9 tips to reduce the risk of refusal of your Canada visitor visa

An application for a visitor visa to enter Canada may be routine, but success isn’t guaranteed.

According to government data, there was a significant increase in the number of visitor visa rejections in 2024.

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This also comes at a time when the federal government made changes to the Canada visitor visa validity.

Here are some tips to strengthen a visitor visa application to Canada, and to reduce the risk of refusal.

Note: Not all foreign nationals require a visa to visit Canada. Some are visa-exempt, and others need apply only for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Ensure the application is complete

When applying for a visitor visa online, you will need to complete and submit specific forms.

When applying, you need to fill out an application for temporary resident visa (IMM 5257), and a family information form (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645).

In addition, you may need to fill out other forms if required:

Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409);
Use of representative (IMM 5476); and
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475).

When filling out forms, it’s important to be accurate and ensure every form is complete. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA.”

Attach all necessary documentation

When applying online, a personalized document checklist will be created. Ensure you submit all the documents listed on your visitor visa checklist.

The documents required vary depending on purpose of your visit. Some documents that are typically required are

Identity document (like a passport);
Two photos that meet the requirements of the visa application photograph specifications;
Proof of financial support (for example, bank statements);
Itinerary (documents showing what you plan on doing in Canada);
Letter of invitation from the person you’re visiting, and proof of your relationship to them;
Employment information; and
Travel history.

In addition, you may be asked to submit more information, go for an interview with an official in your country, undergo a medical exam, or get a police certificate.

You also need to make sure you pay Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s visitor visa processing fees to avoid any delays or a refusal.

Prove sufficient ties to home country

Your documentation will need to convince an immigration officer that you plan on leaving Canada after your visit.

In order to do so, you need to prove that you have ties to your home country.

Examples of ties include a job, property, financial assets, and/or family.

Documentation that you can submit that proves this include

Confirmation letter of a job;
Evidence of family dependency;
Lease agreements of any property; and
Proof of any other assets.

Show adequate proof of financial support

It’s important to prove that you have the funds to cover your expenses while in Canada.

Proving financial stability can be done by providing documents such as

Recent bank statements;
Pay stubs;
Employment verification letters; and/or
Proof of assets.

If your trip is being sponsored by someone, you will need to provide a letter of support by them, and proof they have the funds to accommodate your stay.

Note: The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and where you plan to stay.

Highlight purpose of visit

An important part of convincing an immigration officer that you intend to leave Canada after the trip includes sharing a clear purpose for the visit.

You can do this by submitting supplementary documents to help them understand the reason for and duration of your visit, and what you plan on doing during your time in Canada.

This includes details of any events you might be attending (wedding invitations or holiday packages), a return ticket, and a travel itinerary.

Show proof of health (if required)

One of the basic requirements to get a visitor visa is to be in good health.

IRCC may reject a visitor visa application on the basis of an applicant’s health status. For example, if they believe that the applicant’s health condition can endanger public safety, or put a burden on public health services.

There are some ways to overcome this, including providing IRCC with a detailed medical history report and/or passing a medical examination (if required).

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Overcome Criminal Inadmissibility (if required)

If you’ve committed or been convicted of a crime, you may be considered criminally inadmissible, and barred from entering Canada.

However, there are ways of overcoming criminal inadmissibility. You could

Apply for a temporary resident permit (this grants temporary access to Canada);
Check if you fit eligibility for deemed rehabilitation; or
Apply for criminal rehabilitation

An authorized immigration lawyer can help by writing a legal opinion letter and detailing how your foreign offence equates to Canadian law.

Explain any complicated travel history

In the event of a complicated travel history – for example overstaying or prior visa refusals – it may be harder to get a visitor visa.

In these cases, it’s best to be transparent with immigration authorities about your past travel history.

Share details of this history, what occurred, and what actions have been taken to correct this behaviour. For example, you could share proof of compliance with visa regulations in subsequent travels.

Failure to disclose complicated travel history – such as a prior rejected visitor visa to another country – constitutes misrepresentation, which could lead to a refusal and a five-year ban from entering Canada.

Resolve residency issues prior to applying

An applicant with an illegal status in their country of residence may have a hard time getting approved for a Canadian visitor visa.

In this case, it’s best to resolve the issue before applying.

In case of political stability in a home country, it’s best to provide supplementary information showcasing your desire to leave Canada at the end of your visit.

Recent changes to visitor visa validity

In November 2024, IRCC revised their instructions on the issuance of visitor visas to Canada.

The new guidelines give immigration officers greater discretion when it comes to deciding the duration of the visa and whether to issue a single-entry or multiple entry visa. Officers will take into account multiple considerations grouped along four themes: