There are various reasons why an application for a visitor visa may be refused.
The most common reason for a refusal is failing to establish to the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
An acceptance or refusal depends on how the officer perceives your application. Immigration officers will refuse a visa if they have grounds to believe the applicant will not leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. The burden of proof is on the applicant to establish they meet all the requirements for a visitor visa. Therefore, it is important for applicants demonstrate their intent to return at the end of their authorized stay by:
- Establishing ties to their place of residence (family members, social groups, community)
- Proving their personal asset, employment, and financial status in their place of residence
- Explaining their purpose for visiting Canada
The following list are some of the reasons an immigration officer may refuse a visitor’s visa application, on the basis that they do not believe the applicant will leave at the end of the authorized stay:
1. Refusal based on the Applicant’s Lack of Ties to Home Country
If IRCC believes you do not have strong ties to your home country, such as employment, a dependent family, or real estate to maintain, the visa officer may be concerned that you will not return home after you visit Canada. Applicants should include evidence such as employment confirmation letters, proof of residence, and dependent evidence.
2. Refusal Based on Purpose of Visit
It is important to provide details on the purpose of your visit, so the officer understands why you want to visit Canada. Visitor visas may be refused because not enough detail was provided on the application regarding why the applicant wants to come to Canada. If your visit is for a specific event, evidence such as invitation letters, event details and documentation should be submitted to support this.
3. Refusal Based on Insufficient Assets
Insufficient assets are another ground for refusal because the officer is concerned with whether the applicant can pay for their ticket to travel back to their country of residence.
Applications may be refused if the officer does not believe that you have sufficient money to finance your trip. Alternatively, if your trip is sponsored by a host (i.e., family member), it is important to demonstrate that this host has the sufficient assets to support your visit to Canada.
4. Refusal Based on Previous Travel History
Individuals who have been previously refused a visitor visa to another country or who have overstayed previous visas, are at risk of being refused a Canadian Visitor Visa.
Alternatively, individuals who have not previously travelled outside their home country, or have travelled very rarely, may be refused a visitor visa. This is because applicants have not established a clear pattern of returning to their home country at the end of an authorized stay.
5. Refusal Based on Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation is a common factor in visa refusals. It does not matter whether the misrepresentation was intentional or unintentional.
If you provide false or misleading information, your application may be refused.
That is why it is important to pay close attention to your application and make sure that you understand the required forms and documents.
The team at Green and Spiegel understands how challenging visitor visa applications can be. We will work together to provide you with a favorable outcome on your immigration needs. Our extensive experience will allow you to rest easy and know that by choosing our team, you are in excellent hands.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your Canadian Visitor Visa application, please contact our office.
