Common Mistakes to Avoid: While applying for Canadian Immigration Application
Canada is among the countries that enjoys a high number of immigration due to factors such as quality, diverse culture and good economy. However, moving through immigration may not be easy, and even a minor error is likely to cause a lot of issues such as delay, rejection, or permanent disqualification. Below are some common mistakes applicants make when applying for Canadian immigration, and how to avoid them:
- Inaccurate or Incomplete Documentation
Of all the possible causes of a denied or delayed immigration application, inadequate or improper documentation is one of the leading causes. Candidates either fail to attach some important documents or may provide the documents of prior year.
How to Avoid It:
- Refer to the IRCC website for current list of documents required as per your stream (Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, PNP etc).
- Make sure all the required tear has been filled, signature obtained whenever necessary and all the documents translated in English or French if there is need of translator.
- Misrepresentation of Facts/Information
Thus, any sort of deception irrespective of whether it is done intentionally or un intentionally is likely to lead to a number of penalties provided under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the most severe being a prohibition from applying for Canada immigration for a period of time not less than five years.
How to Avoid It:
- You need to be very honest in your application. When completing your application never lie or exaggerate on matters concerning past work experience, education or any other thing concerning you.
- Double-check your forms to remove any errors before submission. Go through all the forms once before you sign them and submit them, you can also try having the documents checked by a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
- Not Meeting the Eligibility Criteria
Canadian immigration programmes have their own prerequisites requirements for example language test, student academic qualification, working experience etc. Non-Compliance with the stipulated eligibility criteria is, therefore, is one of the leading causes of rejection.
How to Avoid It:
- Candidate should carefully assess all the eligibility requirements from official website of immigration or through consultant for chosen immigration program. Candidates can check their Express Entry Score through tools loke Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator to make sure if it is competitive score or not.
- Continuously improve your qualifications it it is necessary such as Language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, or acquire an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Not following/Missing Deadlines
Immigration application for different programs of Canada has a very strict deadlines for filing the application itself and for filing the response to the requests for further information or documents that may be required.
How to Avoid It:
- Keep monitoring your email and IRCC account regularly for any update or notification to respond timely.
- Keep a track of your deadlines for each stage of your application. Make sure that your response should be filed as early as possible within the deadline.
- Failure to provide proof of Funds
For many Canadian immigration programs, such as Express Entry, applicants must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada.
How to avoid it:
- Ensure that your proof of funds meets the specific requirements for the immigration stream you are applying for. This could include providing official bank statements that demonstrate liquid funds.
- Keep in mind and ensure that certain types of assets for example (borrowed money or equity) may not be accepted as valid proof of funds. So, avoid providing such sources of funding as they will surely help reject your application.
- Overlooking Medical and Police Clearances
Canadian immigration requires immigrants to:
- Undergo medical examinations
- Submit police clearance certificates
These are required to ensure that they do not pose a public health or safety risk.
How to Avoid It:
- Scheduling medical examination with an IRCC-approved physician early in the process to avoid any delays.
- Obtain police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for six months or more since the age of 18, as this is a mandatory requirement for most applications.
- Not Using Correct and Updated NOC Code
Evaluation of your work experience is conducted according to the national Canadian Occupational Classification (NOC). Depending on your choice of the incorrect NOC code or not attaching a code to your application, it may be declined. If you choose the wrong NOC code, your application might be rejected.
How to Avoid It:
- Ensure that you get the right NOC code and also check whether the one in the list provided by system is updated, because the system updates NOC codes from time to time
- Misleading & Inconsistent Information
Red flags can be raised and your process can be delayed if there will be any inconsistent to conflicting information in different sections of your application, or if there is conflicting fact between the information you provided and your documents. It ultimately can lead you to rejection.
How to Avoid It:
- Make sure that you are providing transparent information by all means and it is also consistent with the documents and proofs you are providing. Provide up to date and accurate information regarding work experiences, educational background, and family details.
- Review all your documents obtained from employers or educational institutes and cross match in your application as well.
- Ignoring/ Not fulfilling Provincial Requirements
If you are planning to apply through Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), each province has its own specific criteria for acceptance or rejection of application. If you fail to meet these criteria or overlook and additional document required by that province can increase your chances of rejection.
How to Avoid It:
- Thorough research of specific immigration requirements of province is necessary. All the provinces offer immigration in different fields depending upon their economic needs or trends.
- Keeping a close contact with immigration program and authorities can ensure that all requirements are met accordingly.
- DIY / Not Seeking Professional Help
Many immigrants prefer to apply by themselves and do not consult any immigration consultant or lawyer. It is possible to apply though yourself but any misinterpretation or a small misunderstanding can increase your chances of errors and finally a rejection of application.
How to Avoid It:
- Consider hiring a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer to guide you through the process and review your documents.
- If you go for DIY, you need to make sure that enough resources are available on the IRCC website to go through the application process.
Final Thoughts
It is a rigorous process to go through when seeking an immigration in Canada. Being keen on not repeating some of the most vital but often committed errors like documenting wrong or incomplete data; failing to meet statutory time lines; or providing contradictory data can go a long way in avoiding work delays or denial of benefits. General, one must always be informed, be organized and maximize on thoroughness when going through the application process.
