6 common mistakes when submitting documents for immigration to Canada
Learn about common mistakes that can lead to visa rejection and how to avoid them in 2025.
There are many ways to enter Canada: about a hundred immigration streams for permanent residency, student visas, or work permits. Whichever path you choose, you'll face a lengthy, multi-step process of filling out and submitting documents. Let's look at some common mistakes that can significantly delay your application or even lead to visa denial.
In 2025, Canada reduced its immigration quotas: the annual target is 395,000 new permanent residents. This will decrease to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027, which is 20% lower than previously announced figures. Moreover, over 40% of spots are reserved for those already in the country, making competition even tougher for overseas applicants.
1. Submitting your application to the wrong place
Due to the variety of entry methods, confusion about where and how to apply is common. Let's look at typical situations most migrants face.
If you're 14 to 79 years old and from Russia, you'll need to provide biometric data when applying for a visa. You can find an up-to-date list of available visa centers on the official vfsglobal.ca website. Applications must be submitted in person; electronic submission is not available.
If you're applying under one of the federal skilled worker programs, first create an online profile through Express Entry. If you meet the requirements and receive an invitation to apply, you must obtain a visa and work permit at the nearest visa center.
For family reunification applications, send your application by mail to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga at these addresses:
- Spouses and common-law partners outside Canada: CPC Mississauga P.O. Box 3000 Station A, Mississauga, ON L5A 4N6
- Spouses and common-law partners living in Canada: CPC Mississauga P.O. Box 5040, Station B, Mississauga, ON L5A 3A4
- Parents and grandparents: CPC-M-PGP P.O. Box 8020, Station T CSC, Ottawa, ON K1G 3H6
- Other family class applications: CPC Mississauga P.O. Box 6100, Station A, Mississauga, ON L5A 4H4
Important: Processing of parent and grandparent reunification applications in 2025 is limited to a maximum of 15,000 applications submitted in 2024. New applications will not be accepted in 2025.
2. Not meeting the required language score and sending results to the wrong place
The Canadian standard for English or French proficiency is the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). However, you can take the IELTS test in Russia to provide proof of your English language skills.
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DON'T confuse the two scoring systems. They're very close but not identical. Remember that CLB sets the required benchmark, which you then convert to the required IELTS score. Also, DON'T send your IELTS result directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — include it with your application. Otherwise, the language test won't be accepted.
Here's a table comparing CLB and IELTS requirements for main immigration programs:
| Immigration Program | Minimum CLB Requirement | IELTS Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | CLB 7 | 6.0 for speaking, reading, writing 6.0-7.0 for listening |
| Canadian Experience Class, NOC TEER 0 and 1 levels | CLB 7 | 6.0 for speaking, reading and writing 6.0-7.0 for listening |
| Canadian Experience Class, NOC TEER 2 and 3 levels | CLB 5 | 5.0 for listening, writing and speaking 4.0 for reading |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | CLB 5 (speaking and listening) CLB 4 (reading and writing) |
5.0 for listening and speaking 3.5 for reading 4.0 for writing |
Remember, these are minimum scores. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. In 2025, priority categories for Express Entry are healthcare professions, trades, and French language proficiency.
Important change: From spring 2025, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional points for a job offer supported by LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
3. Including an ineligible dependent
This point is easy to get wrong due to several changes made by Canadian immigration authorities in recent years to the definition of a "dependent." To avoid this mistake, use the IRCC web tool to ensure all your children qualify as dependents. It's quite complex, so make sure you understand it correctly.
4. Paying the wrong fee amount
This is another common mistake, so make sure you've paid all necessary fees, saved and printed payment receipts, and included them in your application if you're mailing it.
Important: Visa fees increased in 2025. Always check the official IRCC website for current fee information.
Here are the updated basic fees you'll need to pay when applying from Russia in 2025:
| Application Type | Fee in Canadian Dollars |
|---|---|
| Work permit (per person) | $155 |
| Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
| Biometrics (per family) | $170 |
| Study permit (per person) | $150 |
| Permanent residence for Express Entry | $515 |
| Spouse/partner sponsorship | $1,365 |
| Sponsoring your child | $75 |
5. Submitting incorrect photographs with your application
You must provide photos that meet specific requirements outlined on the IRCC website. Print these requirements and ask a professional photographer to follow them. The photos should include the studio name, address, and the date they were taken.
Additionally, photo specifications should be: 50mm x 70mm size, full front view of the head including the upper part of the shoulders, only non-tinted prescription glasses allowed, and the face must not be covered by any religious items.
6. Incorrect Signature on Your Online Application
The signature you provide on your online application must match exactly the full name used in the application. You can't sign with a different version of your name. They must be identical. If you're under 18, your parents or guardians need to sign the form for you.
Additionally, you'll need to answer one of the four security questions you chose when creating your IRCC account (for example, your elementary school principal's name) as part of signing your online application. DON'T forget the exact answer to each security question. Write them down and keep them in a safe place, just in case.
2025 Update: A cap on study permit applications has been introduced — 550,162 applications from January to December 2025. Applications submitted after reaching this limit will be returned unprocessed along with any fees paid.
Remember that immigration requirements can change, so always check for the most up-to-date information on the official IRCC website before submitting your documents.
If you need help preparing your Canadian immigration documents, book a consultation.
