Why is my application considered complex or non-routine and what does that mean for me?
We consider your application complex or non-routine if some parts of your application need extra review or processing on our part.
It may take us longer than the normal processing time to review a non-routine application.
Below are some examples of why your application might be complex or non-routine.
Citizenship applications
- You asked to change your personal information, like your
- name
- sex or gender identifier
- date of birth
- We need you to submit extra documents, like
- fingerprints
- residence documents
- You missed a test, interview or hearing.
- We invited you to another interview or hearing after you attended your interview.
- You failed a test.
- During your interview, you didn’t meet the language requirements.
Permanent residence applications
- Your contact information is outdated and we can’t contact you or a family member.
- We requested more documents, and they weren’t submitted on time, or at all.
- Your dependant(s) turned 18 since you applied.
- You added 1 or more dependants to your application since you applied.
- Your dependant(s) got married and/or had children of their own since you applied.
- You provided legal documents regarding child custody or that confirm a change to your marital status.
- You or your family member were asked to resubmit a medical exam because one expired.
- Exams for every person must all be valid at the same time.
- You or a family member were asked to appear for an interview.
- You or a family member might not be eligible.
- Background checks are still in progress for you or your family members.
Temporary residence (visitor visa, study permit, work permit) applications
- We’re verifying your information and documents.
- We need additional documents from you, such as child custody information.
- You sent us unclear copies of your documents.
- You have a medical condition for which you may need more tests or consultations.
- You lived in Canada before as a permanent resident.
- There’s a criminal, security or other admissibility issue.
- We need to consult with other offices in Canada or abroad.
Answers others found useful
- What are the requirements for becoming a Canadian citizen?
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- I am a citizen of another country. Will I lose that citizenship if I become a Canadian?
- What can I do if my citizenship application is refused?
- What should I do if I missed my citizenship test?
- Can I leave Canada after I mail my citizenship application?
- Do I have to use the travel journal?
- If I’m applying for citizenship, do I still have to submit the physical presence calculator if I submit the travel journal?
- If I’m transferring through different countries at the airport, or by car or train, do I need to record it in my travel journal?
- How do I get more copies of the travel journal?
- My application has been returned, because it’s incomplete. Do I have to recalculate my physical presence (time lived in Canada)?
Glossary term
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