You just received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC. Congratulations. Now the clock is ticking.
You have exactly 60 days from the date of your ITA to submit your complete permanent residence application. Miss that deadline and your ITA expires. Your profile goes back in the pool. You start over.
This deadline is not flexible. IRCC does not grant extensions. Technical issues on day 60 are your problem, not theirs.
The good news: 60 days is enough time if you work methodically. Based on 700+ community-submitted timelines at Soon To Be Canadian, most applicants submit their complete applications within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving their ITA. The applicants who struggle are those who wait too long to start or underestimate how long certain documents take to obtain.
Here is exactly what to do, when to do it, and what documents you need to submit a complete application in 2026.
Days 1 to 3: Immediate Actions
The first 72 hours after receiving your ITA are critical. Do not celebrate yet. Take these steps immediately.
Day 1: Verify Your Profile Information
Log into your IRCC account and review every detail in your Express Entry profile. Your application will be pre-populated with this information. Any errors or outdated details need to be corrected before you proceed.
Check your employment history dates, education credentials, language test scores, and family information. If you got married, had a child, or changed jobs since creating your profile, update it now.
Day 1: Book Your Medical Exam
Your Immigration Medical Examination (IME) must be performed by a designated panel physician. These appointments book up fast, especially in major cities.
Find your nearest panel physician on IRCC's website and book for the earliest available date. In some locations, wait times are 2 to 3 weeks. Do not wait.
Day 2: Start Police Certificate Requests
Police certificates are the most common cause of delays. If you have lived in multiple countries, you may need certificates from each one.
For Canada: Request your RCMP criminal record check immediately. Processing takes 3 to 10 business days for electronic results, longer for mailed copies.
For other countries: Processing times vary wildly. Some countries take 4 to 6 weeks. The US FBI Identity History Summary takes 12 to 18 weeks by mail. If you have lived in the US, consider using an FBI-approved channeler for faster processing.
Check IRCC's country-specific requirements for every country where you have lived for 6+ months since turning 18.
Day 3: Order Additional Language Tests if Needed
If your current IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores expire before your expected submission date, book a new test immediately. Test slots fill up quickly.
Language test results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Calculate whether yours will still be valid when you submit.
Days 4 to 7: Document Collection Begins
With urgent tasks handled, focus on gathering the documents that take time to obtain.
Employment Reference Letters
You need reference letters from every employer listed in your profile for the past 10 years. Each letter must include:
- Company name and address
- Your job title
- Dates of employment (month and year)
- Hours worked per week
- Main duties and responsibilities
- Salary or wages
- Supervisor's name, title, and signature
- Company letterhead
Some former employers take weeks to produce these letters. Contact HR departments immediately.
If you cannot obtain a letter from a previous employer (company closed, unresponsive), gather alternative evidence: pay stubs, tax records, employment contracts, and a signed letter explaining why the reference letter is unavailable.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your highest level of education was obtained outside Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment from a designated organization like WES.
If you already have a valid ECA, locate your report and reference number. ECA results are valid for 5 years. If yours has expired, start a new assessment immediately. Standard WES processing takes 20 business days.
Identity Documents
Gather passports and travel documents for yourself and all accompanying family members. You will need clear scans of the bio page and all pages with stamps, visas, or annotations.
If your passport expires within 6 months, consider renewing before submission. IRCC requires valid travel documents throughout processing.
Days 8 to 14: Complete Your Application Package
By the end of week two, you should have most documents in hand or confirmed in transit. Now focus on completing your application.
Fill Out All Forms Completely
Work through every section of the online application methodically. Common fields that cause problems:
Personal History: Account for every month in the past 10 years. No gaps. If you were unemployed, studying, or traveling, list it.
Address History: Every address where you have lived for 6+ months in the past 10 years.
Travel History: List significant international travel. If you cannot remember exact dates, estimate conservatively and be consistent.
Prepare Your Photographs
You need passport-style photos meeting IRCC specifications. These must be taken within 6 months of your application date.
Most pharmacies and photo studios offer immigration photo services. Bring the IRCC specifications sheet to ensure compliance.
Write Your Letter of Explanation (If Applicable)
If your situation requires explanation, gaps in employment, previous visa refusals, name changes, or other complexities, write a clear, factual letter of explanation. Keep it brief and professional. Avoid emotional appeals or excessive detail.
Complete Document Checklist by Category
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything before submission.
Identity Documents
- Valid passport (bio page scan for you and all family members)
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Passport photos meeting IRCC specifications
Civil Status Documents
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Divorce certificate or annulment (if previously married)
- Death certificate of former spouse (if widowed)
- Common-law statutory declaration (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship if including dependent children
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
Employment and Financial Documents
- Employment reference letters from all employers (past 10 years)
- Current employment contract or job offer letter
- Pay stubs from current employer (past 3 to 6 months)
- Business registration and financial statements (if self-employed)
- Proof of funds: bank statements, investment accounts, property ownership
- Tax returns or assessment notices (past 2 years)
Language and Education
- IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF score report (valid for 2 years)
- Educational Credential Assessment report
- Diplomas and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Professional certifications or licenses (if relevant to your NOC)
Security and Medical
- Police certificates from all countries of residence (6+ months since age 18)
- Immigration Medical Examination receipt and confirmation
- Military service records (if applicable)
Additional Documents
- Provincial nomination certificate (PNP applicants)
- Letter of explanation for gaps, refusals, or complexities
- Proof of Canadian work experience (CEC applicants)
- Proof of arranged employment (if claiming points)
Common Mistakes That Extend Processing Times
Based on data from 700+ timelines in our Express Entry Tracker, these are the errors that trigger Additional Document Requests (ADRs) and delays.
