What to Do If Your Spousal Sponsorship Application Is Returned by IRCC
Published on Sep 25th 2026 by Fairworld Immigration
Having your Returned Spousal Sponsorship Application arrive back from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can be frustrating and discouraging.
After spending time collecting documents, completing forms, and preparing your application, receiving a return package often raises many questions.
Did IRCC refuse the application?
Do you need to start over?
Can you simply send it back?
Fortunately, a returned application is not the same as a refusal. In most cases, it means IRCC determined that your application was incomplete and could not begin processing it. Once the identified issues are corrected, you can usually submit a new, complete application.
Here is what you should do if you have a returned spousal sponsorship application.
Step 1: Read the Return Letter Carefully
The first thing you should do is carefully review the letter included with your returned application.
IRCC normally explains why your application could not be accepted for processing.
The reasons may include:
- Missing signatures
- Incomplete forms
- Missing supporting documents
- Incorrect fee payment
- Outdated application forms
- Missing required information
Understanding exactly what IRCC identified is the foundation of preparing a successful resubmission.
Step 2: Do Not Rush to Resubmit
Many applicants want to send their application back immediately.
While this is understandable, rushing can result in the same mistakes being repeated.
Instead, review your entire application package from beginning to end.
Ask yourself:
- Have all issues identified by IRCC been corrected?
- Have any immigration forms been updated since the original submission?
- Is any supporting documentation now outdated or expired?
- Have your personal circumstances changed?
Taking time now can help avoid another returned application.
Step 3: Update Your Forms
IRCC periodically updates immigration forms.
Even if your original application used the correct versions, newer forms may have been released while your application was being reviewed.
Download fresh copies directly from the official IRCC website before preparing your resubmission.
Step 4: Review Every Supporting Document
Supporting documents are one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or returned.
Before resubmitting, confirm that you have included all required documents, including where applicable:
- Identity documents
- Marriage certificate
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Police certificates
- Relationship evidence
- Certified translations
- Civil status documents
Organizing these documents according to the IRCC checklist makes your application easier to review.
Step 5: Double-Check Every Signature
Missing signatures continue to be one of the most common reasons sponsorship applications are returned.
Before sealing your application package:
✔ Review every application form.
✔ Confirm every required signature has been completed.
✔ Verify all dates are accurate.
✔ Ensure declarations have been signed where required.
A final signature review can prevent months of unnecessary delay.
Step 6: Review Your Relationship Evidence
Although your application may have been returned because of an administrative issue, this is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen your supporting evidence.
Consider including additional documentation if appropriate, such as:
- Recent photographs together
- Travel records
- Joint financial documents
- Residential records
- Communication history
- Family photographs
- Other documents that demonstrate your genuine relationship
A well-organized application provides IRCC with a clearer picture of your relationship.
Step 7: Consider Having Your Application Reviewed
If your application has already been returned once, a professional review before resubmission may provide additional peace of mind.
A licensed RCIC can review:
- Your eligibility
- The return letter
- Application forms
- Supporting documentation
- Relationship evidence
- Overall completeness of the application
Having another set of experienced eyes review your file may help identify issues that are easy to overlook.
Common Questions After an Application Is Returned
Many applicants ask similar questions after receiving their package back from IRCC.
Will I lose my place in line?
Generally, because processing did not begin, you will need to submit a new complete application before IRCC can place it into processing.
Will my fees be refunded?
Fee outcomes depend on the stage of processing and the circumstances of the return. Refer to the information included with your return letter and the official IRCC guidance.
Can I simply send back the missing document?
In most situations, no. Applicants are generally required to submit a complete application package that satisfies all current requirements.
Does a returned application affect future sponsorship applications?
A returned application does not automatically have a negative impact on future applications. The key is to ensure the issues identified by IRCC are fully addressed before resubmitting.
Why Work With Fairworld Immigration?
Preparing a sponsorship application can be stressful, especially after an unexpected return from IRCC.
At Fairworld Immigration, we help families understand the issues identified by IRCC and prepare a stronger resubmission by:
- Reviewing the return letter
- Confirming sponsor and applicant eligibility
- Checking every application form
- Organizing supporting documents
- Reviewing relationship evidence
- Preparing a complete resubmission package
Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence while reducing the risk of avoidable delays.
