← Back to news
Express Entry: After You Apply

Guidance on the steps to take after submitting an Express Entry application for permanent residence, including biometrics, application processing, and decision notifications.

Summary

After submitting your Express Entry application for permanent residence, you must provide biometrics if required, pay applicable fees, and keep your personal information updated to avoid delays. IRCC will communicate application status updates and may request additional documents or interviews. If approved, pay the right of permanent residence fee promptly. If rejected, you must reapply to be considered in future draws.

Key points
  • Applicants aged 14 to 79 must provide fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for every permanent residence application, even if previously provided and still valid.
  • Biometrics fees: CAD $85 per individual, CAD $170 maximum for families applying together, and CAD $255 maximum for groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff applying for work permits simultaneously.
  • IRCC reviews applications for completeness, fee payment, and eligibility, and communicates through the secure account for biometrics requests, updates, additional documents, or interviews.
  • Applicants must promptly report changes to personal information, family composition, immigration representatives, contact details, nominations, job offers, educational credentials, or language test results using the web form to avoid processing delays.
  • Providing false information may result in application refusal, inadmissibility, and a 5-year ban from applying to come to Canada.
  • If the application is incomplete, it will be rejected and processing fees refunded.
  • Applicants with expiring work permits may be eligible for a bridging open work permit to continue working while awaiting a decision.
  • Upon approval, applicants must pay the right of permanent residence fee before final approval is granted.
Policy changes
  • Requirement to provide biometrics for every permanent residence application regardless of previous biometrics validity
  • Strict enforcement of truthful information with consequences including refusal and bans
  • Introduction of bridging open work permits for applicants with expiring work permits
Who is affected
  • Express Entry applicants for permanent residence aged 14 to 79
  • Families and groups applying together
  • Applicants with expiring work permits
  • Applicants who need to update personal or application information
How to apply / next steps
  • Submit a complete application with all required documents and fees
  • Pay biometric fees when submitting the application or promptly after receiving the biometrics letter
  • Provide biometrics within 30 days of receiving the biometrics letter
  • Use the IRCC secure account for communication and updates
  • Report any changes in personal information or application details using the web form
Dates
  • Applicants have 30 days from the date on the biometrics letter to provide biometrics
Keywords
Express Entry permanent residence biometrics application processing bridging open work permit right of permanent residence fee application status IRCC immigration Canada
About this update
Program
Published
2026-02-19
Tip: switch language from the top-right to see available translations.