If you need a visitor visa, it is vital you put together a strong application. In a recent press conference, Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that new measures had been put in place resulting in over a 61% refusal rate for residents of some nations. Today, we will discuss how one can avoid visitor visa refusals for coming to Canada.
Ensure Your Application Is Complete And Necessary Documents Are Attached
If you are applying for a visitor visa to Canada, you should complete forms such as the Temporary Resident Visa application (IMM 5257) and the Family Information form (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645).
Ensure that you read through the forms carefully and fill out all the sections. If you don’t have an answer to any of the questions, write ‘N/A’ or ‘not applicable’ instead of leaving the field blank.
Ensure you submit all the required documents on your personalized visitor visa document checklist.
You also need to share two photos and pay the visitor visa processing fees.
Be Honest and Truthful
When filling out visa application forms, it is important to be honest and transparent when answering all the questions.
Sharing incorrect information or omitting relevant information – whether intentional or not – can be construed as misinterpretation, a serious offense that can lead to refusal and even a five-year ban from entering Canada.
Inconsistent information – such as conflicting dates or vague details – can also lead to refusal. Double-check all your documents and forms to ensure there are no errors and that the information is accurate and complete.
Submit Strong Ties To Your Home Country
In order to avoid visitor visa refusals for coming to Canada, the next thing you can do is to demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
One of the major reasons visa officers refuse applications is because they do not find adequate proof that an applicant plans to return to their home country after visiting Canada.
To avoid this happening, ensure you provide enough information tying you back to your home country. This could be:
- Evidence of assets like real estate or business
- Evidence of residency ties, like a lease agreement
- Evidence of stable employment, like a confirmation letter of a job
- Evidence of family commitment, like marriage certificates and birth certificates
Show Sufficient Financial Proof
You should demonstrate to immigration officials that you have enough money to support yourself during the visit.
To prove this, you can show information such as:
- Bank statements
- Employment letter with your salary mentioned
- Pay slips
- Investment account statement
You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself, including transportation, accommodation, and day-to-day expenses.
Be Clear On The Purpose Of Your Visit
Sharing a clear purpose of visit helps convince a visa officer that you are planning on staying for a limited period and will return after the purpose has been accomplished.
You can do this by providing a detailed travel itinerary.
Share flight tickets, hotel bookings, and other documentation like event tickets or invitations.
Writing a cover letter detailing your travel plans can also help convince a visa officer that you are serious about your visit.
Ensure That You Are Not Inadmissible
Some people are considered inadmissible, i.e., they are not allowed to come to Canada.
A person could be found inadmissible for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons for inadmissibility is for having criminal offenses.
Common offenses that make one inadmissible to Canada include DUI, i.e., driving under the influence of drugs/ alcohol, assault, fraud, etc.
If you have reason to believe you are inadmissible, it is best to contact an authorized immigration lawyer who can help you overcome inadmissibility.
Note: Some other reasons that might render a person inadmissible to Canada are because of health, medical, security, or financial reasons.
Who Requires A Visitor Visa To Canada?
In order to avoid visitor visa refusals for coming to Canada, one must be aware of who requires a visitor visa to Canada.
Foreign nationals require a visitor visa to come to Canada unless they are visa-exempt.
- Visa-Exempt Travellers Who Require eTAs:
Nationals of some nations are exempt from requiring a Canadian visitor visa but need electronic travel authorization to enter Canada by air. Visa-exempt foreign nationals do not need an eTA to enter Canada by land or sea.
The federal government also routinely makes changes to the list of countries whose citizens require a visa. For instance, in 2024, Canada changed the exemptions for Mexican nationals, thus making it necessary for them to acquire visitor visas to enter Canada temporarily.
- Visa And eTA-Exempt Travellers:
Some travellers are both visa and eTA exempt, such as US nationals and green card holders. French nationals who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and are flying directly to Canada from St. Pierre and Miquelon also do not need an eTA.
How Are Visitor Visas Issued?
When applying for a visitor visa to Canada, applicants might be considered for single or multiple-entry visas. A visa might be issued for up to ten years.
- Multiple Entry Visas
Multiple Entry visas allow its holder to enter and leave Canada multiple times during the duration of the visa. Visitors can usually stay for up to six months at a time.
- Single Entry Visas
Single Entry visas allow their holder into Canada only one visit. They are generally only valid for the duration of this visit. If a traveler wishes to visit Canada again, they have to apply for another visa.
Super Visa For Parents And Grandparents
Foreign nationals can usually stay in Canada as visitors for up to six months. For parents as well as grandparents of Canadian citizens/ permanent residents who want to visit their family in Canada for longer, the federal government created the Super Visa.
Super Visas allow parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens/ permanent residents to visit their families for up to five consecutive years. A Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa and can be issued for up to ten years.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
