Canadian PR application rejected? Some common key mistakes you might be making and how to avoid them

Delays and refusals in Permanent Residency applications could be due to many reasons. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has identified the most common reasons behind these delays and refusals. According to a report by CIC News, these details come from a recently published training guide by IRCC, and they serve as a useful checklist for applicants preparing or submitting their PR files. Understanding these common errors can help applicants avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Choosing the wrong NOC code
One of the most frequent mistakes is selecting the incorrect National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. Many applicants pick a code based on their job title rather than their actual job duties. IRCC officers review whether the listed responsibilities in the application match the duties under the selected NOC code. If they do not match, the application may be returned or rejected.

For example, someone working in a customer service centre may list their job as a supervisor, but their duties could align more closely with a support role. To avoid this, applicants must carefully read the NOC description and ensure their responsibilities clearly align with the lead statement and main duties of that code.

Not reporting changes of personal information
Any personal change after receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA) must be reported to IRCC. This includes events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Failure to report such changes may be treated as misrepresentation.

For instance, if a person separates from their spouse and this affects their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, not updating IRCC can lead to an automatic rejection. Worse, it could result in a five-year ban from applying for Canadian immigration. To avoid this, applicants should report all relevant changes immediately through their online account.

Incomplete or unqualified work experience
Applicants must submit clear proof of work experience that meets program requirements. This means the experience should be:

• Paid, not volunteer or unpaid
• Full-time (or equivalent in part-time hours)
• Continuous and within the eligible time frame

Some applicants claim experience that doesn't meet these standards. For example, work done on a freelance basis without proper documentation or gaps between employment can weaken the case. IRCC expects official letters from employers, with details such as job title, duties, duration, and salary. Missing or inconsistent documents can result in application refusal.

Submitting expired language test results
IRCC requires valid language test scores from approved tests like IELTS or CELPIP. These scores must be valid at the time of application submission. If an applicant submits test results that expired even a day before the application date, the application can be refused without further review.

Applicants should check the expiry dates—most test scores are valid for two years from the test date. If a score is near expiry, it is advisable to retake the test before submitting the PR application.

IRCC’s guidance makes it clear that accuracy and transparency are critical. Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure that PR applications are processed smoothly and increase the chances of a positive outcome.