What to do if your PR application has been rejected?

Getting denied permanent resident status is one of the most painful moments in anyone's immigration journey. For newcomers to Calgary, especially Ukrainians with temporary CUAET status, being denied PR can feel like the end of the Canadian dream. However, it is important to understand that the rejection of an application is not a final decision, and there are several ways to proceed in order to obtain permanent status in Canada.

Understanding the reasons for the rejection of a PR application

Analyzing the rejection letter is the first and most important step after receiving a negative decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The rejection letter usually contains general information about the reasons for the decision, but these explanations are often standardized and do not provide enough detail to understand the specific issues with your application.

Most common reasons for PR application rejection

  • Incomplete documentation — one of the most common reasons for rejection. This may include missing required documents, incorrectly completed forms, or providing documents that do not meet IRCC requirements.

  • Misrepresentation — a serious ground for refusal that can result in a five-year ban on applying to Canada.

  • Medical inadmissibility — if your health could pose a threat to public health or safety or cause an excessive demand on the healthcare system (threshold: $135,810 for 5 years).

  • Criminal inadmissibility — even minor offenses can affect the status of an application.

  • Insufficient funds — applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources.

Obtaining detailed information about the reasons for refusal

GCMS Notes — the key to understanding the decision

Global Case Management System (GCMS) Notes contain:

  • internal comments from the officer
  • specific reasons for refusal
  • a list of documents considered
  • a chronology of the case
  • an assessment of various aspects of the application

How to obtain GCMS Notes:

  • Submit online via the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act
  • Processing time — up to 30 days
  • For individuals outside Canada, a representative (citizen/PR) is required

Statistics: In 2024, tourist visa refusals reached 54%. In Q1 2025, student visa approvals for Indian students fell by 31%.

Ways to appeal and review a decision

Request for reconsideration (Reconsideration Request)

The fastest and cheapest way if:

  • there are factual/legal errors
  • there is new information
  • procedural fairness has been violated

Process:

  • Prepare a letter
  • Attach supporting documents
  • Submit via IRCC Web Form or email
  • Free

Judicial review in Federal Court (Judicial Review)

Time limits:

  • 15 days (decision in Canada)
  • 60 days (decision outside Canada)

Stages:

  1. Leave Stage — the court decides whether to consider the case
  2. Judicial review — oral hearing possible

⚠️ The court cannot grant PR — it only returns the case to IRCC.

Appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)

Who can apply:

  • Sponsors in case of refusal
  • Permanent residents who have been issued a removal order
  • Persons who have lost their PR status due to failure to meet the conditions of residence

Deadlines: 30 days

Standards: 80% of appeals — review ≤ 12 months

Reapplication

Possible at any time if there is no specific prohibition in the letter.

Do not reapply without changes!

Conditions for successful reapplication:

  • Significant change in circumstances
  • New information
  • Correction of errors
  • Improvement of profile (language, experience, finances, PNP)

Preparation:

  • Analysis of GCMS Notes
  • Language improvement
  • Additional education
  • Work in Canada
  • Provincial nomination

Alternative paths to PR

Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C)

Considered:

  • rootedness in Canada
  • interests of children
  • health
  • conditions in the country of origin
  • family ties

Protected Person Status

Apply as a refugee if there are well-founded fears of persecution.

PRRA — Pre-Removal Risk Assessment:

  • Assessment of risks upon deportation
  • If approved — protected person status + PR

⚠️ PRRA ban — 12 months after previous application.

Special considerations for Ukrainians in Calgary

Impact of the end of special programs

  • Ukrainian Family Program ends October 22, 2024
  • IRCC continues to process applications submitted before this date

Current situation with CUAET:

  • Permits — until March 31, 2026 (for those who arrived before March 31, 2024)
  • Settlement services — until March 31, 2025
  • Transition to general programs required

January 2025: IRCC technical glitch → applications “disappear”

Statistics (Pathfinders for Ukraine):

  • Only 7% of Ukrainians were eligible for the family program
  • 68% of CUAET beneficiaries are over 30 years old
  • Language barriers, no experience/education in Canada

Support services in Calgary

Free legal advice

Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG):

  • Centre for Newcomers: (403) 569-3325
  • Immigrant Services Calgary: (403) 265-1120
  • Calgary Immigrant Women's Association: (403) 263-4414

Services:

  • Family sponsorship
  • Refugee protection
  • PR applications
  • Representation in special cases

Main support organizations

  • CCIS — 95+ programs, multilingual support
  • Centre for Newcomers — complex situations, income support, domestic violence, mental health
  • ISC — support for 85+ language groups

Financial considerations

Procedure Cost
Reconsideration Request Free
Judicial review Court fees + lawyer
Resubmission Full program fees
GCMS Notes $5 (for Canadian residents)

Emotional support

Resources in Calgary:

  • Mental health (Centre for Newcomers)
  • Support groups
  • Integration programs
  • Cultural and religious communities

Practical recommendations

Appeal strategy

  • Analysis of GCMS Notes
  • Identification of errors
  • Collection of evidence (medical reports, finances, recommendations)
  • Consultation with a lawyer

Timelines

Type of procedure Deadline
Reconsideration Recommended ≤ 30 days
Judicial review 15–60 days
Appeal to IAD ≤ 30 days
GCMS Notes Anytime

Preventing future denials

  • Review of forms by a consultant
  • Completeness and accuracy
  • Certified translations
  • Retention of copies
  • Honesty in all data
  • Regular updates

Conclusion

Receiving a refusal is a challenge, but it is not the end. Calgary has a strong support system, from free legal assistance to integration programs. The key to success is quick response, analysis of GCMS Notes, consultation with an expert, and the right strategy for reapplication or appeal.

For Ukrainians with CUAET, it is especially important not to delay: many programs have deadlines. Take advantage of all opportunities — it could be the deciding factor in achieving PR status in Canada.