Do Not File Your Immigration Application Before Reading This: IRCC’s Sharp Practice Could Ruin You

Recently, we published a blog post highlighting a staggering announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): findings of misrepresentation in immigration applications have increased by an astonishing 600%. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a seismic shift in how IRCC is approaching applications, and we’re seeing the real-world fallout in our practice every single day.

If you’re planning to apply for a Canadian visa, work permit, permanent residency, or any other immigration program, you MUST pay attention. The landscape has changed dramatically, and IRCC’s current approach is unlike anything we’ve witnessed before. Minor discrepancies—details that might have been overlooked in the past—are now being flagged as misrepresentation, leading to procedural fairness letters (PFLs), refusals, and even findings of inadmissibility. This trend is alarming, and as immigration lawyers, it’s our duty to sound the alarm and help you protect your immigration journey.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what’s happening, share real examples from our practice, and offer frank, practical advice for anyone considering or currently navigating the Canadian immigration process. Whether you’re abroad dreaming of Canada or already here preparing your next application, here’s what you need to know—and what you should do.

The Misrepresentation Crackdown: What’s Happening?

Misrepresentation, under Section 40 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), occurs when an applicant provides false information or withholds material facts that could influence an immigration decision. A finding of misrepresentation doesn’t just mean a refused application—it comes with a five-year ban from entering Canada and can haunt your ability to secure visas from other countries. Historically, IRCC reserved these findings for clear cases of fraud: fake documents, fabricated job offers, or outright lies about personal circumstances.

But that’s not what’s happening now. Our firm has observed a troubling pattern where even minor inconsistencies—sometimes unintentional errors—are being escalated into misrepresentation allegations. Applicants are receiving PFLs for discrepancies that would have been shrugged off in years past. This aggressive stance contradicts established federal court case law, which has consistently emphasized fairness, materiality, and intent in misrepresentation findings. Many experienced immigration lawyers, ourselves included, are calling this shift “sharp practice”—a term that refers to technically legal but overly harsh or unethical tactics that push the boundaries of fairness and due process. In this context, “sharp practice” means IRCC is exploiting its discretionary power to penalize applicants for trivial errors, often without regard for intent or the broader principles of equity that should guide immigration decisions.

Take one of our recent cases as an example. We submitted a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit application for a client. As part of the process, we meticulously compiled a 10-year employment history, ensuring every position was documented accurately based on the information our client provided. This is standard practice, and we pride ourselves on submitting thorough, compliant applications. To our disbelief, IRCC issued a PFL claiming misrepresentation—not because of anything in our submission, but because the employment history conflicted with a visitor visa application the client had submitted herself years earlier. The discrepancies? A few gaps and differing job titles, likely due to the casual way she filled out that earlier form as a layperson.

This isn’t an isolated incident. We’re hearing similar stories from colleagues across the industry and seeing a flood of inquiries from panicked applicants who’ve received PFLs for trivial issues: a misspelled employer name, a forgotten part-time job from a decade ago, or a slight mismatch in dates. IRCC’s approach feels punitive, almost as if they’re looking for reasons to refuse rather than assessing applications in good faith. By engaging in what many of us call “sharp practice,” IRCC is not only ignoring that precedent but also undermining the integrity of the immigration system—leaving applicants caught in the crossfire.

Why Is This Happening?

The burning question on everyone’s mind is: why is IRCC suddenly clamping down so hard on misrepresentation? At Blacksy, we’ve been analyzing this shift alongside our colleagues in the immigration law community, and while there’s no definitive answer—IRCC isn’t exactly forthcoming with its internal playbook—several possibilities emerge when we step back and look at the broader context. The truth is, it could be a mix of factors, and understanding these possibilities might help you navigate the current storm.

One potential driver could be the pressure to manage the number of temporary residents already in Canada. Over the past few years, the country has seen a significant influx of international students, temporary workers, and visitors, putting a strain on housing, healthcare, and other resources. The government has openly acknowledged the need to address this growth, but reducing those numbers isn’t as simple as flipping a switch—it involves complex policy changes and enforcement. Some speculate that IRCC might be tightening the screws on applications from abroad as a way to slow the arrival of new temporary residents, effectively keeping the numbers from climbing higher while they figure out a longer-term plan.

Then there’s the timing of the federal election, just two to three months away as of March or April 2025. Immigration is a perennial hot-button issue in Canadian politics, and with parties vying for votes, the current government might be signaling a tougher stance to appeal to certain constituencies. Alternatively, IRCC could be hitting the pause button, ramping up scrutiny and refusals to maintain the status quo until new leadership takes office and sets fresh policies or perspectives. A change in government could bring a shift in immigration priorities—whether more lenient or stricter—and IRCC might be buying time to adapt to whatever comes next.

Another possibility is that IRCC has encountered a wave of fraudulent applications in recent years—fake documents, sham job offers, or other deliberate misrepresentations—and is now cracking down hard to send a message. Fraud has always been a concern in immigration systems worldwide, and it’s possible that heightened detection efforts have led to a broader net being cast. The unfortunate side effect? Honest, good-faith applicants are getting caught up in the sweep. A minor discrepancy that might once have been chalked up to human error—like forgetting a short-term job from years ago—now risks being treated as an intentional deceit, leaving well-meaning individuals penalized alongside the bad actors.

