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.
Is a Procedural Fairness Letter the Same as a Refusal?
No. A Procedural Fairness Letter is not a refusal — but it is often the final step before one.
A PFL means the immigration officer has identified a serious concern that could lead to refusal or inadmissibility. Before making that decision, the officer must give you a chance to respond and address the issue. This is your last opportunity to correct the record, explain discrepancies, or submit supporting evidence.
Once a refusal is issued, your options become far more limited and may involve an appeal or judicial review. For this reason, how you respond at the PFL stage can directly determine whether your application succeeds or fails.
| How to Respond to a Procedural Fairness Letter |
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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.
What Happens If You Don’t Respond — or Respond Poorly?
Failing to respond to a Procedural Fairness Letter almost always results in refusal. Submitting a rushed, incomplete, or poorly structured response can have the same outcome. Depending on the issue raised, consequences may include:
Refusal of your application
A finding of misrepresentation, which can trigger a five-year ban from Canada
Long-term credibility concerns affecting future applications
The need to pursue costly and uncertain remedies, such as judicial review
Immigration officers are not required to request clarification more than once. A Procedural Fairness Letter is typically the only chance to address the concern before a final decision is made.
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.
Situations Where Procedural Fairness Letters Commonly Arise
Procedural Fairness Letters can be issued across many types of immigration applications. We frequently see PFLs arise in situations involving:
Alleged misrepresentation, including errors, omissions, or inconsistent information
Criminal inadmissibility, even for offences outside Canada
Medical inadmissibility, including excessive demand concerns
Express Entry applications, such as incorrect NOC codes or weak employment evidence
Spousal sponsorships, where the genuineness of a relationship is questioned
Concerns about documents, education credentials, or proof of funds
Each situation requires a tailored legal response based on the specific concern raised and the applicable provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
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.
From Our ClientsTracy has a wealth of experience in immigration law, and her deep understanding of the process was evident throughout my case. Thanks to Tracy, I Had a Successful Outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Procedural Fairness Letters raise serious legal concerns that can directly affect the outcome of your immigration application. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from individuals and families facing a PFL. Because deadlines are short and the consequences can be significant, early legal guidance is strongly recommended.
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No. A Procedural Fairness Letter means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or Canada Border Services Agency has concerns, but your application has not yet been refused.
A PFL gives you a final opportunity to explain, clarify, or correct information before a decision is made. A strong response can prevent refusal or inadmissibility. -
Most PFLs give 7 to 30 days to respond, depending on the concern and application type.
Deadlines are strict. Missing the deadline or submitting an incomplete response often leads to refusal, sometimes with long-term consequences such as inadmissibility or a five-year ban for misrepresentation. -
IRCC or CBSA may issue a PFL for reasons including:
Alleged misrepresentation (errors, omissions, or inconsistencies)
Criminal or medical inadmissibility
Concerns about the genuineness of a marriage or relationship
Express Entry issues (wrong NOC, weak employment letters, insufficient evidence)
Doubts about documents, education credentials, or proof of funds
Security or background concerns
Each reason requires a different legal strategy and evidence approach.
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You can, but it is high-risk.
A PFL is usually the only opportunity to respond before refusal. Many refusals happen because applicants submit emotional, incomplete, or legally weak explanations that fail to address the officer’s concerns under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
An immigration lawyer can prepare a structured, evidence-based, and legally grounded submission that directly responds to the officer’s concerns. -
A persuasive response typically includes:
A clear written explanation addressing each concern raised
Supporting documents (employment records, medical reports, police certificates, relationship evidence, etc.)
Corrections or clarifications of any errors or omissions
Legal submissions referencing IRPA, IRPR, policy guidance, and case law where appropriate
The response must be organized, factual, and respectful, not defensive or emotional.
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After reviewing your response, the officer may:
Accept your explanation and continue processing your application; or
Determine the concerns remain unresolved and refuse the application, sometimes with a finding of inadmissibility
If refused, you may still have options such as judicial review at the Federal Court of Canada, but outcomes are strongest when issues are resolved at the PFL stage.
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Failing to respond properly can result in:
Refusal of your application
A finding of misrepresentation
A five-year ban from Canada
Long-term credibility issues in future immigration applications
Because the stakes are high, it is critical to take a PFL seriously and respond strategically.
Contact us
In person or virtual consultations available. Your case is important to us. We will get back to you within 24 hours of your submission.
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Telephone: 647-937-4330
Fax: 416-486-7747
Email: admin@ayodelelaw.ca