Immigration applicants advised to maintain complete application records

Immigration applicants are advised to maintain complete copies of their entire application history, including all forms, submission letters, and supporting documents. A common misconception is that immigration representatives automatically retain all records, but many do not keep copies of electronic forms uploaded directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Maintaining these records is critical due to provisions in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Under section 16(1), applicants must answer all questions truthfully and produce all relevant evidence required by officers. Furthermore, section 40(1) outlines penalties for misrepresentation, noting that individuals can be found inadmissible for directly or indirectly withholding material facts that could induce errors in the administration of the Act.