Canada demands military records from Ukrainians: what PFL really means
18 September 2025 10:36
In Canada, Ukrainian men who have applied for permanent residence have begun receiving letters from the Immigration and Refugee Canada (IRCC) demanding that they provide an official certificate of exemption from military service. This was reported by the Ukrainian Canada public, where copies of such messages appeared, which users call “letters of happiness,” "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
What is demanded in the letters
The document from the immigration officer states that the applicant must provide a certified copy of a certificate of exemption from military service or military documents issued by a Ukrainian authority.
Such requirements are explained by the fact that Ukraine has compulsory military service for men between the ages of 18 and 60. Even if a person has previously reported that he or she has not served or been drafted, Canadian officials may request additional verification.
One of the users provided a registration certificate and a written explanation of his lack of service, but this was not enough.
The public clarified that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is increasingly sending so-called procedural fairness letters (PFLs) to permanent residency applicants. These are official letters that do not constitute a refusal or negative decision, but contain important clarifications that may result in the application being rejected if not answered.
What is a procedural fairness letter?
A PFL is a request from a Canadian civil servant who has concerns or questions about your case. The applicant has one chance to explain the situation, provide additional documents or make clarifications. Usually, you need to respond within 7 days.
Most often, such letters are received due to:
- incomplete or contradictory answers in the forms;
- lack of documents (in particular, certificates of employment, education or military service);
- doubts about the accuracy of the information provided.
Why military service?
IRCC requires applicants to fill out the Military Service Details form (IMM5546). It must indicate
- whether the person served in the military;
- in which units and when;
- what duties they performed, their rank and commanders.
Even if you did not serve, you must indicate this fact on the form by attaching an official document of discharge or deferment.
The purpose of such a check is to ensure Canada’s security and confirm that the applicant was not involved in war crimes or activities that threaten human rights.
As explained in the IRCC letters
Standard notices remind that Ukraine has mandatory military service for men, and after 2022, all men aged 18 to 60 must register with military enlistment offices.
If the applicant was living in Ukraine at the time but did not provide documents on service or exemption from it, the officer may demand confirmation. The letters explicitly state: “In your case, I have doubts because you have not provided documents confirming your exemption from military service in Ukraine.”
What not to be afraid of
- These are not new rules and not an attempt to deport you, as some publications claim.
- Such requests are standard practice, and many people have successfully obtained permanent resident status after providing military documents.
- It is enough to submit a translated military ID or an official letter of explanation.
Why there was a scandal around the letters
After the letters were published on social media, some Ukrainian publics distorted the content, spreading fakes about checking the legality of leaving Ukraine and possible deportations. This caused a wave of negative comments and mutual accusations.
However, CIC is only interested in the fact of military service or the availability of an official exemption.
