If you submitted your express entry Canada profile and received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in 2027, you probably want to know exactly what happens next. The timeline from ITA to permanent residency can feel long and uncertain. This guide breaks it down month by month so you know what to expect at each stage.
What Happens Right After You Receive an ITA
Once you receive your ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residency application through the IRCC portal. Missing this deadline means your invitation expires and you must re-enter the pool.
Use those 60 days to gather these documents:
- Valid passport for all family members
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) results
- Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP, valid within 2 years)
- Police certificates from every country you lived in for 6 or more months
- Medical exam results from an IRCC-approved panel physician
- Proof of funds showing at least CAD $14,690 for a single applicant in 2027
- Employment records and reference letters
The government processing fee in 2027 is CAD $1,525 for the principal applicant, plus CAD $1,525 for a spouse or partner, and CAD $260 per dependent child. You pay this when you submit your application.
Month-by-Month Timeline After Submission
Month 1: Submit Your Application
You upload all documents and pay the fee through your IRCC secure account. You will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) within a few days. Keep that AOR number. It is your reference for all future communication.
Month 2 to 3: Biometrics and Background Checks
IRCC sends you a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). You must complete biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) within 30 days of receiving the BIL. Background and security checks also begin during this period. These run in parallel and you do not need to take any action beyond the biometrics appointment.
Month 4 to 5: Medical Results and Document Review
If your medical exam was completed before submission, IRCC pulls the results directly. If IRCC requests additional documents or a new medical, respond within the timeframe stated in the request letter. Delays at this stage are common when police certificates are missing or expired.
Month 5 to 6: Decision and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
The IRCC target processing time for Express Entry applications in 2027 is 6 months for 80% of complete applications, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). When approved, you receive a COPR document. If you are outside Canada, you also receive a permanent resident visa to enter.
Factors That Can Slow Your Application
Several things can add weeks or months to your timeline:
- Incomplete or expired documents at submission
- Security checks that require additional verification
- A job offer or provincial nominee program nomination that needs extra verification
- Changes in your personal situation, such as a new child or divorce
If your application is taking longer than 6 months and your IRCC account shows no updates, you can submit a web form inquiry. For complex cases, speaking with an immigration lawyer or immigration attorney can help you understand if anything is causing a delay.
What to Do While You Wait
Use the waiting period productively. Research the Canadian job market in your field. Many candidates explore visa sponsorship jobs or jobs with relocation package to help them settle faster. You can also research salary negotiation tips specific to your target province so you are ready when job offers come. Review your budget for settlement costs since the average newcomer spends CAD $10,000 to $15,000 in the first three months after landing.
According to Statistics Canada, skilled immigrants in Canada earn a median wage of CAD $58,000 in their first full year, with earnings rising significantly by year three in most trades and professional sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel outside Canada while my permanent residency application is being processed?
Yes, you can travel if you hold a valid temporary visa or work permit. Make sure your travel document does not expire during your trip. If your temporary status expires before your PR is approved and you are inside Canada, you are protected under maintained status rules. If you are outside Canada, you must have a valid entry document to return.
What happens if my job situation changes after I submit my application?
You must update IRCC if you change jobs, lose a job, or if a job offer was part of your application. Report changes through your IRCC secure account. Losing a job offer does not automatically disqualify you unless the points from that offer were essential to reaching the minimum CRS score at the time of your draw.
Is Express Entry different from a skilled worker visa or work permit application?
Yes. Express Entry is a system for managing applications for permanent residence under three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. A work permit application or skilled worker visa gives you temporary status to work in Canada. Express Entry leads to permanent residency, which is a longer-term status with different rights and benefits.
Apply directly through the official portal and consult a qualified immigration adviser if you need help.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is subject to change. Always confirm requirements on the official source before applying.
