Procedural Fairness Letter

Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL)

If you find yourself in a situation where IRCC sends you a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) it is extremely important to submit a detailed response with strong factual arguments.  Most individuals do not appreciate the seriousness of the situation; they decide to respond on their own, usually with a very weak response which leads to a refusal.  This is the single time opportunity IRCC is providing to respond before the application is refused. It is highly recommended to retain professional help to submit a proper response, as there will not be another opportunity provided later.  Sometimes, a refused application will also come with serious consequences such as becoming Inadmissible to Canada with a 5-year ban for Misrepresentation.

Common Reasons for Issuing Procedural Fairness Letters are:

Criminal Inadmissibility:

  • Previous criminal issues can result in criminal inadmissibility, impacting both applicants and non-accompanying family members.
  • Many applicants are unaware of the potential impact of a family member’s medical or criminal issues on the entire application.

Genuineness of Relationship:

  • Concerns about the authenticity of marital relationships or common-law partnerships.
  • Issues such as inconsistent information on forms, insufficient supporting documents, and conflicting data in previous applications.

Misrepresentation:

  • Allegations of providing false information or presenting fraudulent documents.
  • Failure to disclose previous visa refusal can lead to inadmissibility and 5 year ban.

Express Entry Concerns:

  • Issues such as incorrect National Occupational Classification (NOC), insufficient evidence, or discrepancies in employment letters.
  • Providing satisfactory evidence for work experience is crucial for a successful response.

Medical Inadmissibility:

  • Individuals with medical issues may face medical inadmissibility if projected healthcare costs exceed $128,445 over 5 years (or $25,689 per year).
  • Common in parental sponsorship applications, requiring a comprehensive response with secondary opinions and detailed medical plans.

Security Reasons/Terrorism:

  • Individuals with ties to organizations deemed security threats.
  • Former government or military service may require additional information to address concerns.

​Why you need Pelican Law:

If you receive a Procedural Fairness letter, it is recommended to retain a professional to prepare a strong and sufficient response. This critical phase necessitates applicants to approach it with the utmost seriousness, recognizing the need for professional assistance to ensure a thorough and effective reply.

Successfully navigating the complexities of immigration requires more than a basic understanding of legal requirements; it demands a nuanced approach to addressing specific concerns raised by immigration officers. At Pelican Law we are committed to fight for your rights.