After Your Invitation to Apply: What Happens Next?
Congratulations on receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residence through Express Entry! This is a significant milestone on your journey to making Canada your new home. Now comes the final leg – submitting your permanent residence application and awaiting a decision. While excitement might be your primary emotion, it’s also understandable to feel some nerves. What happens next? CanadianExpressEntry.com is here to guide you through it all.
Submitting Your Application:
Once you receive your ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit your complete application electronically through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. This is a crucial step, so ensure you carefully gather all required documents, pay the application fees, and review everything thoroughly before submitting. We recommend referring to the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date list of required documents and instructions specific to your situation.
Processing and Verification:
After submitting your application, IRCC will begin processing it. This typically involves verifying your information, conducting background checks, and potentially requesting additional documents or scheduling an interview. This stage can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on various factors like your application’s complexity, workload at IRCC, and any necessary background checks.
Biometrics Submission:
At some point during processing, you’ll be required to submit your fingerprints and digital photograph (biometrics) at a designated service center. This information is used for security and identification purposes.
Medical Examination:
You’ll also need to undergo a medical examination conducted by a designated IRCC panel physician. This ensures you meet Canada’s public health requirements.
Decision on Your Application:
Once IRCC has reviewed your entire application, including all supporting documents, medical exam results, and biometrics, they will make a final decision on your application for permanent residence. The decision could be an approval, a request for additional information, or, unfortunately, a refusal.
Possible Scenarios:
- Approval: If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document, allowing you to land in Canada and officially become a permanent resident. Congratulations!
- Request for Information (RFI): Sometimes, IRCC might require additional information to clarify something in your application. Respond promptly and address any concerns raised in the RFI.
- Refusal: While uncommon, receiving a refusal can be disheartening. Understanding the reasons for refusal is crucial. We recommend seeking professional guidance from an immigration lawyer to assess your options, including potentially appealing the decision or reapplying in the future.
Staying Informed:
Throughout the process, you can track your application status online through your IRCC account. CanadianExpressEntry.com also provides valuable resources and updates on Express Entry and immigration news. Remember, we’re here to support you throughout your journey.
Additional Tips:
- Be patient: Processing times can vary, so stay patient and avoid contacting IRCC unnecessarily.
- Keep records: Organize and maintain copies of all submitted documents and communication with IRCC.
- Seek professional help: If you have complex questions or require guidance, consider consulting an immigration lawyer or consultant.
Remember, receiving an ITA is a significant achievement. By staying informed, organized, and patient, you can navigate the final stages of your journey to becoming a permanent resident of Canada. CanadianExpressEntry.com wishes you all the best in this exciting chapter of your life!