IRCC Is Making Mistakes—Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Put another way, IRCC isn’t following its own rules. The department has been under pressure to make big changes to how it manages Canada’s immigration system in a post-pandemic world. Under public scrutiny and Canadians’ less favourable attitude toward immigration, the department must be seen to take action against fraud, reduce immigration levels and improve efficiency. This is not an easy task.

With all that in mind, it’s not surprising that cracks are starting to show and mistakes are being made. It can be incredibly frustrating and disappointing for applicants who have to wait for a final decision only to find out they have been refused due to an IRCC mistake.  

What are Some Typical IRCC mistakes?  

IRCC might refuse your application because it says your job duties do not match the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, or because it misunderstands your education or your timeline in Canada. Sometimes, simple administrative mistakes by IRCC also lead to refusals. 

This will cost you time and possibly money if you are unable to work while IRCC reviews your application a second time and corrects the mistake. What makes these situations especially difficult is that the burden often falls on you to identify and correct the error, even when it wasn’t your mistake.  

So, how can you prevent the same thing from happening to you?  

Protect Yourself from Mistakes 

Fixing a mistake made by IRCC can be a long and complicated process. To avoid problems, the best thing you can do is carefully check all your documents before you submit them, and then check them again. 

Before you start filling out your application, it can be helpful to make a checklist of all the documents you need. The exact list depends on the type of visa or permit you are applying for, but it usually includes: 

• A valid passport or travel document
• Application forms (completed and signed)
• Digital photo(s) (meeting IRCC specifications)
• Proof of payment (application fees, biometrics, etc.)  

Depending on your application, you might also need language test results, education credentials, letters from your employer outlining your job duties, reference letters, proof of income, or bank statements (this is not an exhaustive list!).    

Sometimes, you may need to include a letter to explain your answers if they do not exactly match what IRCC is asking for. Using a checklist like this one can help you prepare your application. 

Take your time when completing your application, even if you have applied to IRCC before. It’s easy to miss small details. 

If you can afford it, it can be helpful to have an immigration lawyer or consultant review your application. They can give you advice on how to improve your application and make your qualifications stand out. 

Keep copies of all your documents organized and in a safe place where you can find them easily if you need them later. 

If you are concerned that IRCC has made a mistake on your file, you should speak with an immigration representative to go over your options- the sooner you identify a mistake, the better. 

Review your Refusal Letter Carefully  

If you go through all that and still receive a refusal, take your time and read your letter of refusal very carefully.  

In the case referenced in the Toronto Star, a permanent resident applicant was refused because her job duties did not match the NOC on her application. They didn’t match at all because the NOC IRCC referenced was completely different from the one the applicant used in her initial application.  

The refusal letter noted that IRCC “used generative AI to support application processing in immigration refusals” but was reviewed by a human immigration officer. Based on the information in the article (we have to acknowledge that we might be missing some information), it’s difficult to believe that a human reviewed the application and didn’t find something very inaccurate with how the application was processed.   

This goes against IRCC’s official rules for using AI. The rules say that AI should not be part of decision making on any applications. They also warn that staff could become too dependent on AI.  

So, you should always double-check your letter for inconsistencies or details that don’t match your application, which might suggest AI was used.  

This situation shows why it is so important to keep copies of everything you send to IRCC. Having your original application can help you prove that the mistake was not your fault and may help fix the problem faster. However, even if IRCC admits they made a mistake, you are not guaranteed to get approved the next time. 

Bottom Line  

The news this week highlights IRCC’s conflict between efficiency and accuracy. While IRCC faces real pressure to modernize and respond to public concerns, it’s starting to cut corners, which leads to bigger problems.   

In the end, it is more important than ever for applicants to protect themselves. Make sure your application is complete and well-documented, and always read everything you get from IRCC very carefully. 

The best way to prevent mistakes is to be as clear as possible in your application, check everything carefully, and keep copies of all documents and emails. 

Looking ahead, we have yet to see how IRCC plans to address the concerns brought up this week in either the Auditor General’s Report or in the Toronto Star.  The Minister’s response to the Auditor General’s report is vague at best, acknowledging that there is room for improvement.   

It is not clear what changes IRCC will make, or when these changes will happen. 

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