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When Express Entry Candidates Should Decline an ITA in 2026 — And How to Avoid Costly Mistakes

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > When Express Entry Candidates Should Decline an ITA in 2026 — And How to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under Canada’s Express Entry system is a major milestone for aspiring immigrants. However, not every ITA should be accepted immediately. In certain situations, declining an ITA is not only acceptable—it can be the smartest and safest decision for your long-term immigration success.

As Express Entry draws continue in 2026, candidates must understand when declining an ITA is necessary, what happens afterward, and how professional guidance can help avoid refusals or misrepresentation.

When Should You Decline an Express Entry ITA?

After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete Permanent Residence (PR) application. If you cannot meet all eligibility requirements within this timeframe, declining the ITA may be the best option.

Common reasons to decline include:

  • Missing or incomplete documentation

  • Insufficient proof of funds

  • Family emergencies or personal constraints

  • A change in circumstances affecting your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score

Importantly, declining an ITA does not result in penalties. Your profile is simply returned to the Express Entry pool, where you can be considered for future rounds.

Key Situations Where Declining an ITA Is the Right Move

1. Incorrect or Inflated CRS Score

Errors in an Express Entry profile can significantly inflate CRS scores. Examples include:

  • Miscounting part-time work as full-time

  • Claiming Canadian work experience incorrectly

  • Entering wrong language test results

  • Misrepresenting education credentials

If correcting the error drops your score below the draw cut-off, you must decline the ITA. Proceeding despite inaccuracies can lead to misrepresentation, refusals, and even a five-year immigration ban.

2. Work Experience Not Fully Met

Some candidates receive an ITA before completing the required work experience, especially under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). While IRCC counts months rather than exact days, real eligibility is assessed at application submission.

If you won’t meet the experience requirement within the 60-day window, declining the ITA and waiting for the next draw is safer.

3. Expiring or Ineligible Language Test Results

Language test results must be valid both at profile submission and PR application submission. If your results expire before you apply, your options are to:

  • Submit before expiry

  • Retake the test (meeting the same draw requirements)

  • Decline the ITA and remain in the pool

Failing to meet language requirements can result in refusal.

4. Changes in Family Composition

Changes such as:

  • Spouse or partner no longer accompanying

  • Loss of sibling points (15 CRS points)

  • Inability to obtain required family documents

can impact your CRS score. If your updated score falls below the cut-off, declining the ITA is necessary.

5. Provincial Nomination Withdrawn

A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination adds 600 CRS points. If a province withdraws your nomination due to employment changes, intent-to-reside concerns, or undisclosed updates, your ITA may no longer be valid.

  • General draw ITA → must decline if CRS drops

  • PNP-specific draw ITA → must decline without a valid nomination

Age Exception: No Need to Decline Due to a Birthday

IRCC has a public policy protecting applicants who lose CRS points due to age after receiving an ITA but before submission. A birthday alone will not cause refusal.

What Happens After You Decline an ITA?

  • Your Express Entry profile returns to the pool

  • You remain eligible for future draws

  • There is no negative impact for declining

However, if you neither submit nor decline within 60 days, your ITA expires and your profile is removed, requiring a new submission.

Why Accuracy Matters More Than Speed

If your situation changes after profile submission, you must:

  • Update IRCC immediately

  • Include a Letter of Explanation (LOE)

  • Submit supporting documents

Even unintentional omissions can lead to misrepresentation findings, refusals, and long-term bans.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating Express Entry, CRS calculations, and ITA decisions requires expert insight. ICC Immigration is committed to helping you choose the right pathway, avoid costly errors, and secure your future in Canada with confidence.

Our Immigration Services Include:

  • Permanent Residency Applications through Express Entry, PNPs, and other PR pathways

  • Work Permits and Study Permits to help you establish yourself in Canada

  • Family Sponsorship Applications to reunite loved ones

  • Expert Legal Immigration Advice aligned with current IRCC policies

Rather than risking refusals or uncertainty, take control of your immigration journey with a clear, compliant, and strategic approach. Whether you are already in Canada or planning your move, ICC Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.