TRAVEL TO CANADA
How to Get An Invitation From Canadian Citizen to Apply For Canada Express Entry Visa
Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most popular pathways for skilled workers to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). However, many applicants wonder how they can get an invitation from a Canadian citizen to apply for a Canada Express Entry visa. While Canadian citizens cannot directly invite someone to apply for Express Entry, they can support your application in various ways, such as through a valid job offer or provincial nomination.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain how Express Entry works, the role of Canadian citizens in the process, and the steps you can take to increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Understanding Canada’s Express Entry System
Express Entry is an online immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for three key economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled professionals with work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For qualified tradespeople.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For those with Canadian work experience.
Candidates who meet eligibility criteria create an Express Entry profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and may get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR if their score is high enough.
Can a Canadian Citizen Invite Someone for Express Entry?
No, a Canadian citizen cannot directly send an invitation for Express Entry. However, they can help in the following ways:
- Provide a Valid Job Offer – A Canadian employer (citizen or permanent resident) can offer you a job, which boosts your CRS score.
- Support a Provincial Nomination – If they live in a specific province, they may help connect you with employers for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination.
- Spousal Sponsorship – If married to a Canadian citizen, you may apply through Family Sponsorship instead of Express Entry.
How to Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Express Entry
To get an invitation from a Canadian citizen to apply for a Canada Express Entry visa, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before creating an Express Entry profile, ensure you qualify for one of the three programs:
- FSWP: Minimum 1 year of skilled work experience, language test (IELTS/CELPIP), and education assessment (ECA).
- FSTP: 2 years of trade experience and a valid job offer/certificate of qualification.
- CEC: 1 year of Canadian work experience and language proficiency.
Step 2: Take a Language Test (IELTS/CELPIP)
You must prove English/French proficiency with approved tests:
- IELTS (General Training) or CELPIP (for English)
- TEF/TCF (for French)
Higher scores mean more CRS points.
Step 3: Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you studied outside Canada, get an ECA report from organizations like WES (World Education Services) to confirm your education level.
Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile
Submit your details on the IRCC website, including:
- Work experience
- Language test results
- Education credentials
- Passport details
You’ll receive a CRS score (out of 1,200).
Step 5: Increase Your CRS Score
To get an ITA, aim for a high CRS score. Strategies include:
✅ Improving Language Test Scores (Higher IELTS/CELPIP = More Points)
✅ Gaining More Work Experience (3+ years = Maximum Points)
✅ Getting a Canadian Job Offer (+50 to 200 CRS Points)
✅ Obtaining a Provincial Nomination (+600 CRS Points)
✅ Studying or Working in Canada (Extra Points for Canadian Experience)
Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score is above the latest cutoff (varies per draw), you’ll receive an ITA. You then have 60 days to submit a full PR application.
Step 7: Submit PR Application & Wait for Approval
After submitting documents (passport, medical exam, police clearance), processing takes 6-8 months. Upon approval, you’ll get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can move to Canada!
How a Canadian Citizen Can Help You Get an ITA
While they can’t directly invite you, a Canadian citizen can assist by:
1. Providing a Valid Job Offer
A Canadian employer (citizen or PR) can offer you a full-time, permanent job in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0-3). This gives you 50-200 extra CRS points.
How It Works:
- The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (proving no Canadian could fill the role).
- With an LMIA-backed job offer, your CRS score increases significantly.
2. Supporting a Provincial Nomination (PNP)
Some provinces allow Canadian citizens to refer skilled workers for nomination.
Popular PNPs for Faster ITA:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia PNP (BC PNP Tech Pilot)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
A nomination adds 600 CRS points, guaranteeing an ITA.
3. Spousal Sponsorship (If Married to a Canadian Citizen)
If your spouse is a Canadian citizen, they can sponsor you for PR instead of Express Entry.
Key Documents Required for Express Entry
- Passport
- Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Work experience letters
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical exam report
- Proof of funds (if required)
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting an ITA
- Maximize Your CRS Score – Retake language tests or gain more work experience.
- Apply for a Provincial Nomination (PNP) – Some provinces have lower CRS requirements.
- Get a Job Offer – Network with Canadian employers or use platforms like LinkedIn, Job Bank, or Indeed Canada.
- Consult an Immigration Lawyer – Avoid mistakes and improve your application strategy.
While a Canadian citizen cannot directly invite you to apply for Express Entry, they can help by providing a job offer, provincial nomination, or spousal sponsorship. To get an invitation from a Canadian citizen to apply for a Canada Express Entry visa, focus on improving your CRS score, securing a valid job offer, or applying through a PNP.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of receiving an ITA and starting your new life in Canada!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Canadian citizen invite me directly for Express Entry?
No, only IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) issues ITAs. However, a Canadian employer can offer you a job, which boosts your CRS score.
2. How many CRS points do I need for an ITA?
The cutoff varies per draw (usually 480-520+). A PNP nomination (+600 points) or job offer (+50-200 points) can help.
3. Does a Canadian friend or relative increase my CRS score?
Having a sibling in Canada gives you 15 extra points, but a friend does not count.
4. How long does it take to get an ITA after submitting an Express Entry profile?
It depends on your CRS score. Some get an ITA in 1-2 months, while others wait longer.
5. Can I apply for Express Entry without a job offer?
Yes! Many applicants succeed without one by maximizing their CRS score through language proficiency, education, and work experience.
6. What’s the fastest way to get an ITA?
- Provincial Nomination (+600 CRS points)
- LMIA-backed job offer (+50-200 points)
- Improving IELTS score
7. Can I apply for Express Entry if I’m already in Canada on a work permit?
Yes! If you have Canadian work experience, you may qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
8. What if my CRS score is too low?
Consider:
- Retaking language tests
- Gaining more work experience
- Studying in Canada (PGWP pathway)
- Applying for a PNP