It could also be a combination of these factors, or something else entirely—like internal resource constraints or a shift in training for immigration officers. Whatever the root cause, the result is the same: refusal rates are up, processing times are stretching, and misrepresentation findings are being wielded with unprecedented frequency. For those already in Canada, applications face intense scrutiny; for those outside, it feels like IRCC is raising the drawbridge. What’s clear is that this isn’t business as usual, and applicants need to adjust their expectations—and their strategies—accordingly.

Our Advice: Proceed with Caution

At Blacksy, our mission is to guide clients through the immigration process with honesty and integrity. Given what we’re seeing, we’re issuing three key warnings—and some unconventional advice—to anyone considering a Canadian immigration application right now.

1. If You’re Abroad and Not in a Rush, Consider Delaying Your Application

Yes, you read that correctly. As Canadian immigration lawyers, we’re usually the last people to tell you to hold off on pursuing your Canadian dream. But hear us out. If you’re currently outside Canada and planning to submit an application—say, for a work permit, study permit, or permanent residency—and you’re not under immediate time pressure, it might be wise to wait. The federal election, expected in spring 2025, could shift the political landscape and, with it, IRCC’s priorities. A new government might ease up on this hyper-vigilant approach—or at least move away from the “sharp practice” tactics we’re seeing—or clarify the direction of immigration policy.

Delaying isn’t about giving up—it’s about timing your move strategically. Right now, submitting an application feels like walking into a minefield. A misrepresentation finding doesn’t just derail your Canadian plans; it can complicate visa applications to the U.S., Australia, the U.K., or anywhere else, as countries share immigration data more than ever. If you can afford to wait a few months, you might avoid becoming a casualty of IRCC’s current overreach.

2. If You Must Apply—In Canada or Abroad—Work with a Licensed Professional

   
   

This might sound like self-promotion coming from a law firm, but it’s not. It’s a survival tip. Whether you’re in Canada preparing an inland application or abroad submitting from scratch, you cannot afford to go it alone right now. The stakes are too high, and the margin for error is razor-thin. A competent, licensed immigration lawyer or consultant isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Why? Because even small mistakes—like an inconsistent date or an omitted detail—can trigger a misrepresentation finding under IRCC’s current “sharp practice” approach. Once that happens, your application fees (often hundreds or thousands of dollars) are gone, your application is refused, and you’re facing a five-year ban. Worse, that finding stains your immigration record globally. We’ve seen clients lose everything over errors they didn’t even realize were errors. A professional can spot potential red flags, ensure consistency across all your applications (past and present), and build a file that withstands IRCC’s scrutiny. It’s not about marketing—it’s about protecting your future.

3. Already Submitted and Worried? Talk to a Lawyer Now

   
   

If you’ve already submitted an application and you’re second-guessing something—maybe you’re unsure about a detail you provided, or you’ve received a PFL—don’t wait. Contact a lawyer immediately. At Blacksy, we’ve helped clients respond to PFLs, clarify discrepancies, and salvage applications that seemed doomed. The key is acting fast and being transparent. Tell us everything—every past application, every detail you can remember—and we’ll strategize together.

Even if you haven’t heard back from IRCC yet but suspect an issue (say, a mismatch between your current and previous submissions), a consultation can give you peace of mind or a game plan. Time is critical with misrepresentation allegations, especially given IRCC’s “sharp practice” tendencies, and proactive steps can make all the difference.

4. Book a Consultation: Knowledge Is Power

   
   

We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to empower you. The immigration process is daunting enough without IRCC’s current hardline approach, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re on the fence about submitting, have an application in progress, or just want to understand your options, book a consultation with us. In one session, you might uncover a perspective you hadn’t considered, learn something that saves your application, or get a tailored strategy to navigate this unprecedented climate.

We’ve seen clients turn potential disasters into successful outcomes because they acted early and worked with us to get ahead of the problem. You don’t need to roll the dice with your future—let’s make a plan together.

Final Thoughts

IRCC’s 600% spike in misrepresentation findings isn’t just a number—it’s a warning siren for anyone engaging with Canada’s immigration system. At Blacksy, we’re witnessing the fallout firsthand, and it’s our duty to inform the public. The choice is yours: delay if you can, hire a professional if you must proceed, or seek help if you’re already in the process. Whatever you decide, proceed with eyes wide open. Canada remains a land of opportunity, but right now, getting here—or staying here—requires more caution than ever, especially with IRCC leaning into what many of us see as “sharp practice.”

Have questions? Concerned about your application? Reach out to Blacksy today. We’re here to help you navigate this storm.

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About the Author

I’m Ahmet Faruk Ocak, a Canadian immigration lawyer and the founder of Blacksy Immigration Law Firm 🌊. 

At Blacksy, we specialize in providing honest, straightforward, and tailored immigration solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. Our brand promise is simple: no unnecessary fuss, no false hopes, and no empty promises—just realistic, reliable guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals.

Whether you’re expanding your business to Canada, transferring top talent, or planning your future here, we’re here to guide you with precision, transparency, and care.

Visit us at www.blacksyimmigration.com to learn more or to start your journey.