Canada’s Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) confirmed this in response to a request from Espreso TV.Recently, the page of a community organization Ukrainian Canada – Українська Канада published a post stating that “many Ukrainians – men who applied for permanent residence in Canada are receiving ‘letters of happiness’ – Procedural Fairness Letters from the Canadian immigration ministry (IRCC).” In these letters, applicants were reportedly asked to provide documents proving exemption from military service in Ukraine or another legal status. This prompted reports suggesting that Canada started “demanding certificates from draft dodgers” and that Canada was preparing to deport Ukrainian men subject to military duty. However, the post was soon deleted after publication together with screenshots of the supposed IRCC letters.Immigration officers may request military documentsEspreso contacted IRCC to clarify whether the department requires Ukrainian men applying for Canadian permanent residence to provide proof of exemption from military service in Ukraine, and whether those who fail to provide such documents could face deportation.“All individuals who wish to come to Canada, either temporarily or permanently, must meet the eligibility and admissibility requirements outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR),” IRCC explained. “Although proof of exemption from military service is not mandatory in the application process, IRCC officers retain the right to request additional information, including military documents, as part of the admissibility assessment. All applications are assessed individually, considering the applicant’s specific circumstances. The responsibility to demonstrate eligibility lies with the applicant, who must provide the necessary documents to support the officer’s assessment.”The department also noted that the eligibility and admissibility criteria for immigrants have not changed. However, since October 23, 2024, Canada no longer accepts applications under the special family reunification pathway for Ukrainians seeking permanent residence through Canadian family or relatives. Still, Ukrainians who wish to immigrate to Canada may apply through existing immigration programs and streams under the standard admissibility requirements. More information is available on the official Immigration measures and support for Ukrainians and their families – Canada.ca page.Post was deleted due to fake news about deportationsOn the Ukrainian Canada page, the organization explained that the post with screenshots of the IRCC letter was removed because Ukrainian social media pages distorted its meaning and spread false claims about possible deportations and new entry rules to Canada, even though the original text made no such statements. The comments under the post were also filled with insults and arguments. “People began to be unjustly accused of draft-dodging, which is unacceptable,” the organization explained.The organization also clarified that a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is an official document from Canada’s immigration authority (IRCC) that an applicant may receive during the review of a visa or permanent residence application. It is a request from a Canadian officer if they have doubts or questions about an applicant’s case. Such a request may be sent due to:incomplete or contradictory answers in the forms;missing documents (e.g., proof of employment, military service, education);doubts about the authenticity of information.Application package includes a Military Records FormThe application package includes a special form – Military Records Form (IMM 5546) – where applicants must indicate whether they served in the military, in which units, and when. If they did not serve, they must also state this (not served, exempted, or deferred) and attach official documents.The Details of Military Service (IMM 5546) form is used by IRCC to collect detailed information about an applicant’s military service, for the purposes of security screening and background checks. This helps ensure that the applicant has not been involved in criminal activities, human rights violations, or anything that could pose a threat to Canada’s security.These requirements apply not only to Ukrainians, but also to citizens of all countries where compulsory military service exists.“In the case we described, the applicant did not provide complete information in the form, nor an explanation. For the immigration officer, this information was insufficient, which is why they sent a Procedural Fairness Letter. This is not a catastrophe – you are given 7 days to provide the relevant documents and/or detailed explanation regarding your military service or exemption,” the organization explained, adding a translated excerpt from the officer’s letter:"It is noted that Ukraine has compulsory military service for men starting at the age of 25. While conscription in Ukraine was abolished in 2012, it was reintroduced in 2014. Following the Russian invasion in 2022, all non-exempt men ages 18-60 were required to register with their local recruitment offices and undergo medical screening for possible service. As per your Schedule A (IMM5669 form), you declared residing and working in Ukraine after turning 25. As you were residing in your home country when you were of compulsory military age, you are required to provide a certified copy of proof of military exemption or a certified copy of military service records from the relevant Ukrainian authority… In your case, I have concerns that you have failed to provide the requested documents to support an exemption from military service in Ukraine. Based on the documents you have provided, you were living in Ukraine when you were of compulsory military age."As an example showing such requests are not aimed solely at Ukrainians, in the comments people shared a screenshot from a Pakistani applicant, asking for advice on how to fill out the IMM5669 form if he had not served in the military.