Port-of-entry examinations
Everyone seeking to enter Canada is examined by a border services officer. You must answer truthfully and produce the documents requested (IRPA section 16). Questions cover who you are, why you are coming, how long you will stay, your funds, your health, and any criminal history. If the officer has concerns, you can be referred to a longer secondary examination.
- Be consistent with what you put in your visa or eTA application.
- Carry proof of your purpose, such as an invitation letter, return ticket, enrolment letter or job offer.
- If you are refused entry, you may be allowed to withdraw your application to enter and leave. That is very different from being issued a removal order.
CBSA inland interviews
The CBSA calls people in for many reasons: to investigate possible inadmissibility before a section 44 report, to discuss loss of status, to serve PRRA notifications, or to arrange removal. Bring identity documents and any letter you received. You can ask that counsel attend; whether they can depends on the officer. If an officer believes you will not appear for the next step, detention is possible, so it matters that you attend and are prepared.
IRCC interviews
IRCC can call applicants in any program for an interview. They are most common in spousal sponsorship, where officers test whether the relationship is genuine. Officers interview partners separately and compare the answers: how you met, the wedding, your daily life, each other’s families and plans. Permanent residence, citizenship and refugee eligibility interviews also happen.
If you cannot attend, write to IRCC before the date, or as soon as possible afterwards, with the reason and evidence. Unexplained absences can lead to refusal or closure of the file.
Procedural fairness letters
Instead of, or after, an interview, an officer may send a procedural fairness letter setting out a concern and a deadline to respond. This is often your only chance to answer the concern before a refusal. A strong response addresses each concern directly with evidence.
Misrepresentation risk
Giving false information, or withholding a material fact, can lead to a finding of misrepresentation and a five-year ban on applying for permanent residence. This applies even when someone else, such as an agent, filled in the forms. If something in your file is wrong, get advice before the interview.
How ATWORLD IMMIGRATION helps
- We review your full file before the interview and flag anything an officer is likely to ask about.
- We run preparation sessions in your language, including separate practice for each spouse.
- We attend where the officer allows.
- We prepare written responses to procedural fairness letters.
Last reviewed November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law and IRB procedure change often; we confirm the current rules for your file at your consultation.