Encountering a returned immigration application from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) due to incompleteness can be disheartening. This article guides Canadian immigration applicants on the necessary steps to take in such situations.
1. Notification and Refund Process
Upon an application being deemed incomplete, IRCC ensures transparency by sending a detailed letter of explanation and a document checklist to the applicant. This communication highlights the specific reasons for the return and identifies the missing elements. Additionally, IRCC emphasizes that applicants will receive a refund, a process that may take up to eight weeks.
2. Reviewing the Incomplete Application
Upon receiving the returned application, applicants should carefully read the accompanying letter and review the document checklist. This step is crucial to understanding the deficiencies in the initial submission and what needs to be rectified.
3. Preparing for Resubmission
In the process of resubmission, applicants must add any missing documents or information that was identified in the initial return. The resubmitted application can include the same set of documents and payment receipts, provided that all signatures remain valid. If signatures are outdated, applicants can complete new forms with updated signatures.
4. Crafting an Explanation Letter
A key aspect of the resubmission is a letter to IRCC explaining the reason for the updates or changes. If certain initially omitted documents cannot be provided, it is essential to articulate the reasons for this in the letter.
Key Considerations for Resubmission
Several important factors must be taken into account when resubmitting an incomplete immigration application:
- Review the application guide for any changes since the initial submission.
- Paper applicants who received their returned application by email should follow specific steps for resubmission.
- Resubmitted applications must reach IRCC within 90 days of the signature date, ensuring that the new application’s signature is not postdated.
Importance of Submitting a Complete Application
IRCC underscores the importance of submitting a complete application. A provided completeness checklist serves as a guide to ensure that each application is ready for processing. Certain programs, including those in the Express Entry application management system, do not accept resubmissions and may require applicants to restart the entire process.
Express Entry Program Considerations
Applicants under the Express Entry system, managing programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), face specific considerations. Express Entry policy strictly prohibits the re-submission of the same application after it was returned due to incompleteness. Applicants are advised to submit a new profile and re-enter the pool for consideration.
Submitting an incomplete application in the Express Entry system can result in missed opportunities for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). Changes in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores or program eligibility could pose challenges for a second chance.
Ensuring the completeness of an application is crucial for a seamless immigration process, minimizing the need for restarting the application journey. Visit [insert link] for more insights into the significance of a complete electronic application under Express Entry.