An Express Entry profile stays in the pool for up to 12 months from when you submit it; if you aren't invited by then, it expires automatically. If you do get an Invitation to Apply (ITA), it is valid for 60 days: you must submit a complete permanent residence application in that window, or decline the invitation to go back into the pool.
The timeline at a glance
| Stage | Time limit (per IRCC) | If you miss it |
|---|---|---|
| Completing a started profile | 60 days to complete and submit | You have to start again |
| Profile in the pool | Up to 12 months after submission | Profile expires and is removed; you can create a new one |
| Invitation to Apply | 60 days | Invitation expires and the profile is removed from the pool |
| Biometrics after applying | 30 days from the date on IRCC's letter | Delays to processing |
While you're in the pool
- You must update your profile if your situation changes — a new job or job offer, a new language test, marriage or divorce, or a new child. Updating doesn't change the date and time IRCC received your profile, which matters for the tie-breaking rule.
- Your profile can become ineligible while you wait — for example if your work experience no longer falls in the required period, your language results or ECA expire, or you no longer have enough funds.
- If your profile is about to expire, IRCC suggests saving screenshots to make re-entering data easier. Don't create a new profile until the old one expires; otherwise you must withdraw the existing one first.
When you get an ITA
The invitation in your account tells you which program you've been invited to apply for. If you're eligible for more than one, IRCC invites you under the first in this order: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program. You can't choose.
IRCC advises starting the application right away so you can gather documents before the invitation expires — police certificates and the upfront medical exam can take time (see police certificates and medicals). Language results and your ECA must still be valid on the day you apply.
If your situation changed
IRCC says to recalculate your score before applying if your situation (or your spouse's) changed. If the recalculated score is below the lowest score in your round, you should decline. If you apply anyway, IRCC may refuse the application and not refund the fee. Examples IRCC gives: losing a job offer or provincial nomination, or language results that expired or came back lower. You can re-check with the CRS calculator.
Declining an ITA
- If you decline, you go back into the pool and are considered in future rounds if you're still eligible.
- IRCC says declining won't affect whether you're invited later, but there's no guarantee of another invitation — cut-off scores vary from round to round.
- If invited again, you'll be invited under the same program order, so it may be the same program you declined.
If you neither decline nor apply within 60 days, the invitation expires and your profile is removed. To be considered again, you'd need to submit a new profile, meet the eligibility criteria and be accepted into the pool again.
After you submit
- Completeness check: IRCC checks the form, fee payment, requirements and documents. Incomplete applications are rejected and processing fees refunded.
- Biometrics: if you're 14 to 79, you give fingerprints and a photo for every PR application, even if you gave them before. You have 30 days from IRCC's letter.
- Updates: IRCC contacts you through your secure account to confirm review, request documents, or set up an interview if needed. Tell IRCC about changes such as a new child, marriage, a new job offer or a withdrawn nomination.
- Decision: based on program eligibility and admissibility (medical exam, police certificates, background checks). You must pay the right of permanent residence fee before approval.
If your work permit is about to expire after you apply, IRCC says you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit. If an application is rejected or refused, you'd need a new profile to be considered in future rounds.
Sources: IRCC — Create your profile and enter the pool, IRCC — Apply for permanent residence, IRCC — After you apply, IRCC — Language test validity, IRCC — ECA validity.