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What to do when IRCC sends an ADR for a newborn's birth certificate that's still processing

Canada • Express Entry • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • Letter of Explanation (LOE)

    Explains that the newborn's birth certificate application is still in process and gives the expected timeline.

  • Proof of birth certificate application

    Receipt or confirmation from the provincial vital statistics office (e.g., Service Ontario) showing the application was submitted before the ADR deadline.

Step-by-Step

If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues an Additional Document Request (ADR) for a newborn's birth certificate, but the certificate can't be issued in time (provincial processing for a new birth certificate commonly runs 6-8 weeks), you still have options before the deadline passes.

What group members advised:
  1. Submit what you have before the deadline. Upload the birth certificate application receipt (proof it was filed) along with a Letter of Explanation (LOE) describing the situation and the expected wait time.

  2. Ask for more time. Use the IRCC webform to formally request an extension of the ADR deadline, explaining the delay and attaching the same proof of application.


Don't let the deadline pass in silence — IRCC states it will decide based on the information already on file if nothing is submitted, so a proactive LOE plus an extension request gives you the best chance of avoiding a decision made without the missing document.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Submit a Letter of Explanation and proof the birth certificate is in process before the ADR deadline, even if the certificate itself isn't ready yet.
  • Do: Request a deadline extension through the IRCC webform rather than waiting until the deadline passes.
  • Tip: Provincial birth certificate processing (e.g., Service Ontario) can take 6-8 weeks, so apply for it as early as possible after the birth.

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