ITA or Invitation to Apply in Canadian Immigration
Many immigration options in Canada are now online. Therefore, ITA or Invitation to Apply has become an integral part of those applications. Let’s explore ITA and see how it fits into a typical application process.
- Federal versus PNP
- Expression of Interest or EOI
- Receiving an ITA for immigration
- Does ITA mean approval?
- Let us help!
Federal vs. PNP applications
Depending on your circumstances, you could immigrate to Canada via one of the following options:
- Federal, which means your destination could be anywhere in Canada, but the province of Quebec.
- PNP or Provincial Nominee Program where you target a specific Canadian province or territory.
- Quebec programs mainly invite people who know the French language very well. However, you must move to the province of Quebec.
Many federal and provincial programs require the applicant to apply online. Of course, an ITA is an integral element of online applications. Paper-based applications currently do not include an ITA.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
When you apply online, you need to show your interest by filling out an online form. Most PNP and Federal programs call this process an Expression of Interest or EOI. Thus, you fill out an online form and answer several questions. Of course, you may need to upload some files or indicate specific vital reference numbers, such as your ECA report. If you do not fill out an EOI form, you will never receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Receiving and ITA or an Invitation to Apply
Upon filling out the online form, one or two of the following could happen:
- You will automatically receive a score based on the preexisting criteria.
- An officer reviews your application and assigns you points. Of course, they may intervene after you receive the automated points and revise your score.
Your score allows you to compete with the rest of the applicants. However, depending on the immigration options, sometimes some application elements, such as your NOC code, could be more crucial. Depending on the requirements, the immigration authorities pick some of the applicants in the EOI pool now and again. Consequently, they invite you to apply for immigration officially. This official invitation is ITA or, rather, an Invitation to Apply. You will most likely receive the ITA via email or as a digital letter on the immigration website.
Does ITA mean approval?
The simple answer is no. An Invitation to Apply simply means you’ve grabbed the attention of the immigration authorities. Of course, it could also mean that you meet the requirements. However, the final decision will show up when you submit all your documents. Sometimes the officers will interview you. They may even investigate the genuineness of your documents by contacting your employers or financial institutions. Therefore, while ITA is a critical step in the immigration process, it won’t guarantee success.
Let us help!
If you have received an ITA and don’t know what to do, fill out the following form. Of course, you may book a consultation session with me or fill out our assessment form instead.
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There is no fee for this assessment. We will review your information and contact you if we identify a suitable immigration pathway or other meaningful option for you.
If you would prefer direct advice about your specific situation, you may book a consultation session. This is a paid service and includes formal immigration advice from a licensed Canadian immigration practitioner.
Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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