Canada is one of the most popular countries for immigration. While Canada has more straightforward immigration systems than many other countries, these processes are still lengthy and complicated and many factors influence your chances of acceptance. To ensure your application is accepted the first time, it is critical to avoid any errors or omissions that can lead to delays or rejection.
Permanent Residency in Canada is an immigration status that allows foreign nationals to reside in Canada with most of the same rights as Canadians without being Canadian citizens. Permanent residents have the right to:
- get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage
- live, work or study anywhere in Canada
- apply for Canadian citizenship
- protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Permanent Residents must pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
Permanent Residents are not allowed to:
- vote or run for political office,
- hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance.[1]
This blog will examine the most common mistakes to avoid while applying for a Canadian PR.
Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Canadian PR
Incorrect or Incomplete Forms
One of the most common mistakes in a Canadian PR application is using an incorrect or outdated form. Every year, many changes are made to application forms, and using an obsolete form could lead to delays or even a rejection of your application. Always ensure you use the latest version of the Canada PR form – it could mean the difference between success and rejection. Failure to fully complete a form can also lead to rejection.
Not Supplying the Necessary Documents
Every application for PR in Canada comes with a long list of required supporting documents. Any missing documentation can lead to delays or rejection, costing precious time and money.
Not Following Directions
Generally, the process of a PR application is well-documented by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is important to note that each Immigration pathway has different rules and procedures, and it is essential to follow every step correctly to prevent delays or rejections.
We recommend having the list of required documents printed out and double-checking every single document before submitting the application to ensure nothing is missing.
Presenting Inconsistent or False Personal and Professional Information
Roughly one-third of all permanent residency applications in Canada are rejected due to inconsistencies in personal information.
It can be tempting to embellish personal information, such as work history, education or dates of birth. However, Canadian immigration officials may check this information through various sources and reject applications containing false claims.
Another common mistake in this category is submitting a fake reference letter to Canada Immigration to increase the chances of approval. Similarly, your own or your spouse’s IELTS score for the Canada Immigration Express Entry is a common field where false or misleading information is often submitted.
Providing false information is punishable by federal law. Not only will it lead to a rejection of your application, but it can also result in a ban from entering Canada for 5 years. It can take away your status as a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, have you charged with a crime or removed from Canada
Failure to Meet the Eligibility Terms
It is critical to closely examine all eligibility terms to ensure you meet at least the minimum requirements. Otherwise, your application will be rejected. The Immigration Canada website offers a free and convenient CRS Score Calculator. You can enter all required information to see your CRS score and determine if you meet the minimum eligibility requirements or have to increase your CRS score.
Failure to List All Dependants
When applying for Canadian PR, you must list your spouse and all dependent children, even if they might not be coming to Canada with you. If you do not list a spouse or dependent child, you cannot sponsor that person later. Failure to list a spouse or child is considered misrepresentation and can result in being banned from Canada for 5 years or losing your permanent resident status.
Also Read: 8 Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Consultant For Canada
Translation Issues
If you are considering applying for PR in Canada and come from a country that does not have English or French as an official language, you will most likely require translations of supporting documents. A common mistake is translating these documents yourself instead of using the services of a professional translator. Immigration Canada will not accept translations made by applicants or non-certified professionals.
Missing Deadlines
Every Canadian Immigration pathway has specific deadlines which the Canadian government sets. Keeping an eye on these deadlines is critical because missing one can lead to long delays or even a rejection.
Conclusion
The Canadian Immigration system is complex, and it can be easy to make mistakes during the application process, whether by using outdated forms, submitting false or incomplete information, missing deadlines or failing to meet the eligibility criteria. Any of these mistakes can lead to costly delays or even a rejection of your application, which can significantly set back your Immigration plans.
Immigrating to Canada can be a life-changing event and must be taken seriously to avoid wasting time and money. Unfortunately, it is easy to make mistakes or not be fully up-to-date on all the latest changes in rules.
Malkus Immigration Consulting can help you with every step of the Immigration application process, from establishing your eligibility for each pathway, including checking for potential express entry, to the documentation and legal process.
We bring knowledge, experience and passion to our work to provide the best Immigration consulting services. With many years of experience interacting with government officials, we can submit applications to Canadian Immigration authorities on behalf of our clients.
Contact us today at (587) 415-6932 or through our convenient online form to learn how we can help you become a permanent resident of Canada!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can Affect PR Applications in Canada?
The PR application in Canada is a complex process with many potential hurdles. The most common factors affecting an application are: Failing to meet the eligibility criteria, using outdated or wrong forms, and incomplete or false documentation, like a false reference letter for Canadian PR.
How Can a Canadian PR Application Be Rejected?
Your PR application may be rejected if you fail to meet the eligibility criteria or submit false or incomplete information and documentation.
What is the Reason for PR Rejection in Canada?
Common reasons for a PR application to be rejected are mistakes in the application, failing to meet the eligibility criteria, false or incomplete documentation, missing deadlines and inconsistencies in personal history and information.
What is the Rejection Rate of Canada PR?
About 25% of all PR applications get rejected every year.
Is it Difficult to Apply for PR in Canada?
There are various Immigration pathways for PR in Canada, each of them designed to cover specific groups. These pathways include the Express Entry System, Provincial Nominee Programs, Family Sponsorship programs, Entrepreneur programs or certain study visas.
What Happens if PR is Refused?
If an application for Canadian PR is refused, it is possible to reapply unless the refusal letter specifically states otherwise. It is critical to note the reason for the refusal to solve the issues before reapplying.
Why is PR Taking So Long in Canada?
Many factors influence the processing time of your PR application. It depends on which pathway you choose, if all information is correct, the time it takes to verify all submitted information and the overall caseload. Please note that, on average, between 1.8 and 2.1 million applications are pending.
What is the Difference Between PR and Citizenship in Canada?
Regarding Canada PR vs. Citizenship, the main difference between PR and citizenship in Canada is that as a permanent resident, you are not allowed to vote, run for political office or hold some jobs that require a high-level security clearance.