Trust but Verify: Why You Remain Responsible for Your Immigration Application—Even with a Representative

When navigating the complex world of immigration, many applicants choose to work with lawyers or immigration consultants to improve their chances of success. This is a wise decision. Professionals can help interpret the law, draft compelling submissions, and ensure documents are complete and properly submitted. However, one critical fact is often misunderstood: even if you hire a representative, you are personally responsible for everything declared in your immigration application.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as well as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), hold applicants fully accountable for the truthfulness and accuracy of all information submitted in their name—regardless of who prepared the forms.

Misrepresentation Is Your Liability

Misrepresentation can take many forms: omitting previous refusals, exaggerating work experience, providing false documents, or even ticking the wrong box. It can lead to serious consequences. Many applicants believe that if an error or omission was made by their representative—without their knowledge—they cannot be blamed. This is incorrect.

Canadian immigration law is clear: if your application contains false or misleading information, you could be found inadmissible to Canada for misrepresentation—even if your representative submitted it and you simply signed the form. This can lead to a five-year ban from applying to Canada, loss of status, or even removal proceedings.

A Real Case: When Trust Isn’t Enough

I once witnessed a case involving a young immigration lawyer who made a critical error: he forgot to declare his client’s previous U.S. visa refusal in the immigration forms. When IRCC flagged the omission, a procedural fairness letter was issued, giving the applicant a chance to respond.

The lawyer responded on behalf of the client, admitting the omission but arguing that it was his oversight—not the applicant’s. Unfortunately, IRCC was not persuaded. The application was refused, and the applicant was found inadmissible for misrepresentation, resulting in a five-year ban from entering Canada.

To make matters worse, the lawyer faced a formal complaint with the law society for professional negligence. But for the applicant, the damage was already done.

This story highlights an important lesson: your signature at the bottom of an immigration application confirms that everything in it is accurate and complete. Whether the mistake was yours or your representative’s, you bear the consequences.

The Moral: Review Everything

Before signing any document or form, review it carefully. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Don’t rely on blind trust—even if your representative is a licensed lawyer or consultant. Remember, you are the one swearing the information is true.

Here are a few steps to protect yourself:

- Request a full copy of the application before submission.

- Read every section carefully, including the personal history and declarations.

- Verify dates, spellings, and details of education, work experience, and travel.

- Ask for clarification if something looks incorrect or unfamiliar.

- Keep records of all communications and versions of submitted documents.

Conclusion

Hiring an immigration representative can be extremely helpful—but it is not a shield against accountability. Immigration authorities will always view you as the author of your application. Trust your representative, yes—but verify everything. The consequences of a small mistake can be devastating.