Visa Refusal

Why has my Visitor, Study or Work visa been refused by the Canadian Government?

It’s frustrating to be refused a Canadian Visitor, Study or Work Visa, especially if you don’t know the reasons for refusals. The Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides a letter explaining why your visa has been rejected; however, often the reasons listed in your letter does not explain clearly why it was refused.

If the recent refusal has ruined your travel, work or Canadian study plans, do not worry, after a visa refusal there are a few steps you may be able to take to obtain a Canadian visa.

Sample of Visa refusal letter:

It is important to distinguish between a refusal and a return: A refusal will come as a result of a failure to prove finances, prove intent, provide supporting documents, meet health, security, or criminal admissibility standards. A return, on the other hand, may come as a result of missing documents/incorrectly filled out application or forgetting to sign your forms. Also, If the program you have applied is subjected to quota, you may have your application returned if the quota is reached. However, if your application was returned for missing information, you can simply correct these mistakes and reapply.

Visa Rejection Reasons

If you are refused a Canadian visa, you will want to follow the typical protocol of reviewing the reasons for rejection, correcting all mistakes, and providing any additional information that may be relevant to your case before reapplying. If you are certain that there was nothing lacking on your initial application and that the visa officer made a mistake, you may be eligible to appeal or to request reconsideration. In such cases, you will likely want to discuss the matter with an Immigration Consultant. Below we list 20 most common reasons for refusals and how to reapply per application type.

Canadian Student Visa rejection reasons

Study Permit / Canadian Study Visa applications are often refused for failure to prove adequate financial resources, proof of intent to leave Canada after the program ending, or lack of travel history.

Other common reasons for student visas to be rejected are the fact that the IRCC may question your program of studies or your letter of acceptance. If the visa officer who reviewed your case does not see a connection between your program of study and your educational or work background, they may be inclined to refuse your application.

Work Visa common rejection reasons

In addition, to the common reasons for refusal above, e.g.: proving your intention to leave Canada before the end of your authorized stay, an important thing to note in regard to Canadian work visas is that you are required to provide proof of your ability to perform the work sought.

20 Common reasons for Visa refusals

There are different reasons why an application for a visa may be rejected based on the unique requirements of each visa type.

1. Proof of Funds: You need to show you have enough funds for your travel and stay in Canada, the amount varies based on the number of people accompanying you and length of your stay.

2. Funds Source: Canadian government checks to see how you accumulated the funds presented.

3. Travel History: Depending on your nationality, if a person has not traveled anywhere outside of their home country before, chances are their application will be weaker, compared to others who have travelled before.

4. Lack of employment prospects in home country: If you are from a country that salaries are much lower than Canada, chances are the IRCC will doubt you will head back after your visit or study and will consider this type of visa application risky.

5. Failure to provide proper and accurate supporting documents: Even when not clearly required on your application checklist, there are a number of supporting documents that you must include in order to increase the chances of your application to succeed.

6. Current employment situation: Depending on your visa application, lack of employment might affect your chances of succeeding in your visa application.

7. Family ties to your home country: Not having immediate family members back home can lead to a refusal.

8. Length of stay: Individuals who state on the application they wish to stay for a longer period, usually require significant financial funds.

9. Real Purpose of Visit: there wasn't a good enough explanation of the reason for travel to Canada.

10. Failure to explain purpose of travel: When applying for a visa, it is very important to make clear your reasons to apply and how long you plan to stay.

11. Personal Assets: Not having assets such as a house, cars or businesses back home may affect your ability to prove ties to your home country.

12. Host in Canada financial situation: Lack of supporting documentation from the Canadian host, may also be the reason for refusal of your visa application.

13. Documents that do not appear authentic: If your document seems not to be authentic, you will not only be refused but may also have trouble to reapply, due to lack of credibility. Make sure you do not hire unlicensed representatives (most commonly those who offer visa services in your home country).

14. History of overstaying status or deportation in Canada or any other country: Canada uses a Global Case Management system and they share information with most countries around the world. If you have overstayed your visa in Canada or any other country, you will have lower chances of approval. Yet, depending on your case, it is still possible to obtain your visa.

15. Illegal Status in Country of Residence: If you are living illegally in some country, Canada most likely won’t believe that you will abide by the Canadian laws and regulations.

16. Failure to meet international security standards, such as in cases where the applicant has a criminal background: Depending on your crime, how long ago it happened, you may still be able to come to Canada.

17. Failure to meet health standards: Depending on your home country, you may be required to undergo a medical exam before a decision is made on your application. Serious health conditions that may be a danger to others, or be a burden to Canadian taxpayers may lead to a visa refusal.

18. Visa officer has reservations regarding the applicant’s intention or his/her application: In your application, you must convince the officer that your intentions are genuine.

19. Misrepresentation: providing false or misleading information is called misrepresentation. Having misrepresented information to Canadian immigration may be reason for a refusal and also a ban to reapply.

20. Human Rights Violations: If you previously served in the military for a country that has been deemed to have participated in war crimes may be a reason for refusal. Additional documents must be provided to overcome this inadmissibility.

The laws that cover Canadian visa rejection can be rather complicated. It may be in your best interest to talk to an experienced Canadian Immigration Consultant who can give you the proper advice and support for your case.

Our firm can assist you to prepare a complete and professional application to increase your chances of success. We can also assist you to overcome previous refusals, including for inadmissibility reasons, by making legal arguments and referencing to Federal Court Cases in the application.

How to re-apply for Visa after a refusal?

Reapplying for a rejected visa can be daunting but having the right information at hand can greatly simplify the process. The steps that you take in your reapplication will vary based on the type of visa you require. You do not want to be refused more than once as it can greatly impact any future visa applications.

In the majority of cases, working with a knowledgeable Immigration Consultant or Visa Specialist to prepare and re-submit a much stronger application often leads to higher chances of approval.

If you have previously been refused for any visa to Canada, you can apply again, without waiting; however, if you apply with the same information, chances are that you will not obtain the outcome you are looking for. Here at e-Visa, we have assisted many clients to reverse their refusals, and our team of Immigration Consultants and visa specialists are trained to prepare a stronger, complete and professional application that can increase your chances of success.

We have created a 4 step-system for when you have had a previous refusal.

The 4 steps are:

Step 1: Obtain the notes of the officer on your previous application.

Step 2: Book a 20 Min - visa consultation and review the files and strategize on your new application.

Step 3: Prepare a complete list of documents that were recommended by your Immigration Consultant to make your application stronger, including a professional submission letter (if needed).

Step 4: Apply.

If you had a previous refusal, contact us today to start your process to reapply.