Canada has begun checking Ukrainians for draft evasion: should men be afraid?

In Canada, there is increasing discussion about the rules for Ukrainians applying for permanent residence. Men have begun to receive official letters from immigration authorities requesting documents confirming military service or exemption from it. Find out what is known about the procedure and whether it poses any risks for applicants

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A new ‘alarming’ issue has arisen among Ukrainians who have applied for permanent residence in Canada. Men report receiving letters from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requesting official documents confirming their exemption from military service in Ukraine. These letters are known as Procedural Fairness Letters and are usually sent when immigration officers have doubts about the information in the application, according to the Ukrainian Canada public group.

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What does the letter say?

There are claims online that these requests are becoming increasingly common. One reader published a copy of a letter received from an IRCC officer. It stated that the man was required to provide certified documents of military service or a certificate of discharge because he lived in Ukraine at an age that fell under conscription (i.e., 25+ years). Even though the applicant had already sent an explanation that he had never served, along with his draft card and military records, this was not enough.

The letters from Canadian officers emphasise that Ukraine has compulsory military service for men starting at age 25. Conscription was abolished in 2012 but reinstated in 2014, and after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, all men between the ages of 18 and 60 were required to register with military commissariats and undergo medical examinations. If an applicant cannot confirm their discharge or service with an official document, their immigration case may be at risk. Only seven days are usually allowed to respond, which creates significant difficulties for Ukrainians abroad.

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What is a Procedural Fairness Letter and should you be afraid of it?

As explained by Ukrainian Canada, a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is an official letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that an applicant may receive while their visa or permanent residence application is being processed.

‘This is not yet a refusal or a negative decision. However, it is a very important request that cannot be ignored. It is a request from a Canadian civil servant who has doubts or questions about your case. You are given a single chance to explain, clarify or provide additional documents,’ the statement said.

Why might such a request be sent?

▪️ Incomplete or contradictory answers on the forms.

▪️ Missing documents (e.g., proof of employment, military service, education).

▪️ Doubts about the accuracy of the information.

The document package includes a special form, the Military Records Form (IMM5546), where you must indicate whether the person served in the military, in which units and when. If they did not serve, you must also indicate this: that they did not serve, were discharged or had a deferment, and attach official documents.

The Details Of Military Service form (IMM 5546) is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to collect detailed information about the applicant's military service for security screening and background checks.

‘This is necessary to ensure that the applicant has not been involved in criminal activity or human rights violations and does not pose a threat to the security of Canada,’ the statement said.

Can Canada deport men of conscription age?

The Procedural Fairness Letter is not a final refusal or a reason for deportation, but a tool that allows the applicant to explain the situation and provide missing documents. However, the short deadlines and the complexity of obtaining military certificates from Ukraine, especially during the war, make it difficult to comply with IRCC requirements.

There has already been speculation online that if this verification practice becomes widespread, Canada could become the first country to start returning men of conscription age to Ukraine. However, it should be noted that there is no official confirmation of such a policy.

If you have any questions about legalisation in Canada, we recommend that you consult with professionals. The immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine will help you navigate complex issues and collect the necessary documents.

Reminder! The wave of support that arose in Canada at the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine is gradually subsiding. Whereas previously the country opened its borders to Ukrainians under simplified procedures, today the scale of this support has noticeably decreased. Find out what entry and residence options remain in 2025 and where to seek assistance.

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