Yep, I'm one of those who the PGP sponsorship application returned.
In my case, these incompetent bureaucrats have played a dirty game: they claimed that I've used a wrong version of the IMM 1344 form (08-2013 instead of 11-2013) plus not included the new financial evaluation form. While I am aware that I have no chance of winning this game with a bunch of faceless officers working behind closed doors I will say this much, just for the others to know who they are dealing with: 1) the old form IMM 1344 (version 08-2013) was incorrectly linked to the page where the content of this new file was posted for the first time on the evening/afternoon of Dec. 31, 2013 (and perhaps over the next days - I do not know exactly when they have updated the link to version 11-2013 of IMM 1344. Those who have downloaded and filled in that form without checking again the version before submission - too bad, so sad! I am still wondering how about they would add right on the file checklist the revision of the form which should be used (but that would be probably beyond their IQ capabilities). I am fully aware that the stupid webmaster who did this mistake as well as his/her supervisors will not admit in this life the mistake they have made because after all, there are enough "dumb heads" (like me) applying anyway, so they do not have problems in meeting their 5000 quota. 2) As far the second issue noted on their "rejection letter" (the lack of the new financial evaluation form) that was a "pure" white lie - the form was actually in the envelope, along with the three years of CRA notices of assessment and the rest of the crap they want nowadays for PGP sponsorship applications. Once again, I am fully aware that there is no way I can prove what was and wasn't in the envelope and knowing that RCMP will not investigate something like this, they can reject any pretty much file they like in a manner of similar to... "he loves me... he loves me not".
As such, let's all fill in the pockets of courier companies in this country by keep sending again and again the file until the day CIC website will post the well-anticipated announcement: "the cap for PGP sponsorship in 2014 has been reached, but we are all looking forward to receiving again your application again on Jan. 5, 2015 by 8:31 am the latest!" That is if your parents and grandparents are still alive...
P.S. Tax season is coming: don't forget to pay your taxes - these government employees have to receive their negotiated salary increases - you know that, don't you?!