If your Canadian immigration application has been returned as incomplete by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), don’t panic. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to rectify and resubmit your application in the right way.

Understanding the Return: Why Did It Happen?

When you receive the letter for an incomplete application, you must carefully read the accompanying letter and review the document checklist. These documents will explain why your application was deemed incomplete and what information or documents are missing. This initial understanding is crucial for the next steps in the process.

Resubmission: Adding the Missing Pieces

Before you send your application again, make sure you have included any missing documents or information from your previous submission. You can include all the original documents and payment receipts. Also, make sure the signatures are still valid. In case of outdated signatures, fill out, sign, and date new forms as needed.

Draft a letter to IRCC explaining the reason for the updates or changes in your information. If you cannot provide the initially omitted documents, articulate the reasons in your letter. Include the explanation letter and the document checklist received from IRCC with your resubmission.

Key Reminders for Resubmission

• Review the Application Guide: Take a moment to revisit the application guide if there have been any changes since your initial submission.
• Paper Applicants: If you received your returned application by email, follow the provided steps to resubmit your documents.
• Submission Timeline: Ensure that your resubmitted application reaches IRCC within 90 days of the date it was signed. Remember, the date of the signature on the new application cannot be in the future (post-dated).

Note: Processing time for resubmitted applications begins only when IRCC receives the completed application.

Why Submitting A Complete Application Is Important

IRCC emphasizes the significance of submitting a complete application by providing applicants with a completeness checklist. This checklist serves as a guide to ensure that every application is ready for processing.

Resubmissions are not accepted for specific programs, including those within the Express Entry application management system. Instead, applicants must restart their process entirely. This includes the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Express Entry Reapplication: Know The Risks

It’s important to note that IRCC policy strictly prohibits accepting the same application returned due to incompleteness. Express Entry applicants, therefore, must submit a new profile and re-enter the pool, hoping for another Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence (PR).

Submitting an incomplete application under Express Entry can jeopardize your chances of obtaining PR. Changes in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores or eligibility for a specific program can make securing a “second chance” challenging. Therefore, ensuring the completeness of your application is crucial for a smooth immigration process.

The key to a successful immigration application lies in meticulous preparation and adherence to guidelines. By promptly addressing the shortcomings of an incomplete application, you maximize your chances of securing your place in the Express Entry pool and, eventually, in Canada.