Home » Immigrate To Canada » Express Entry System » Apply for Permanent Residence: Express Entry

Apply for Permanent Residence: Express Entry

Canada invites skilled workers and traders to immigrate and have permanent residence in the country. Candidates with the highest comprehensive ranking score and an approved profile are invited by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) to apply for permanent residency.

Note: The candidates are provided with an Invitation to Apply (ITA), which must be applied within 60 days of its receiving.

To submit your application for permanent residency in Canada successfully, you can take the help of our licensed and experienced RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) who will assist you with your application.

Here’s How You Can Apply for the Canadian Permanent Residence Application Process

Step 1: Receive Your ITA

Your Invitation to Apply is issued through your IRCC secure account after a draw in which your CRS score meets or exceeds the round’s cut-off. You will receive a notification by email.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Once you receive your ITA, begin gathering all required documents immediately. Do not wait 60 days can go quickly. Required documents typically include:

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity, renew if needed and update your application)
  • Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) must be valid and from a recognized test
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – if you completed education outside Canada
  • Proof of work experience (reference letters, pay stubs, employment contracts)
  • Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18
  • Immigration medical examination results
  • Proof of settlement funds (unless you have a valid Canadian job offer)
  • Proof of relationship documents (if including spouse/partner or dependent children)
  • Provincial nomination letter (if applicable)

Documents in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation by a certified translator (with affidavit, if required).

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

Access your PR application through your IRCC secure account under ‘Continue my profile /application, not yet submitted.’ Fill in all mandatory fields carefully and attach all required documents.

Ensure all information matches exactly what you declared in your Express Entry profile. Discrepancies can delay your application or lead to a refusal.

Step 4: Pay the Processing Fees

As of April 30, 2026, IRCC raised permanent residence processing fees. The updated fees for Express Entry applicants are:

  • Principal applicant (economic class): CAD $990
  • Spouse or common-law partner: CAD $990
  • Each dependent child: CAD $270
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $600 per adult (principal applicant and spouse)

The total base cost for a single applicant applying after April 30, 2026 is CAD $1,590 (processing fee $990 + RPRF $600). Biometrics ($85) and other third-party fees (language tests, ECA, medical, police clearances) are additional.

The RPRF can be paid upfront with your application or later when an officer reaches the final review stage. Paying upfront is strongly recommended to avoid delays, officers processing files in 2026 are dealing with high volumes and will pause a file pending payment.

Note: The RPRF is fully refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn.

Step 5: Provide Biometrics

If you have not already provided biometrics (fingerprints and photo) to IRCC within the last 10 years, you will need to do so. IRCC will send you a biometrics instruction letter after you submit your application. The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person (CAD $170 for a family).

Step 6: Await a Decision

IRCC’s service standard for Express Entry permanent residence applications is 6 months from the date of receipt of a complete application. As of May 2026, average processing time is approximately 6–8 months for most Express Entry streams (CEC, FSWP, FST, and category-based files).

IRCC will communicate any additional requirements (medical exam, additional documents, interview) through your online account. Check your account regularly.

Step 7: Receive Your Decision

If approved, you will receive:

  • A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
  • A permanent resident visa (if you are outside Canada)

You must land in Canada (present your valid COPR at a port of entry) before the document expires. A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will complete a brief landing interview.

If refused, IRCC will issue a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You may reapply if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Get Help with Your Express Entry PR Application

A complete, error-free application is critical. Missing documents, incorrect information, or outdated fees can delay or jeopardize your application. ImmigCanada’s RCIC, Eivy Joy Quito (#R512178), provides end-to-end PR application support – from document preparation to submission and follow-up with IRCC. Contact ImmigCanada today to get started.