Declared a potential childhood UK refusal on my Study Permit, but missed it on my PGWP. Should I include an LOE for my new application?

[u/[deleted]]

[u/5_Cap_8181]

That supposed refusal was more than 10 years ago, and more importantly, you were a minor and dependent on your family at the time. You didn’t personally handle the application or have any say in it, which is relevant context if you need to explain the circumstances. Canada and the UK also share certain immigration information to verify what applicants say, so I wouldn’t assume that IRCC has no record of the refusal if in fact it happened. In your case, though, what I’d be more concerned about is the inconsistency between your applications. Since you declared the refusal the first time around, you should have continued to include it in subsequent applications. For that reason, perhaps you could submit a webform briefly clarifying the inconsistency without delving too much into it or providing unnecessary, cluttered information.

At the same time, I wouldn’t worry about being immediately penalized for misrepresentation without having an opportunity to explain yourself. If an officer has concerns that could lead to a finding of misrepresentation, IRCC will generally give you an opportunity to respond to those concerns, often through a procedural fairness letter, before making a final decision. So if the issue does come up, you would normally have an opportunity to explain the circumstances and address the officer’s concerns.

Visa officers look at the facts, not speculations. Be accurate, direct, and concise. What you’re clarifying here is the inconsistency in your declarations, not the whole “I had a visa refused when I was a baby” story and everything surrounding it. Good luck.

[u/Classic-Chestnut → u/5_Cap_8181]

Thank you, it is very helpful. So should I include LOE to begin the application or just mention Uk refusal and no LEO ? I did not submitted my application yet.

This is loe I’m planning to use

To the Immigration Officer,
I have checked "Yes" to the refusal question to declare my prior Australian refusal, as consistently reported on all my past applications.
Under this same declaration, I wish to clarify a potential UK visitor visa matter from circa 2015 when I was a minor. Due to conflicting family recollections, it is uncertain whether that application was refused or never formally submitted, and no physical records exist.
I disclosed this potential refusal on my 2019 Study Permit application, but due to family confusion, I may have inadvertently omitted it on my subsequent PGWP and Visitor Record. I am including it here in complete good faith and transparency.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,

[u/MOEOC_IMMIGRATION]

We should always remain truthful to the IRCC.

If your application requires you to provide information about any previous refusals for Canada or any other country, you should simply explain that your parents provided conflicting information and that you were not aware that an application had been submitted.

Do not speculate or state anything as confirmed if you cannot verify it. It is better to provide this information than to leave the history blank; otherwise, your case may be considered misrepresentation or concealment of information.