Learn what is ITA and what is eAPR
Canada is one of the most desirable countries for immigrants due to its stable economy, high standard of living, and multicultural society. The Canadian government offers various immigration programs for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and family members to become permanent residents of Canada. Among these programs, the Express Entry system is the most popular and efficient way to apply
The Express Entry system involves two critical stages: The invitation to Apply (ITA) and the Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
What is Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
The Canadian government conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency. These invitations are known as Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The first stage of the Express Entry system is the submission of an online profile that includes personal information, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other details relevant to the immigration program. Based on the information provided, candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points for various factors. The CRS score is a critical determinant of eligibility for an ITA. The highest-scoring candidates receive an ITA to apply for permanent residency.
An ITA is not a guarantee of permanent residency; it is an invitation to submit a complete application for permanent residency. The ITA includes the deadline to submit the application, which is usually 90 days from the date of issuance. If a candidate fails to submit the application within the specified time frame, the ITA expires, and the candidate must reapply.
What is an Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR)?
After receiving an ITA, candidates must complete and submit an electronic application for permanent residency (eAPR) within the given deadline. The eAPR requires candidates to provide detailed information about themselves and their family members, including their biographical details, education, work experience, language proficiency, and background checks. Candidates must also submit supporting documents, such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.
The eAPR is an online application that is submitted through the Canadian government’s online portal. It requires candidates to pay the application fee and the right of permanent residency fee (RPRF) at the time of submission. The RPRF is a fee that applicants must pay to confirm their intention to become permanent residents of Canada.
After submitting the eAPR, candidates must wait for a decision on their application. The processing time for the eAPR varies depending on various factors, such as the immigration program, the complexity of the application, and the volume of applications received. Generally, the processing time for the eAPR is six months from the date of submission. However, some applications may take longer to process, and the Canadian government provides updates on processing times on its website.