The 60-day deadline
After an Invitation to Apply you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Processing time is not fixed: IRCC publishes current times for the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades on its processing times tool, and they change every week.
Documents you upload
- Passport, language results and ECA (all still valid).
- Reference letters for every job you claimed, showing duties, hours, salary and dates.
- Police certificates for each country where you lived six months or more since age 18 (most applicants).
- An immigration medical exam from an IRCC panel physician.
- Proof of funds if required, or a letter explaining why you are exempt.
- Marriage or common-law proof, birth certificates for children, nomination or job offer documents if claimed.
Fees
You pay the processing fee for you and each family member, the right of permanent residence fee and the biometrics fee. Fees change, so check the amounts on IRCC's fee page when you apply. The processing fee is not refunded once processing starts.
Stages after you submit
- Acknowledgement of receipt.
- Biometrics instruction letter, if needed.
- Medical, security and background checks.
- Possible requests for more documents.
- Confirmation of permanent residence and, if you are abroad, a visa.
CEC processing time
CEC applications are usually among the faster Express Entry streams because most applicants are already in Canada. Always check the live figure on IRCC's processing times tool rather than forum estimates.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to apply after an ITA?
60 days from the date of the invitation.
What is the CEC processing time?
It changes weekly. Check IRCC's official processing times tool for the current figure.
Can I decline an ITA?
Yes. You can decline and stay in the pool if your profile is still valid.
Want your own number? The CRS calculator scores your profile under the 3 November 2026 rules, or and download a PDF report.