Immigration Consultants Flag New Wave of Refusals
Canada’s immigration department is facing scrutiny from professionals after reports emerged that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is refusing permanent residency (PR) applications for lacking proof of remuneration — particularly in cases where applicants were paid in cash.
According to immigration consultant Kubeir Kamal, multiple PR files have recently been rejected on this basis, even without the department issuing Procedural Fairness Letters (PFLs) — a standard step that allows applicants to clarify missing or unclear evidence before refusal.
“IRCC is tightening further screws on PR applications by refusing applications for failing to demonstrate remuneration for declared work experience,” Kamal wrote on X. “Translation — IRCC is refusing PR applications with work experience with a cash salary.”
Kamal said he has personally seen three such refusals within two days, describing it as “a developing story”.
Legal Questions Over Payment Methods
Immigration experts argue that Canadian immigration law does not specify any particular method of payment to prove valid employment.
Whether remuneration is made via cash, cheque, or bank transfer, the key requirement under law is that the employment be genuine and verifiable.
“This new interpretation raises legal questions,” Kamal added, suggesting that a series of judicial reviews (JRs) could soon challenge IRCC’s stance and push for clearer guidance on acceptable proof of paid work experience.
Lawyers and consultants note that the absence of procedural fairness letters could further strengthen judicial review challenges, as applicants were not given the opportunity to provide clarifications or additional evidence.
Context — Policy Tightening and Backlogs
The move comes amid a broader tightening of Canada’s immigration processes and rising scrutiny on documentation and fraud prevention as IRCC faces significant backlogs in PR and work permit processing.
Earlier this week, the federal government extended the open work permit deadline under the TR to PR (Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident) pathway until December 31, 2026, allowing applicants to maintain legal status while awaiting decisions.
🔗 Related Reading: Canada Extends Open Work Permit Policy to 2026
That policy extension was intended to provide stability for temporary workers and families, but this new development highlights a growing disconnect between policy relief and administrative practice.
What Happens Next
With refusals reportedly increasing and no official IRCC statement yet issued, immigration professionals say they expect further legal challenges in Federal Court.
Kamal and other experts predict that judicial rulings could soon compel the department to clarify acceptable proof standards, especially for applicants from countries where cash-based employment remains common.
For now, experts recommend applicants include detailed pay slips, tax records, and employer affidavits wherever possible to demonstrate genuine employment and mitigate refusal risks.
