How to avoid a misrepresentation?
Before you submit your application, read every question carefully. Err on the side of caution if you are unsure about answering a question.
Table of contents
Be truthful and honest
It goes without saying that the best way to avoid a misrepresentation is to be truthful and honest. Disclose complete information. Answer all questions on the forms. Provide additional details and supporting documents necessary to properly decide your application, even if they are not explicitly required in the instructions or guides.
If an individual is found to have committed misrepresentation, they may be barred from entering Canada for a period of up to five years, or they may be issued a removal order if they are already in the country.
In addition, an individual who has been found to have committed misrepresentation may face difficulties when attempting to immigrate to other countries in the future, as many countries have information sharing agreements with Canada and may be made aware of a misrepresentation finding.
Do not hide information “since they will never know”
You must truthfully answer the questions and provide an honest, complete answer. Even silence can be a misrepresentation. This includes disclosing criminal convictions, disclosing previous visa refusals and previous employment – whether or not you believe that IRCC will find out.
It is a common misconception that if you do not disclose certain information on your immigration application, immigration officials will never find out. However, this is not the case. Immigration authorities have access to a variety of sources of information, and they may use these sources to verify the information provided on your application. If it is discovered that you have withheld important information or provided false or misleading information on your application, you may be found to have committed misrepresentation.
Information submitted in applications to other countries - information sharing agreements
It is important to provide consistent and truthful information in all immigration applications, even between other countries. Canada has information-sharing agreements for immigration applications with various countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and other countries. If you notice a mistake in a previous application, it is best to correct it and not continue the misrepresentation.
Letter of explanation
A letter of explanation can provide additional details, context, or clarifications. The goal is to help immigration officers understand your situation and make an informed decision.
The forms and online portals are rigid. Most of them only have a short place to write an explanation. The wording of a question might create uncertainty and not fully explain your situation.
In this case, a letter of explanation may provide more details. These are usually uploaded in the client information slots in online applications. There is no precise format. Make sure you indicate your name, UCI and, at the very minimum, an electronic signature. Have subtitles for long letters. Explain in detail what the issue is and provide as much information as possible.
Provide supporting documents
Supporting documents are a key part of any immigration application. If you are uncertain about an element of your application, you can provide additional documents to explain any ambiguities and provide further information. This may also avoid delays in processing your application.
Have your application reviewed by a lawyer
Our lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law can help you properly prepare an application and ensure that all supporting documents are included. A lawyer can also help to identify any potential issues or areas of concern that may impact your eligibility for immigration to Canada. We provide guidance on the immigration process and help understand what needs to be disclosed in the application.