How Canadian Provinces “Ask” for Documents and Which Provinces Do It Sadistically
Have you applied for immigration through a provincial program? Congratulations, you’ve found yourself in a mini-quest called “guess what we meant.”
1. QUEBEC: A Request for Documents with an included Heart Attack
Quebec is not just a province, it’s an immigration circus with some elements of a horror movie.
Instead of the usual polite letter saying “please send such and such documents,” Quebec sends an “Intention de refuse” (“intention to refuse”).
The client’s first reaction: “I was refused! That’s the end! What should I do now?!” But here’s the reality: it’s just their communication style. The second page says:
“Please provide us with few more references, because we forgot to ask you for them six months ago.”
Example: a client submitted a PEQ. Six months later they received an “intent to refuse” due to the missing last paychecks for 6 months. Well, yes, they have been considering the applicant’s case for 6 months and now they urgently need to make sure that the applicant is still working there.
Submission for Quebec is not for “weak people”. Just stay strong: do not faint and do not call an ambulance. Just send the documents via Arrima or Mon projet Québec.
2. BRITISH COLUMBIA: “Explain something about your documents”
The situation here seems much more polite:
The province can send you this type of a letter:
“We want to refuse you because we did not quite understand something... Please explain.”
Thus, you get a chance to clarify the situation. This is a procedural fairness, and looks like a normal dialogue.
3. ONTARIO AND THE ATLANTIC PROVINCES: Dialogue is possible
Ontario and the Atlantic provinces are also generally adequate. If questions arise, they send letters like:
“We are not sure about the information. Please clarify.” They give you a chance. They are not always perfect, but at least they do not issue “scaring letters.”
4. ALBERTA: The quiet squid games
The most “stubborn” province is Alberta.
- They do not send warnings.
- They do not give a chance to explain anything.
- They just send a refusal right away.
And even when this refusal is based on a misunderstanding, for example, an officer did not notice the uploaded documents or an HR employee said nonsense on the phone, Alberta won’t listen.
Yes, formally you can apply for reconsideration. But:
- They only review if the officer has not physically seen the documents that have ALREADY been sent.
- If there is a mistake on the part of HR or there are some inaccuracies in the information (even if you provide 100 letters and 200 paychecks), the decision remains final.
The main rules to remember:
- Quebec scares, but gives a chance.
- British Columbia, Ontario and the Atlantic are sane, and they let you explain things the were unclear in the application.
- Alberta does not warn, does not explain, does not discuss. And it is almost impossible to argue with it.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada
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