A procedural fairness letter is both a warning and an opportunity. It means an immigration officer has concerns that could lead to a refusal — and you have a limited time to respond before that decision is made. A carefully prepared response can be the difference between an approval and a refusal.
What is a procedural fairness letter?
When an officer at IRCC or CBSA has concerns about your application — your eligibility, your documents, the genuineness of a relationship, or a possible misrepresentation — they may send a procedural fairness letter before refusing. The letter sets out the officer’s concerns and invites you to respond, usually within a short deadline (often 7 to 30 days). It is your chance to explain, clarify, and provide evidence before the officer makes a decision.
Why a fairness letter must be taken seriously
If you do not respond, or your response does not fully address the officer’s concerns, your application will likely be refused. In cases involving misrepresentation, a refusal can also carry a five-year ban from Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The stakes are high and the deadline is short — so the quality and timing of your response matter enormously.
Common reasons for a fairness letter
- Concerns about possible misrepresentation (section 40 of the IRPA)
- Doubts about the genuineness of a marriage or relationship
- Questions about eligibility, work experience, or qualifications
- Concerns about the authenticity of documents
- Inadmissibility concerns — criminality, medical, or security
- Insufficient, unclear, or inconsistent information
How we help you respond
We move quickly and strategically. When you bring us a procedural fairness letter, we:
- Analyze exactly what the officer is concerned about, and why
- Identify the evidence and legal arguments that answer those concerns
- Gather supporting documents and, where helpful, sworn statements
- Draft a clear, persuasive legal response that addresses each point
- Submit your response before the deadline
Deadlines are short — act now
The clock starts the moment the letter is issued. The sooner we begin, the stronger your response will be. If you have received a procedural fairness letter, contact us right away — or call (613) 691-8506.