Examples of misrepresentations would be:

• Fail to declare that you have been refused a visa for another country
• Provide a document that is found to be non-genuine
• Fail to mention a family member
• Declare employment experience which you do not have
• Obtain permanent residence by having engaged in a non-genuine marriage

Misrepresented information can be provided (or omitted) by yourself, a family member, or your representative. In all cases, it is the principal applicant who is at fault – even if the principal applicant did not know the misrepresentation occurred.

What can you do if you are facing an allegation of Misrepresentation?

If you have made an application to enter Canada – before you would be found to have misrepresented yourself by IRCC, you will be given an opportunity to respond and address IRCC's concerns. This process is known as "procedural fairness" and it is important to be aware of the timeline given for the response by IRCC and whether the response will be made at an interview or on paper. Please contact us immediately for assistance, as time is of the essence in cases like these.

If you are in Canada as a temporary or permanent resident – before you would be found to have misrepresented yourself, the CBSA would provide an opportunity to address the allegations. If the CBSA believes that you have misrepresented yourself, they will refer the allegation to the Immigration Division for an Admissibility Hearing.

Misrepresentation findings will have significant impact on all future interactions with IRCC and the CBSA. It is important to carefully address these allegations in a timely manner as delaying or not responding could have severe consequences.