Incomplete Employment Reference Letters
About 18% of applicants who received ADRs were asked for better employment documentation. Letters missing required elements, such as duties, hours, or supervisor signatures, get flagged. Do not assume your employer knows the requirements. Provide them with a template.
Missing Police Certificates
If you lived somewhere for 6+ months and did not provide a certificate, expect an ADR. Applicants commonly forget about study abroad programs, short-term work assignments, or countries they transited through while living elsewhere.
Mismatched Information
Dates that do not match between your profile and supporting documents trigger scrutiny. If your reference letter says you started in March 2022 but your profile says February 2022, that is a problem. Review everything for consistency before submission.
Poor Quality Document Scans
Illegible scans, cut-off edges, or compressed images that IRCC cannot read will result in requests for resubmission. Use high-resolution scans (300 DPI minimum) and ensure all text is readable.
Late Submission of Upfront Medicals
If your medical results are not in IRCC's system when they review your application, your processing waits. Complete your IME as early as possible to give the panel physician time to submit results.
What to Expect After Submission
Once you click submit and pay your fees, your application enters IRCC's processing queue. Based on our community data, here is the typical timeline.
Immediate: Submission to AOR
You will receive your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) within minutes to 24 hours of submission. This confirms IRCC has your application and assigns your file number.
Days 1 to 21: AOR to Biometrics Request
If you need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) within 1 to 21 days of AOR. You then have 30 days to complete your biometrics appointment.
The Processing Window: AOR to eCoPR
This is where you wait. Based on 700+ timelines:
- Canadian Experience Class: Median 58 days from AOR to eCoPR
- Federal Skilled Worker: Median 94 days from AOR to eCoPR
- Provincial Nominee Program: Median 78 days from AOR to eCoPR
Most applicants receive their decision within 2 to 4 months. Complex applications with background check delays can extend to 5 to 6 months.
After eCoPR: PR Card Delivery
Once approved, your electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (eCoPR) confirms you are a permanent resident. Your physical PR card is mailed separately and typically arrives within 30 to 90 days.
Recommended Submission Timeline
Based on patterns from successful applicants in our tracker, here is the ideal pacing:
- Days 1 to 3: Book medical, request police certificates, verify profile
- Days 4 to 14: Collect all employment letters, gather supporting documents
- Days 15 to 21: Complete application forms, prepare photographs
- Days 22 to 30: Final review, submission
Submitting around day 21 to 30 gives you a buffer for unexpected delays while avoiding the anxiety of last-minute scrambling. Do not wait until day 55 to start. Documents take longer than you expect.
Track Your Timeline
After you submit, add your timeline to the Express Entry Tracker. You will be able to compare your processing time with others in your stream and see where you stand relative to the community.
Every timeline submitted helps future applicants understand what to expect. The processing data in this article exists because hundreds of community members shared their experiences.
See real ITA to submission times from applicants who have been through this exact process.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration requirements change frequently. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer. Always verify current requirements on the official IRCC website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to submit my Express Entry application after receiving an ITA?
You have exactly 60 days from the date of your Invitation to Apply to submit your complete permanent residence application. This deadline is firm and IRCC does not grant extensions. If you miss the deadline, your ITA expires and your profile returns to the Express Entry pool. Most successful applicants in our community tracker submit within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving their ITA.
What documents do I need for my Express Entry application in 2026?
Required documents include: valid passport, birth certificate, marriage or civil status documents, employment reference letters for the past 10 years, proof of funds, language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF), Educational Credential Assessment, police certificates from all countries where you lived 6+ months since age 18, immigration medical exam results, and passport photos. PNP applicants also need their provincial nomination certificate.
How long does it take to get a police certificate for Express Entry?
Processing times vary by country. Canadian RCMP checks take 3 to 10 business days electronically. US FBI checks take 12 to 18 weeks by mail, or 2 to 4 weeks through an approved channeler. Some countries take 4 to 6 weeks or longer. Start your police certificate requests on day 1 or 2 after receiving your ITA to avoid delays.
Can I submit my Express Entry application before my medical exam is complete?
Yes, you can submit your application before receiving your medical results. However, your processing will be delayed until IRCC receives your medical information from the panel physician. Based on community data, it takes 7 to 45 days for medical results to appear in IRCC's system after your exam. Complete your medical exam as early as possible to avoid this becoming a bottleneck.
What happens if I make a mistake on my Express Entry application?
Minor errors can sometimes be corrected by contacting IRCC through their web form after submission. Significant errors or missing information will trigger an Additional Document Request (ADR), which extends your processing time. In serious cases, such as misrepresentation, your application could be refused. Review all information for accuracy before submitting and ensure consistency between your profile and supporting documents.