IRCC Reconsideration Requests:

Purpose of This Guide

This page is meant to help you understand what an IRCC reconsideration request actually is, when it is realistic, and when it is simply not the right strategy. Many applicants receive a refusal and immediately look for a quick fix. Unfortunately, reconsideration is not a cure for a weak application, and IRCC is not obligated to reopen a file.

My goal here is to give you a clear, balanced explanation so you can decide your next step with confidence, without relying on unrealistic expectations.

What Is a Reconsideration Request?

A reconsideration request is a written request asking IRCC to review a refusal decision when you believe the officer made a clear factual or procedural error based on the documents you originally submitted.

It is not an appeal.
It is not a second chance.
It is not a place to submit new documents.

IRCC will only assess whether the officer overlooked something, misread information, or applied the wrong rule. The officer will not reassess your full application unless there was a mistake that affected the outcome.

Reconsideration vs Webform Update

A webform update is used during processing, before the decision.
A reconsideration request is used after refusal, and only to argue that an error occurred.

When a Reconsideration Request Makes Sense

A reconsideration request is worth trying only when there is an objective error, such as:

• You submitted a required document, but the officer stated it was missing

• The officer misinterpreted a key fact or overlooked information that was clearly included

• IRCC applied the wrong eligibility rule or program requirements

• A technical or clerical error occurred

• A system error resulted in an incorrect refusal

In these situations, reconsideration is a reasonable step because IRCC can correct its own oversight without reopening the entire file.

When Reconsideration Almost Never Works

This is where most applicants make a mistake. Reconsideration is very unlikely to succeed when:

• The application was incomplete

• Supporting documents were weak, missing, or insufficient

• Your purpose of visit was not persuasive

• Your financials or ties were weak

• You are trying to add new evidence that was not originally submitted

• You disagree with the officer’s judgment but cannot show an actual error

• You want to “explain more” after the refusal

IRCC will not use reconsideration to:

• Strengthen an application

• Re-argue subjective points

• Add new documents

• Reassess credibility or intent

• Provide a second opinion

In these situations, a new application or a different strategy is almost always more effective.

How IRCC Assesses a Reconsideration Request

IRCC reviews reconsideration requests with one question:

“Did the officer make a clear mistake when reviewing the original application?”

Their review is limited to:

• Documents submitted before the refusal

• Notes in the GCMS system

• The officer’s reasoning

• Whether the decision was reasonable and consistent with IRPA/IRPR

They do not:

• Consider new documents

• Re-evaluate your entire case

• Reopen the file unless an error is proven

• Provide a deadline for responding

Because of this, most reconsideration requests receive no answer.
That is normal.
It does not mean IRCC is angry or refusing to review your file. It simply means no error was found.

Step-by-Step: How to Send a Reconsideration Request

Here is a simple and practical process:

1. Read your refusal letter carefully
   Understand the exact reasons for refusal.

2. Order GCMS notes
   Without GCMS, you are guessing.

3. Identify whether an actual error occurred
   Look for misinterpretation, missing information that you did submit, or the officer applying the wrong rule.

4. Draft a short, factual request
   Keep emotion out of it.

5. Submit through the IRCC webform
   Choose “Case Specific Enquiry” and use your application number.

6. Wait for a response
   There is no timeline and no guarantee of any reply.

If there is no clear error, reconsideration is rarely worth the effort.

What to Include in a Strong Reconsideration Request

A solid request covers only the essentials:

• Application number and UCI

• Date of refusal

• A single, clearly stated error

• A reference to the refusal line in question

• A citation of the document that contradicts the officer’s conclusion

• A respectful, concise request for the officer to correct the oversight

Ideal length: 150–300 words.
Long messages reduce your chances.

Common Mistakes People Make

Avoid the following:

• Writing long emotional explanations

• Repeating the same arguments used in the initial application

• Adding new documents

• Accusing or criticizing the officer

• Sending multiple reconsideration requests

• Treating reconsideration as an appeal

• Relying on sample letters from the internet that do not apply to their case

These mistakes usually harm the applicant more than help.

Timeline and What to Expect

Reconsideration requests do not follow a standard IRCC timeline.

You may see:

• No response at all

• A short email acknowledging review

• A request for clarification (rare)

• A new decision if an error was confirmed

Most applicants never receive a reply.
A lack of response does not mean your file is active. It simply means IRCC did not find a reviewable error.

When Reconsideration Is the Wrong Strategy

You should not pursue reconsideration if:

• Your circumstances changed after refusal

• You want to add stronger documents

• The refusal was reasonable based on what you submitted

• You misunderstood the requirements

• You are hoping IRCC will “be lenient”

• You are trying to fix a weak application through explanation

In these cases, you are better off:

• Reapplying with a stronger package

• Addressing weaknesses head-on

• Submitting clearer financials or ties

• Completing missing documents

• Explaining inconsistencies properly

For some situations, other strategies may be appropriate:

• Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C)

• Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

• Judicial review in Federal Court (only when the decision is unreasonable)

Each path depends on your situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Reconsideration vs Reapplication vs Judicial Review

Here is a simple comparison:

Reconsideration

• Only checks for errors

• No new documents allowed

• No timeline

• Low chance of success

• Good only for oversight or incorrect interpretation

Reapplication

• Full new assessment

• You can strengthen the case

• Usually the most effective approach

• Recommended when refusal reasons are valid and fixable

Judicial Review

• Federal Court reviews officer’s reasonableness

• Time-sensitive

• Legal process

• Only appropriate when there is a genuine legal error

Most applicants fall into the reapply category.

My Professional Approach

My commitment is to give you an honest assessment of your situation. I do not provide guarantees or unrealistic promises. Instead, I look at:

• The refusal reasons

• The strength of your documents

• Whether an actual IRCC error occurred

• Whether a reconsideration request is logical

• Whether a new application or a different strategy gives you a better chance

Every case is different, and the right path depends on the evidence, not emotion.

Need Guidance After an IRCC Refusal?

If you received a refusal and are unsure what to do next, I can help you review:

• Your refusal letter

• GCMS notes

• Your original documents

• Your realistic options

From there, I can help you choose the strategy that fits your situation, whether that is reconsideration, reapplication, or another pathway.

Mehdi Nafisi is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB), an immigrant himself who has lived most of his life in Canada. He carries a deep passion for helping others navigate the same system that once shaped his own journey.

With a background spanning IT, healthcare, and business, Mehdi brings a rare combination of analytical precision and human understanding to every case. Before founding Immigreen Consulting, he spent years working in the health sector and technology fields, developing the problem-solving skills and empathy that now define his approach to complex immigration cases.

As a father, advocate for dignity and fairness, and someone who believes in second chances, Mehdi specializes in challenging applications—from humanitarian and compassionate PR cases to residency obligation appeals, spousal sponsorships, and refused visa re-applications. His work is guided by one simple principle: every client deserves trusted, human-centered representation and a voice that’s heard.

Outside his practice, Mehdi is an aviation enthusiast, lifelong athlete, and former martial arts competitor. He has volunteered with youth programs, taught martial arts, and supported foster children in care homes. He has also tutored underprivileged students, continuing his lifelong mission of helping people grow, belong, and thrive.

I treat every case like it’s personal. Because for my clients, it is.

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About the founder, Mehdi Nafisi

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