Dreaming of calling Canada home? If you’ve received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through Canada’s Express Entry system, congratulations—you’re one step closer to making it happen! The application process is straightforward but time-sensitive, with only 60 days to submit your complete application. This blog post walks you through the four key steps to apply for permanent residency—filling out the application form, uploading documents, paying fees, and submitting your application—based on the latest 2025 guidelines from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Whether you’re a skilled worker, tradesperson, or Francophone candidate, this SEO-friendly guide will help you navigate the process with confidence and secure your future in Canada. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Express Entry Application Process
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system, managing applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as portions of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Once you receive an ITA, you’re on a fast track to permanent residency, but you must act quickly and accurately. The process involves four critical steps, as outlined by IRCC, and missing a deadline or submitting incomplete information could jeopardize your application. Here’s how to get it right in 2025.
Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form
When IRCC issues your ITA, you’ll receive a message in your Express Entry account specifying:
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The program you’ve been invited to apply for (e.g., FSWP, CEC, or FSTP).
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Next steps to proceed.
Your ITA is valid for 60 days only, so start immediately to gather all required information and documents. To fill out the application form:
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Sign In to Your Account:
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Navigate to the section labeled “Continue my profile / application, not yet submitted”.
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Locate Your Application:
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Find the row where the “application type” is listed as “permanent residency”.
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Click the blue “Continue application” button on the right-hand side.
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Complete the Form:
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Personal information (name, date of birth, contact details).
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Education history (degrees, diplomas, and Educational Credential Assessments for foreign credentials).
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Work experience (job titles, duties, and dates).
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Language proficiency (test results from IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).
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Family details (spouse, dependents, and their documents).
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Adaptability factors (e.g., Canadian work experience, job offers, or provincial nominations).
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Double-check all entries, as errors or inconsistencies can lead to delays or rejection.
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Pro Tip: Start early to avoid last-minute stress. If you need clarification on any section, consult IRCC’s help center or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to ensure accuracy.
Step 2: Upload Your Documents
Once your application form is complete, you’ll need to upload supporting documents to verify your information. IRCC provides a personalized document checklist in your account based on your profile and program. Common documents include:
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Passport or Travel Document: Valid and up-to-date.
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Language Test Results: IELTS, CELPIP (English), or TEF/TCF (French) showing CLB 7 or higher for most programs.
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Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Required for foreign degrees/diplomas, obtained from organizations like WES or ICAS.
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Work Experience Letters: From employers, detailing job titles, duties, hours, and dates.
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Proof of Funds: Bank statements or financial documents proving you can support yourself and your family (e.g., CAD $14,801 for a single applicant in 2025).
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Police Certificates: From every country where you’ve lived for 6+ months since age 18.
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Medical Examination: A report from an IRCC-approved panel physician, valid for 12 months.
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Provincial Nomination (if applicable): A nomination certificate for PNP candidates.
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Marriage/Divorce Certificates: If including a spouse or declaring marital status changes.
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Photos: Digital passport-style photos meeting IRCC specifications.
Key Notes:
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Upload clear, legible scans in PDF format, ensuring files meet size limits (typically 4 MB per document).
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Documents in languages other than English or French require certified translations.
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Missing or incomplete documents can result in your application being returned or refused.
Pro Tip: Organize your documents in advance and use a checklist to track completion. Schedule your medical exam early, as appointments can take time.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
Before submitting your application, you must pay the required fees through your Express Entry account. As of 2025, the fees are:
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Application Processing Fee: CAD $1,525 per adult (includes the principal applicant and spouse/common-law partner).
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Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $575 per adult, payable upfront or later if approved.
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Dependent Child Fee: CAD $260 per child under 22.
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Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 for families (if not already provided).
Exemptions:
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Dependent children under 22 are exempt from the RPRF.
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Biometrics fees may not apply if you’ve submitted biometrics within the last 10 years for a Canadian visa.
Payment Process:
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Pay online using a credit/debit card via IRCC’s secure portal.
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Keep the payment receipt, as you’ll need to upload it with your application.
Pro Tip: Double-check fee calculations, especially for families, to avoid delays. If you can’t afford the RPRF upfront, you can pay it later, but processing fees are non-refundable.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once your form is complete, documents are uploaded, and fees are paid, it’s time to submit your application:
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Review Everything:
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Ensure all sections of the form are filled out correctly.
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Verify that all required documents are uploaded and legible.
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Confirm payment receipts are included.
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Submit via Your Account:
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In your Express Entry account, click the “Submit” button for your permanent residency application.
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You’ll receive a confirmation message and an Application Number for tracking.
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After Submission:
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IRCC will review your application, with 80% of Express Entry applications processed within 6 months.
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You may be asked to provide additional documents, attend an interview, or submit updated information (e.g., new passport or medicals).
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Track your application status in your account or via IRCC’s online portal.
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Important: You cannot edit your application after submission, so ensure everything is accurate. If your circumstances change (e.g., marriage, new job), notify IRCC immediately through your account or the web form.
Pro Tip: Take screenshots of your submitted application and confirmation for your records. If you’re in Canada on a temporary visa, ensure your status remains valid during processing by applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit if needed.
Why Act Fast in 2025?
The 60-day ITA deadline is non-negotiable, and missing it means starting over, including re-entering the Express Entry pool and waiting for another invitation. With 90,000–110,000 ITAs planned for 2025 and a focus on category-based draws (e.g., healthcare, education, Francophone immigration) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, competition is fierce. Recent draws, like the May 2, 2025, healthcare draw (CRS 510, 500 ITAs) and March 26, 2025, Francophone draw (CRS 379, 1,500 ITAs), show that high-demand sectors are prioritized, but CRS cut-offs can be competitive.
By acting promptly and submitting a complete application, you’ll avoid delays and position yourself for success. Permanent residency unlocks access to Canada’s healthcare, education, and social benefits, plus a pathway to citizenship after three years.
Tips for a Successful Application
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Start Early: Begin gathering documents (e.g., police certificates, medicals) as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool to be ready for an ITA.
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Double-Check Documents: Ensure all uploads are clear, complete, and meet IRCC specifications to avoid refusals.
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Boost Your CRS Score: If you’re still in the pool, improve your score with French proficiency (up to 50 points), a provincial nomination (600 points), or Canadian work experience (up to 100 points).
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Seek Expert Help: An RCIC can review your application for accuracy and handle complex cases, such as spousal sponsorship or inadmissibility issues.
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Monitor Your Account: Check for IRCC messages regularly, as additional requests may have short deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Receiving an ITA through Canada’s Express Entry system is a golden opportunity to achieve permanent residency, but the 60-day deadline demands quick action. By following IRCC’s four-step process—filling out the application form, uploading documents, paying fees, and submitting your application—you can navigate the process with confidence. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, tradesperson, or French-speaking candidate, 2025 is your year to build a future in Canada’s welcoming communities.
Need help with your application or have questions about documents? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s get the conversation started! For the latest updates, visit https://www.canada.ca or contact IRCC at media@cic.gc.ca (mailto:media@cic.gc.ca). Start your application today, and take the next step toward calling Canada home