A spousal sponsorship application returned by IRCC is not automatically the same as a refusal. In many cases, IRCC returns an application because it is incomplete or does not meet applicable completeness requirements. If your application is returned, you should identify the issue, correct it, review the entire application again, and resubmit it according to the current IRCC instructions.
Important: A returned application should not simply be resubmitted unchanged. Before you submit again, carefully review the return letter and use a comprehensive checklist to identify any other issues that could cause another return.
Worried about making the same mistake twice?
Get our free Spousal Sponsorship Application Checklist to help you review important completeness items before submitting or re-submitting your application.
Returned vs. Refused: What’s the Difference?
| Returned Application | Refused Application | |
|---|---|---|
| What it generally means | The application was found to be incomplete or did not meet applicable submission requirements | IRCC made a refusal decision after assessing the application |
| When it can happen | During the completeness check | After the applicable assessment |
| Common issues | Missing forms, signatures, documents or fees | Eligibility, admissibility or other substantive concerns |
| What to do next | Identify and correct the issue, then resubmit where appropriate | Review the refusal letter and determine the appropriate next step |
A returned application does not automatically mean that IRCC has determined your marriage or relationship is not genuine.
However, the exact wording of your IRCC communication matters. Always review the return letter carefully before deciding what to do next.
Why Was My Spousal Sponsorship Application Returned?
There are several issues that can cause problems with the completeness of a spousal sponsorship application.
Here are some of the common areas you should review.
1. Missing or Incomplete Forms
Spousal sponsorship applications require multiple forms from the sponsor and the person being sponsored.
Leaving out a required form or failing to complete a required section can result in an incomplete application.
Before submitting, make sure you have:
- Included all applicable forms
- Used the forms required for your application
- Answered all applicable questions
- Followed the instructions for questions that do not apply to you
- Validated forms where required
Do not assume that a form is unnecessary simply because it does not seem relevant to your situation. Always follow the current IRCC application guide and checklist.
2. Missing or Incorrect Signatures
Signatures are an easy detail to overlook and can cause serious problems with an application.
Review every form that requires a signature and make sure the required person has signed it using the method specified by IRCC.
For online applications, pay particular attention to the electronic signature requirements.
Before submitting, don’t just check that a signature box appears to be completed. Verify that the signature has been completed exactly as required by the current instructions.
3. Missing Supporting Documents
Another common problem is failing to include documents requested by the applicable IRCC document checklist.
Depending on your circumstances, your application may require documents relating to:
- Identity
- Civil status
- Marriage
- Previous relationships
- Family members
- Immigration history
- Police certificates
- Relationship evidence
- Sponsor eligibility
- Other application-specific requirements
The documents required can vary depending on your circumstances.
Always use the current checklist applicable to your application rather than relying on an old checklist or a generic document list found online.
4. Country-Specific Requirements
Some applicants have additional document requirements based on their country of residence or the country where their documents were issued.
These may include specific requirements for:
- Civil documents
- Identity documents
- Marriage certificates
- Police certificates
- Other country-specific records
Missing a country-specific document can create problems with your application.
Before submitting, review the current IRCC country-specific requirements that apply to your case.
5. Missing or Incorrect Fees
Fee errors can also create problems with an application.
Before submitting your spousal sponsorship application, verify that you have paid the applicable fees and included the required payment receipt.
Depending on your circumstances, fees may include applicable processing fees and biometrics fees.
Do not rely on an old payment receipt or assume that the fees you paid for a previous application are still applicable.
Always check the current IRCC fee requirements before submitting.
6. Using Outdated Forms
Immigration forms and application instructions can change.
If you have been preparing your application for several months, do not assume that the forms you originally downloaded are still the current versions.
Before submitting:
- Check the current IRCC application page
- Download the latest applicable forms
- Check the form version/date where applicable
- Revalidate forms if required
- Review the current document checklist
Do not rely on forms saved from a previous application or someone else’s older application package.
7. Errors or Inconsistencies in the Application
Your application should contain complete and accurate information. Errors or inconsistencies can create issues with your application, so review the information carefully before submitting.
For example, if a person’s name appears differently on different documents, make sure the difference is properly explained and supported where necessary.
Consistency does not mean changing information simply to make documents match. It means providing accurate information and explaining legitimate differences when required.
8. Missing or Inadequate Translations
Documents that are not in English or French generally need to be accompanied by a translation that meets IRCC’s requirements. Depending on who completed the translation, an affidavit may also be required.
Before submitting, check the current IRCC instructions for translation requirements and make sure your translations and any required supporting documentation meet those requirements.
What Should I Do If My Spousal Sponsorship Application Was Returned?
If IRCC has returned your application, don’t resubmit it without first addressing the reason for the return.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Read the IRCC Return Letter Carefully
Step 2: Identify the Issue That Caused the Return
Step 3: Review the Entire Application Again
Step 4: Correct the Issues and Resubmit
Get Our Free Spousal Sponsorship Checklist
Want an easier way to complete your final review?
We’ve created a free Spousal Sponsorship Application Checklist to help you review key completeness items before submitting or re-submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A returned application is not automatically the same as a refusal. A return may occur because an application is incomplete or does not meet applicable submission requirements. A refusal is a decision made after the applicable assessment.
Common issues include missing or incomplete forms, missing signatures, missing supporting documents, fee problems, outdated forms, country-specific document requirements, and translation issues. The exact reason should be confirmed from your IRCC return communication.
Yes, where the application was returned because it was incomplete, you generally need to correct the identified issues and resubmit it according to the current IRCC instructions. Review the entire application before submitting again.
An incomplete application may be returned rather than proceeding through normal processing. IRCC’s current instructions require applicants to provide the applicable forms and supporting documents. If you cannot provide a required document, follow IRCC’s instructions for explaining why the document is unavailable and provide supporting information where appropriate.
Use the current IRCC application guide and document checklist, complete all applicable forms and signatures, provide the required documents, pay the applicable fees, and conduct a complete review before submitting.
Final Thoughts
A spousal sponsorship application returned by IRCC can be stressful, but it does not automatically mean that your sponsorship case has been refused.
Start by understanding the reason for the return. Then correct the identified issues, review the entire application against the current IRCC requirements, and resubmit the complete application where appropriate.
Need Help with Your Spousal Sponsorship Application?
Spousal sponsorship can be a complex application to navigate, especially when you’re unsure whether your forms, documents, and supporting evidence meet IRCC’s requirements.
At Yoke Immigration, our team, led by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), can assess your situation, help identify potential issues, and guide you through the application or resubmission process.
Book a consultation today to receive personalized guidance on your application
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalized immigration advice. IRCC requirements and application procedures can change. Always refer to the current IRCC instructions and document checklist applicable to your application.
