Q & A: Prior Refusal

author avatar
CIC News
Published: December 1, 1998

Q. My cousin applied for Canadian PR couple of years ago and got refused due to lack of work experience. Now he has experience and he is thinking about applying again. Can he just send an application with proper fee since Buffalo already has everything from him (his old file). or he needs to send everything all over? Because if he mentions on application that he has applied before, they can always pull his old records. Don't they keep your old records (refused applications etc) ?

Answer: Records are kept for applications which have been refused. Immigration officials, however, do not simply reopen such files with new fees, and may not even be allowed to by law. If the individual wishes to resubmit the case, it should be an entirely new application, with all relevant materials.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Express Entry candidates in these situations may need to decline their invitations to apply
New law grants thousands Canadian citizenship: Can you apply in 2026?
These are the candidates Alberta is prioritizing for permanent residence in 2026
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Provinces
These are the candidates Alberta is prioritizing for permanent residence in 2026
A shot of a frozen river, snow-capped mountains, and coniferous trees taken in Banff, Alberta.
Provincial nomination: Prepare these documents to avoid refusal
A person sitting at a wooden table and sorting through a stack of papers that have been grouped with coloured paper clips.
Canada adds 5,000 PR selection spaces for French-speaking immigrants
A picture of Ottawa in the winter.
Prince Edward Island prioritizes international graduates in first PNP draw of 2026
Red and white lighthouse located in the National Park at Covehead, PEI, Canada—surrounding area covered in snow.
Link copied to clipboard