Move fast and aim to submit by Day 45 to avoid technical glitches.

What happens if my IELTS or ECA expires after I get an ITA?

Your language test results and ECA must be valid on the day you submit your final application. If they expire after you receive an ITA but before you hit submit, you must retake the test or renew the assessment. Submitting with expired credentials leads to an immediate rejection. This is a critical detail in understanding what happens after submitting express entry application, as IRCC validates these dates during the initial completeness check.

Can I change my job or get married after receiving an ITA?

You can make these changes, but you must report them to IRCC immediately. Be vigilant. If getting married or losing a job drops your CRS score below the minimum cutoff of the draw that invited you, IRCC may refuse your application. It is often safer to decline the ITA and re-enter the pool with your updated status rather than risking a rejection and a wasted $950 processing fee.

What is an AOR and when will I receive it?

An AOR is your Acknowledgment of Receipt. You typically receive this digital letter in your IRCC portal within minutes of a successful submission and fee payment. It serves as legal proof that your file is officially in the processing queue. For those already in Canada, this letter is the primary document required to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to maintain legal status.

How much are the Express Entry application fees in 2026?

As of April 30, 2026, the processing fee is $950 CAD per adult. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is an additional $600 CAD per adult. Accompanying dependent children cost $260 CAD each. Paying the RPRF upfront alongside your processing fee is a smart move that prevents IRCC from pausing your file for payment later, which can save you several weeks of waiting time.

What happens if my application is rejected for being incomplete?

If your application is rejected for being incomplete, IRCC cancels the file and refunds your fees. However, your Invitation to Apply is gone. You cannot simply "add" the missing document to a cancelled file. You must re-submit a profile to the pool and wait for a brand new ITA. This is why verifying every digital scan and translation is the most important part of your 60-day sprint.

Do I need to redo my medical exam if I already did one for a work permit?

Yes, you usually need a new exam. Permanent residence applications require a specific "upfront medical" that differs from the exams used for temporary work or study permits. You must visit a panel physician specifically for a PR medical and upload the resulting information sheet. This is a vital step in knowing what happens after submitting express entry application as your medical status must eventually update to "Passed" in the portal.

Can I travel outside my country while my PR application is being processed?

You are free to travel, but you must keep your contact information and address updated via the IRCC webform. If you are already in Canada, ensure you have a valid visa or permit to re-enter while your PR is pending. You must also be prepared to respond to any IRCC requests for additional documents or passport submission within their strict 7 to 30-day deadlines, regardless of your location.