A Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is an official communication from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlighting specific concerns or discrepancies in an immigration application. It allows applicants to provide clarification, submit additional evidence, or address the identified issues before IRCC makes a final determination on the application.

 

Common reasons for receiving a PFL include:

 

Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information.
Inadmissibility: Issues related to criminality, security, or health.
Failure to meet eligibility requirements: Not satisfying specific criteria for the applied program.
Insufficient supporting documentation: Missing or inadequate evidence to support claims.
Concerns about the genuineness of relationships: Doubts regarding the authenticity of a spousal or familial relationship.
Financial insufficiency: Not demonstrating adequate funds or economic stability.
Doubts about intent: Uncertainty about the applicant’s true intentions, such as plans to leave Canada after a temporary stay.
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Reasons Why You Might Receive a Procedural Fairness Letter From the IRCC
Receiving a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) typically signals concerns with your application that require clarification or additional evidence. Below are common reasons why a PFL might be issued and what each entails.

1. Misrepresentation (Intentional or Unintentional)
Misrepresentation occurs when false or misleading information is provided to IRCC, whether deliberately or unintentionally. This could involve discrepancies in employment history, education credentials, marital status, or any other details provided in the application.

 

Even minor errors, such as incorrectly filling out a form or omitting essential information, can lead to a PFL. Intentional misrepresentation can have severe consequences, including being barred from entering Canada for up to five years.

 

However, unintentional errors are also taken seriously and require a comprehensive response. Applicants must provide detailed explanations or evidence to demonstrate that the misrepresentation was not intentional and correct any inaccuracies.

2. Criminal Inadmissibility or Issues With Background Checks
Criminal inadmissibility arises if an applicant has a prior conviction or is linked to criminal activity. Even charges that do not result in convictions can raise concerns during IRCC’s background checks.

 

This issue is not limited to major crimes but may also involve minor offenses in the applicant’s home country. If you receive a PFL for criminal inadmissibility, it’s best to provide detailed documentation, such as police clearance certificates, rehabilitation records, or evidence that the offense is legally resolved.

 

Explaining the context and demonstrating that you pose no risk to Canadian society can help resolve such concerns.

3. Medical Inadmissibility
Medical inadmissibility refers to health conditions that may harm public health or safety or place excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system. Conditions such as active tuberculosis or untreated mental health disorders can result in IRCC issuing a PFL.

 

Applicants receiving a PFL for medical inadmissibility should respond with updated medical reports, specialist opinions, or evidence of treatment plans to address the condition. Showing that your health issue is under control and won’t strain Canadian resources can help overcome this concern.

Two young people handing document
4. Failure to Meet Eligibility Requirements
IRCC has strict eligibility criteria for every immigration program. Failure to meet these requirements, whether due to insufficient language test scores, inadequate work experience, or failure to meet residency obligations, can lead to a PFL.

 

If you receive a PFL for eligibility concerns, it is best to review the program’s criteria and provide evidence that you meet them. This could include additional supporting documents, such as employment reference letters, updated test results, or proof of residency compliance.

5. Inconsistencies in Application Details
These inconsistencies might involve differing dates of employment, mismatched addresses, or contradictory statements about family composition between various forms or supporting documents. Responding to a PFL for inconsistencies requires identifying the discrepancies and providing a clear, logical explanation with relevant supporting evidence.

 

Maintaining consistency in future submissions is also critical to avoid further complications.

6. Concerns About the Authenticity of Documents
IRCC may question the authenticity of submitted documents, such as birth certificates, employment reference letters, or educational credentials. Suspicions might arise due to incomplete formatting, missing verification stamps, or discrepancies discovered during verification processes.