Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL)
A procedural fairness letter (PFL) is a letter from IRCC explaining a serious concern about your application, such as possible misrepresentation or inadmissibility, and giving you a chance to respond before an officer makes a decision.
How to respond
The letter describes the concern and sets a deadline, which is often short. Your response should:
- Address each concern directly and factually.
- Include documents that prove your explanation, such as payslips, tax records, or letters from employers.
- Correct any real errors honestly.
A PFL is not a refusal, but ignoring it usually leads to one. If the concern is misrepresentation, a negative finding can bring a 5-year ban, so get help from a lawyer or RCIC quickly. You may also request your GCMS notes to see the full file. See our GCMS notes and refusals guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does a PFL mean my application will be refused?
No, but it means the officer has serious doubts that you must answer.
Can I ask for more time to respond to a PFL?
You can ask IRCC for an extension before the deadline, but it may not be granted.
Is a PFL the same as a refusal letter?
No. It comes before the decision, giving you a chance to respond.
Official sources
- IRCC: Check your application statuscanada.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.