Three Reasons Your Canada Visa Application is on Hold.
If you have applied for immigration to Canada, you may be eagerly waiting for a decision on your application. However, sometimes your application may get stuck in a limbo state called “review required”. You will know this status from your GCMS Notes. This means that your file has been flagged by an IRCC analyst for further scrutiny by a senior visa officer. This can delay your processing time and cause frustration and anxiety.
Why does your file get flagged for review required? There are many possible reasons, but here are the top three that we encounter most frequently:
- Lack of sufficient funds. One of the eligibility criteria for most immigration programs is to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada. This is called the proof of funds requirement. You need to provide bank statements or other documents to show that you have liquid assets that can be easily converted to cash. If you fail to provide adequate proof of funds, or if your funds fluctuate due to currency exchange rates, your file may be flagged for review required. You may receive a procedural fairness letter from IRCC asking you to explain or update your financial situation. You should respond to this letter as soon as possible with clear and accurate information, otherwise your application may be refused.
- Inconsistency or discrepancy in your information. Another reason why your file may be flagged for review required is if there is any inconsistency or discrepancy in the information you provided in your application. For example, if your work experience does not match your declared occupation, or if your education credentials are not verified by a designated organization, or if your family composition changes during the processing of your application, you may trigger a review required flag. IRCC may ask you to provide additional documents or evidence to clarify or confirm your information. You should comply with their requests promptly and honestly, otherwise your application may be deemed incomplete or fraudulent.
- Security or medical issues. A third reason why your file may be flagged for review required is if there are any security or medical issues that affect your admissibility to Canada. For example, if you have a criminal record, or if you have been involved in any human rights violations, or if you have a serious health condition that could pose a burden on the Canadian health care system, you may be subject to a review required flag. IRCC may conduct further investigations or assessments to determine if you pose a risk to the safety or well-being of Canadians. You may be asked to provide police certificates, biometrics, medical exams, or other documents to prove your eligibility. You should cooperate with IRCC and follow their instructions carefully, otherwise your application may be denied.
How can you avoid or resolve a review required flag? The best way to avoid a review required flag is to submit a complete and accurate visa application with all the required documents and information. You should also monitor your application status online and respond to any correspondence from IRCC as soon as possible. If you notice that your file has been flagged for review required, you should not panic or lose hope. You should consult with an experienced immigration lawyer who can help you understand the reason for the flag and advise you on how to address it effectively.
There is another reason due to inactive visa officer code being tagged against your immigration application. To read further click here
If you would like to apply GCMS notes from IRCC and CBSA go to gcmsapply.com