IRCC Procedural Fairness Letter: What It Means & How to Respond
Learn what an IRCC/CBSA PFL means, why it’s issued, key deadlines, how to craft a strong response with documents, and when to seek appeals or judicial review.
What Is a Procedural Fairness Letter?
A Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is a formal notice from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) informing you that there is a serious concern or potential ground for refusal in your immigration application.
Receiving a PFL means your case is not yet refused, but the officer has identified an issue that could make you inadmissible or ineligible. The letter gives you a final opportunity to respond and present evidence before a decision is made.
When Are Procedural Fairness Letters Issued?
A PFL can be issued in almost any type of immigration or citizenship application, including:
Permanent residence applications (Express Entry, Family Class, Humanitarian & Compassionate)
Temporary residence applications (study permits, work permits, visitor visas
Citizenship applications
Refugee claims or appeals
Common situations where IRCC or CBSA issues PFLs include:
Misrepresentation (inconsistent or false information)
Criminal or medical inadmissibility concerns
Residency obligation issues for permanent residents
Questionable employment letters, proof of funds, or education credentials
Concerns about the genuineness of a relationship or marriage
Doubt about the authenticity of documents or signatures
What does a Procedural Fairness Letter mean?
Receiving a PFL does not automatically mean refusal. It’s an opportunity to explain, clarify, or correct the record before the officer makes a final decision.
The letter will typically:
Identify the specific concern (e.g., suspected misrepresentation, criminal record, medical issue)
Outline the evidence or information IRCC relied upon
Give you a deadline to respond, usually between 7 and 30 days
Advise that failure to respond may result in refusal or a finding of inadmissibility
Your response is critical. This is your last chance to persuade IRCC before a final decision is made.
How to Respond to a Procedural Fairness Letter
A well-prepared response must directly address each concern raised in the letter and include supporting evidence.
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Step 1: Review the Letter Carefully Understand exactly what IRCC or CBSA is questioning. Identify which section of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) or Regulations (IRPR) applies. |
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Step 2: Gather Evidence and Documentation Collect all records that support your explanation, such as: •Updated or corrected forms and documents •Employment verification letters, tax slips, or payroll records •Medical reports, police certificates, or court documents •Relationship proof (photos, correspondence, joint financial evidence) •Expert reports or legal submissions |
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Step 3: Provide a Clear Written Explanation Address each concern in a structured, factual, and respectful tone. If there was an error or omission, acknowledge it honestly and explain the circumstances — for example, a misunderstanding, translation error, or third-party mistake. |
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Step 4: Seek Legal Representation An immigration lawyer can review your file, identify weaknesses, and prepare a detailed legal submission referencing applicable laws, policies, and case precedents. A persuasive, legally grounded response can often prevent refusal or inadmissibility. |
What Happens After You Respond?
Once IRCC receives your response:
The officer will review your explanation and evidence;
They may accept your response and continue processing your application; or
They may determine the concerns are valid and refuse the application, possibly with an inadmissibility finding.
If your application is refused after a PFL, you may still have legal remedies, such as an appeal or judicial review at the Federal Court of Canada.
Tips for Avoiding Procedural Fairness Issues
Always submit accurate, complete, and truthful information.
Double-check all application forms and supporting documents.
Keep copies of every submission and communication with IRCC.
Respond to any IRCC requests within the deadlines.
Hire a qualified immigration lawyer to review your file before submission.
Being proactive reduces the likelihood of receiving a PFL in the first place.
How Ayodele Law Can Help
At Ayodele Law, we help clients across Canada and abroad respond effectively to Procedural Fairness Letters and prevent refusals.
We can:
- Review your PFL and all supporting evidence
- Prepare a comprehensive legal response addressing every allegation
- Draft affidavits, expert opinions, and legal submissions
- Communicate directly with IRCC or CBSA on your behalf
- Pursue appeals or judicial review if your application is refused
If you’ve received a Procedural Fairness Letter, time is critical — contact Ayodele Law immediately for assistance. A strong, evidence-based response can make the difference between refusal and approval.
Have a question? Contact us below.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Writ of Mandamus
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A Writ of Mandamus is a Federal Court application that asks a judge to order IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to make a decision on your case after an unreasonable delay. It doesn’t force approval — only that IRCC act within a reasonable time.
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You can file when your IRCC application is delayed far beyond normal processing times and you’ve already completed all required steps (biometrics, medicals, interviews, etc.).
If months or years have passed without progress or communication, you may qualify. -
Most Writ of Mandamus cases are resolved within 3 to 6 months.
Often, IRCC acts soon after receiving notice of the application — so many cases are resolved before reaching a court hearing. -
No. Filing a Writ of Mandamus does not harm or delay your application.
It simply holds IRCC accountable to process your file within a reasonable time, ensuring fairness and compliance with Canadian law. -
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your case, but Ayodele Law offers transparent, fixed-fee pricing whenever possible.
Book a consultation to receive a personalized quote and timeline for your situation.