What Is a Reconsideration Request?
A reconsideration request is used to ask Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to review a refusal decision on your visa application. Unlike reapplying with the same information, this process specifically addresses situations where you believe the immigration officer made an error in assessing your original application. To submit a reconsideration request, you need to write a letter to the visa office that made the decision, outlining why you believe the decision was incorrect and providing any supporting documentation.
It's important to understand that a reconsideration request is different from simply reapplying. If your application was refused, applying again with the same information, even with an immigration or travel agent, will not change this decision. A reconsideration request specifically challenges the decision-making process rather than submitting new information about your circumstances.
When Should You Request Reconsideration?
You should consider how to request reconsideration of your IRCC case only in specific circumstances. The most appropriate time to submit a reconsideration request is when you have clear evidence that the immigration officer made a factual error or misinterpreted information in your original application.
Before deciding to proceed, obtain your Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes through an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request. These notes will show you exactly why your application was refused and help you determine whether there are grounds for reconsideration.
Common situations where reconsideration might be appropriate include:
- The officer overlooked the supporting documents you provided
- There was a misunderstanding about your financial situation or ties to your home country
- The officer misinterpreted evidence about your travel history or the purpose of your visit
- Technical errors occurred during the processing of your application
Step-by-Step Process to Submit a Reconsideration Request to the IRCC
Understanding how to submit a reconsideration request to IRCC properly is crucial for success. The best way is to submit a Webform. You should submit your reconsideration request using the IRCC Webform to the specific visa office that processed your original application.
Step 1: Gather Your Documentation
Before you begin, collect all relevant documents, including your original application, refusal letter, GCMS notes, and any evidence supporting your claim that an error was made.
Step 2: Access the IRCC Web Form
Visit the official IRCC website and navigate to the web form section. If you don't have an application number or a unique client identifier (UCI) number, enter 0000000 in the application number field and 1111111111 in the UCI field.
Step 3: Complete the Required Fields
Fill out all mandatory fields accurately. Select the appropriate category that best describes your inquiry, typically under "Application Processing" or "Case Specific Enquiry."
Step 4: Write Your Reconsideration Letter
In the message section, clearly explain why you believe the decision was incorrect. Be specific about the errors you identified and reference the exact sections of your GCMS notes that support your claim. Keep your explanation factual and professional.
Step 5: Attach Supporting Documents
Upload any additional evidence that supports your reconsideration request. This might include documents that clarify information the officer misinterpreted or evidence of processing errors.
Step 6: Submit & Track
After submitting your request, save your confirmation number for future reference and tracking purposes. IRCC will acknowledge receipt of your reconsideration request.
What to Include in Your Reconsideration Request
When learning how to apply for reconsideration, IRCC focuses on presenting a strong, evidence-based case. Your reconsideration letter should be clear, concise, and professional in tone. Start by identifying yourself with your full name, date of birth, and application number.
Clearly state that you are requesting reconsideration of the refusal decision and specify the date of the refusal letter. Explain the specific errors you believe were made, referencing your GCMS notes where appropriate. Provide evidence to support each point you raise, whether it's documentation that was overlooked or clarification of misunderstood information.
Avoid using emotional language or criticizing the immigration officer. Instead, present facts and evidence in a respectful manner that demonstrates why the original decision should be reconsidered.
Important Considerations
If IRCC refuses your application to come to Canada, you can apply again at any time, unless your decision letter says you can't. You should only reapply if you can include information that was not included before. This means you have alternatives if your reconsideration request is unsuccessful.
There are no government processing fees for submitting a reconsideration request, making it a cost-effective option when you have valid grounds to challenge the decision. However, success rates vary significantly depending on the strength of your evidence and the nature of the claimed error.
Submitting an IRCC reconsideration request can be an effective way to address errors in visa refusal decisions. By following the proper steps and presenting clear evidence of processing mistakes, you may be able to have your case reviewed successfully. Remember that this option works best when you can demonstrate specific factual errors rather than simply disagreeing with the officer's assessment of your application.
If your reconsideration request is unsuccessful, you still have other options, including reapplying with new information or seeking judicial review through the Federal Court of Canada with the assistance of legal representation.
