If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR, you have exactly 60 days to submit a complete application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Missing this strict deadline means your ITA will expire, and you will have to re-enter the Express Entry pool with no guarantee of receiving another invitation.
Understanding the 60-Day Deadline for Canada PR
Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR is a life-changing milestone for many prospective immigrants. 🎉 Whether you are currently working in Toronto, studying in Vancouver, or applying from outside the country, this invitation is your golden ticket to permanent residency. However, the federal government enforces a strict 60-day deadline from the moment the ITA is issued in your IRCC secure account.
Failing to submit a flawless, fully documented application within this timeframe will result in the expiration of your invitation. ⏱️ Immigration law in Canada is highly administrative, meaning extensions are virtually never granted. If you are struggling with complex documentation, reaching out to an experienced immigration lawyer from our directory can ensure your file is perfectly prepared before the clock runs out.
Step-by-Step Process for Handling Your ITA in Canada
Once that ITA lands in your inbox, the real work begins. 📝 From gathering federal police certificates to completing medical exams, the process generally follows these crucial steps.
Step 1: Assessing Missing Documents Immediately
Day one should be spent reviewing your personalized document checklist generated by the IRCC portal. 🔍 You must immediately apply for any foreign police certificates, as these are notorious for delaying PR applications. If you live in Calgary or Montreal, you must also quickly schedule an upfront medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Step 2: Deciding to Accept or Decline the ITA
If you realize that obtaining a mandatory document (like an FBI background check or an employer reference letter) within 60 days is impossible, you face a tough choice. 🤔 Submitting an incomplete application will lead to an automatic rejection. In many cases, a lawyer will advise you to formally “decline” the ITA, which safely returns your profile to the Express Entry pool to await a future draw.
Step 3: Uploading and Submitting the Application
If you have all your documents, carefully upload them to the IRCC portal in the correct PDF formats. 💻 Ensure all translations meet Canadian standards and include an affidavit if necessary. Finally, you will digitally sign the application and pay the required federal processing fees before the 60-day timer hits zero.
How Much Does the PR Application Cost?
Applying for permanent residency involves several non-refundable government fees. 💰 You should budget for the following costs in Canadian dollars (CAD):
- Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $575 CAD
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575 CAD
- Spouse/Partner Processing Fee: $575 CAD (plus $575 CAD for their RPRF)
- Dependent Child Fee: $260 CAD per child
- Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD per person (or $170 CAD maximum per family)
- Lawyer Fees: Typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 CAD depending on the complexity of your Express Entry profile.
How Long Does the Process Take?
You have exactly 60 days to submit the forms. 📅 Once IRCC receives your complete file, the standard processing time for an Express Entry PR application in 2026 is approximately 5 to 6 months. Delays may occur if the government requires additional background checks or if you are called for a random interview at a local Service Canada or IRCC office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I ask IRCC for an extension on my 60-day limit?
Generally, no. IRCC does not grant extensions for ITA deadlines. If you cannot get the required documents in time, you must submit proof that you requested the documents (like a receipt for a police certificate) and a Letter of Explanation, though acceptance is strictly at the officer’s discretion.
What happens if my ITA expires?
If you miss the deadline, your ITA expires and your Express Entry profile is no longer valid for that round. You must create a new profile or reactivate your old one to re-enter the pool, but there is no guarantee you will receive another invitation.
Is it better to decline the ITA or let it expire?
It is always better to formally decline the ITA if you know you cannot meet the requirements. Declining puts your profile right back into the Express Entry pool automatically. Letting it expire removes you from the pool entirely.
Do I need to pay the RPRF right away?
You are not strictly required to pay the $575 CAD Right of Permanent Residence Fee upfront when submitting the application. However, paying it upfront is highly recommended by most law firms, as delaying the payment can add weeks to your processing timeline.
Leave a Reply