Got Ineligibility Letter as Dependent Spouse — Wife Still in IRB — What Are My Options?

Hi everyone,

I’m in a really stressful and confusing situation and would appreciate any advice or shared experiences.

I am in Canada and part of a refugee claim as a dependent spouse under my wife’s application. My wife is the principal claimant, and as far as we know, her case is still going forward (she has not received any ineligibility letter).

However, I recently received a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) stating that I may be ineligible for referral to the IRB because IRCC is considering my re-entry to Canada after June 24, 2020 (I first came in 2018, but I left and re-entered later).

Because of this, they are saying my case may go to PRRA instead of IRB, even though I am included in my wife’s claim.

This has raised a few serious concerns for me:

•	Why am I being treated separately when I am part of my wife’s claim?

•	Is it normal for spouses to be split like this under the new rules?

•	If my case goes to PRRA and is refused, but my wife is still waiting for her IRB hearing, what happens to me?

•	Can I be removed while her case is still ongoing?

•	How does this affect my work permit, since I am currently the only income earner in our household?

For context:

•	My wife depends on me financially and emotionally

•	Our risks are connected (I also face danger due to my marriage)

•	We have supporting evidence including threats, news reports, and medical documentation

I’m currently preparing a response to the PFL and also looking into PRRA and H&C options, but this situation is overwhelming.

If anyone has gone through something similar or has knowledge about how IRCC is handling dependent spouses under these new rules, I would really appreciate your guidance.

Thank you so much.