For many people hoping to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada, it can feel like half the battle is receiving your ‘Invitation to Apply’ (ITA). The previous system was a ‘first-come-first serve’ application process, were all PR applicants had to do was meet the eligibility requirements for one of the categories (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal skilled Trades Program, Provincial Nominee Program), prepare their paper application, and submit it before the category cap had been reached. The introduction of Express Entry not only made the PR process an exclusively online one; it also introduced a ranking system that basically resulted in PR hopefuls competing against each other to be invited to apply for Permanent Residence. Meeting the basic requirements for your category is no longer enough to receive an ITA, you have to be the best of the best.
The invitations to apply are awarded on ‘Express Entry Draw’ dates, which typically occur every 2-3 weeks; although there is no set dates or times for the draws, 2016 has seen a slightly more predictable draw date pattern, with draws occurring on average every second Wednesday so far this year. On these dates Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announces the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) qualifying point score, as well as the number of invitations sent (i.e. if the CRS is 470, everyone with a point score of 470 or above in the express entry pool will receive an invitation to apply for Permanent Residence), the number of invited PR hopefuls is usually between 950-1500 per round.
Individuals (and their spouse if applicable) are scored out of 600 points, with an additional 600 points being awarded if the Principal Applicant has either a valid job offer (supported by a positive Labour Marketing Impact Assessment) or a Provincial Nomination.
What IRCC considers when determining point score using the Comprehensive Ranking System:
Having a strong profile is the first (and possibly most important) step in your PR application process, as without a strong profile and CRS point score, it is unlikely you will receive an Invitation to Apply for PR. Although it is possible to create an Express Entry Profile on your own, having the assistance of an Immigration Lawyer, Immigration Consultant, or Immigration Specialist can make all the difference when it comes to maximizing your point score, as well as your chances of receiving an ITA. Akrami & Associates can help you maximize your point score, as well as provide you with valuable guidance about how to work towards increasing your point score in the future.
If you have received an invitation to apply, you have 60 days from the date of the invitation to submit your Permanent Residence application. If you do not submit an application before the deadline or refuse the invitation, your application will be cancelled; you will then have to create a new profile and wait for a new ITA to be issued.
60 days may seem like a lot of time to complete and submit your application, but it is important not to delay the completion of your application, as some documentation can only be applied for after you have received the ITA, but can take up to 1 month to be processed and received.
Below is a list of documents that Akrami & Associates recommends have prepared well in advance, even if you have not yet received your ITA. Being as prepared as possible will not only save you the stress of trying to locate everything once you have a submission deadline, but will also save you from timely delays if you need to reapply for a missing document, or have to have letters drafted.
Please note that you should have the applicable documents prepared for both you, and any accompanying family members!
Unfortunately, no. Although receiving an ITA is a positive sign that you qualify for Permanent Residence, you must still prove that you meet all of the requirements before your PR application can be approved. Ultimately, the decision is up to the Officer processing your application; therefore it is important to ensure that all the information provided on your application is correct, current, and supported by the necessary documentation. Including or withholding incorrect information, or the wrong documentation can lead to refusals, lost processing fees, misrepresentation charges (this could result in a 5 year ban), and months of time wasted. With IRCC having strict processing guidelines and procedures, you can give yourself the highest chances of approval by having your application prepared by a highly skilled team of immigration professionals like Akrami & Associates.
Whether you have already received your ITA, or if you just at the beginning of your immigration journey, contact us at 416-477-2545 for a consultation so that we can discuss your situation, and create a strategy for success tailored to you!
With Akrami and Associates there is always a way!!
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