I made a mistake on my Canada visa application, what should I do?

It’s very important to avoid making mistakes in your visa application but mistakes are a natural part of life

And, they can happen even when we’re dealing with something as important as your Canadian visa application.

I’ve been there myself—I once made a mistake on my visa application despite double- and triple-checking every detail.

Read also: How do I know if my Canadian visa is approved

If you’ve just discovered a mistake on your application, rest assured, that you’re not alone.

However, it has to be addressed, here’s what you should do.

What if I made a mistake on my visa application Canada?

If you realize that you’ve made a mistake on your visa application, you should contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as soon as possible.

A mistake in your application depending on its severity can affect its outcome.

Minor mistakes will not significantly affect the outcome of your application, however, more serious mistakes will.

Can I edit my visa application after submission to Canada?

Once you have submitted your visa application to Canada, you cannot directly edit it. However, if you need to correct or update information, you can contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and request to make changes.

You’ll be required to explain the changes.

Read also: Your passport is ready for pickup; does it mean visa approval?

You can either use the IRCC web form to submit a correction request or directly contact the visa office centre managing your application to address the issue.

How to correct a mistake in your Canada visa application

What you’ll do depends on both the severity of the mistake and the stage of your application when you discover the error.

If you’ve already submitted your application when you realised you made a mistake, send a request to the authorities through the IRCC Web Form.

This form allows you to submit updated information, submit additional documents, or clarify any mistakes/errors on your application.

Here’s how to use it:

• Go to the IRCC web form.
• Scroll down and click on the “Tell us more” button.
• You’ll see the “Are you contacting us about the parents and grandparents sponsorship program?” button. Select “NO” to continue.
• The next question is to know if you’re an applicant”, select “Yes” and proceed.
• Next, you’ll be asked if your application is being processed by an office outside Canada, select your answer.
• If your application is being processed inside Canada, the web form will pop up for you to fill out.
• But, if it is being processed outside Canada, you’ll see an option to select your location – that is where you submitted your application.
• Upon selecting where you submitted your application, you’ll see the “Go to form” button.
• Click on it and you’ll be taken to the web form.
• Fill out your details in the space provided on the form.
• In the enquiry box, explain the issue.
• If the mistake involves a document, like a misspelt name on a form, attach the corrected document to the web form.
• Once done, submit the form.
• You should receive a confirmation email that your request has been received.

You can use this form if you want to correct a mistake you made in your details.

Or, if you want to report a change, like address, education, employment, or language test results.

After submitting your issue through the form, you’ll receive an acknowledgement from IRCC.

If you applied on paper or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and realize you made a mistake, you can also contact the VAC directly to correct it.

Write a letter of explanation to the VAC – detailing the mistake and attach the necessary documents.

They’ll help you take the necessary action and correct the mistake depending on how far gone in processing your application.

If you notice the mistake before submitting your visa application, you’re in luck.

Read also: How long after my visa interview will I get my visa?

Most online applications allow you to review and edit your information before final submission.

If you made a mistake, you can correct it when reviewing your details before you submit it.

Double-check every detail, correct any errors, and make sure everything is accurate before hitting the submit button.

Why should you worry if you made a mistake on your Canada visa application?

When applying for a Canadian visa, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself.

From your name, email address, phone number, family details, travel history, and sometimes even financial details.

The authorities aren’t demanding these details because they want to be your friends, not at all.

They need your information because they rely on what you give them (the information you provide) to:

1. Know who you are
2. Assess your eligibility for the visa
3. And, determine if allowing you into the country is a good idea.

Errors, whether intentional or unintentional mean the authorities have the wrong details about you.

Read also: What happens after my visa is approved?

Depending on the severity of the mistake, if your details are conflicting, your application can be delayed, rejected or you receive a request to clarify the issue.

If you make a mistake in your application, no matter how small, it has to be corrected

When I made a mistake in my application, it was my date of birth, instead of 2, I used 22.

To the authorities, this means either the date on my birth certificate is wrong or the one on my form is wrong.

Common mistakes I have seen people make in their application include:

• Misspelled names, incorrect birthdates, or wrong passport numbers.
• Wrong travel date.
• Forgetting to fill out a section of the application.
• And, uploading the wrong document.

Can the mistake I made in my Canada visa application affect the outcome?

Some mistakes, though you made them, are minor enough that they don’t affect whether your application will be approved or rejected.

For example, a small spelling error in your name or address is usually not a big deal, especially if everything else (like your documents) bears the right spelling.

However, other errors – the big ones play a role in the outcome of your application.

They’re that severe.

Read also: Can I withdraw my Canada visa application and reapply?

For example, if you provide incorrect information about your travel history, job, or finances – this can’t be overlooked.

If the required proof of funds is $10,000 and you have $1,000 in your application, this is a significant mistake and will delay your application till rectified.

When you make a mistake in your application, whether it’s a minor mistake or a serious one, correct it.

If you haven’t submitted your application, go back to your IRCC account, find the particular application and correct the mistake.

Read also: What happens if I don’t use my Schengen visa?

If you have submitted it, use the IRCC web form to request a change in your details.

Do not overlook any mistakes especially when they play a significant role in determining the outcome of your application.