Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently shared a 447-page training manual that helps immigration officers review permanent residence (PR) applications. This guide includes real examples and explanations of why some applications are delayed, flagged, or even refused.
Based on that, here’s a breakdown of the most common mistakes people make on their PR applications—and how you can avoid them.
Using the Wrong NOC Code for Your Job
Canada uses a system called the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to organize different jobs. But many people get this wrong by only going by their job title, not their actual job duties. Officers check whether your job responsibilities match the NOC description—not just your title.
For example, Diana from the Philippines said she worked as a Contact Centre Supervisor, but her duties actually matched a Complaints Clerk – Customer Service. Because of this mismatch, her case was flagged for more review.
On the other hand, Sam, who worked as a reporter, was doing tasks like writing blogs and creating content strategies. This matched better with the NOC code for Authors and Writers than for Journalists. If Sam had stuck with “reporter,” their application might have been refused.
The key? Always choose your NOC code based on your actual job duties, not just your title.
Forgetting to Mention Life Changes
If your personal situation changes after you submit your application, you must inform IRCC. If you don’t, it could be considered misrepresentation, which can lead to a refusal and even a five-year ban from applying to immigrate to Canada.
Let’s take Amar, for example. He received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and later got divorced. This changed his Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which dropped below the cutoff for his round. Since he didn’t report this change, his PR application was refused.
The solution? Always declare changes honestly, even if it means losing your ITA. You can re-enter the pool and still have another chance in future draws.
Not Providing Enough Proof of Work Experience
Canadian immigration programs require you to have specific types of work experience. It’s not just about how many years you’ve worked—but also when, where, and how.
For instance, Om Kapoor had 30 years of acting experience in Bollywood. However, none of it was continuous full-time work in the last 10 years. Most were short projects or unpaid gigs. Even with decades of experience, his application didn’t meet the requirements.
Always check the program rules and make sure you meet the minimum criteria for recent, paid, and full-time work experience.
Using Expired or Unaccepted Language Test Results
To apply for PR, your language test must be:
- From an IRCC-approved test provider (like IELTS or CELPIP for English)
- Valid at the time you submit your application (valid for 2 years from test date)
Example: Laura got her ITA on November 22, 2020 and submitted her PR application on December 17, 2020. But her language test was dated December 2, 2018. That means it had expired, and her application was rejected, even though her score was high.
Important: Make sure your test score is valid and acceptable for the type of immigration program you’re applying for. TOEFL, for instance, is fine for student visas but not accepted for PR applications.
Not Understanding the Program Requirements Properly
Each immigration stream has very specific rules. Even one misunderstanding can lead to a refusal.
For example, Auston believed he was eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). He worked as a Research Assistant during his studies at the University of Toronto. But work done while being a full-time student does not count for CEC—even if it was paid.
Here’s what CEC-eligible work must be:
- Paid (not voluntary or unpaid)
- Gained in Canada, with proper authorization
- Done after graduation, not during full-time studies
- At least 1 year of full-time work (30 hours/week or 1,560 hours total)
- In a job that falls under TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
- Not self-employed
So before you apply, carefully read the program details or get professional help to make sure you qualify.
Overlooking Medical and Police Checks
Even if you meet all the immigration criteria, you can be declared inadmissible for reasons such as:
- Medical conditions
- Criminal records
- Financial or security issues
- Misrepresentation
Example: Apu was a web developer who qualified for PR, but his wife was found to have a kidney condition that may require dialysis. Because of this, Apu’s application was rejected under Section A42, which applies if a family member is inadmissible.
What can you do? Depending on the issue, you might still have options—like applying under humanitarian grounds, or showing that your medical costs won’t be a burden to Canada. But it’s best to get legal advice for such cases.
1. What if I make a mistake in my application—can I fix it?
Yes, if you spot a mistake before submission, correct it. If it’s after submission, you may need to withdraw and resubmit or notify IRCC through a webform, depending on the issue.
2. Can I use a different NOC code if my job title doesn’t match the duties?
Absolutely. IRCC officers care more about what you do in your job, not what your title says. Pick the NOC that fits your daily responsibilities best.
3. Is unpaid internship or volunteer work counted in PR applications?
No. For most PR programs like Express Entry, work must be paid, continuous, and meet other criteria to count.
4. My spouse is medically inadmissible. Can I still move to Canada?
You may still be able to apply under humanitarian grounds or show that your case doesn’t cause excessive demand on Canada’s health system. Consult a professional for these situations.
5. Can I reapply if my PR application gets refused?
Yes. If your application is rejected, you can re-enter the pool (if eligible) or apply again under a different program once you’ve fixed the issue.
Conclusion
Mistakes in your PR application can cost you time, money, and even your chance to move to Canada. Always make sure your job duties match your NOC, keep your documents updated, declare any changes honestly, and understand your program’s requirements clearly. When in doubt, seek advice from a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
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CREDIT: CIC NEWS
