Visitor visa refusals for Canada are on the rise. Here’s how you can avoid them

If you need a visitor visa to Canada, it’s essential 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 countries.

Consult with an experienced immigration representative

As applications face additional scrutiny, here are some tips to reduce the risk of refusal.

Ensure your application is complete and necessary documents are attached

If you’re applying for a visitor visa to Canada, you must 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 (to show that you have read the question).

Ensure you submit all the required documents on your personalized visitor visa document checklist.

You also need to share two photos (they must be according to specifications), 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 misrepresentation, a serious offence which 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

One of the main 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 stable employment like a confirmation letter of a job;
• Evidence of assets, like real estate or business;
• Evidence of residency ties, such as a lease agreement;
• Evidence of family commitment, like marriage certificates or birth certificates.

Show sufficient financial proof

You must demonstrate to immigration officials that you have enough money to support yourself during your visit.

To prove this, you can show information such as

• Bank statements;
• Employment letter with your salary mentioned;
• Pay slips;
• Investment account statements.

You must show that you have enough 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 (if any), and other documentation like event tickets or invitations.

Writing a cover letter detailing your travel plans can also help convince a visa officer you are serious about your visit.

Ensure that you’re not inadmissible

Some people are considered inadmissible, that is, they’re 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 offences.

Common offences that make one inadmissible to Canada include driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fraud or assault.

If you have reason to believe you are inadmissible, it’s best to contact an authorized immigration lawyer who can help you overcome inadmissibility.

Note: Some other reasons that may render a person inadmissible to Canada are due to health, medical, security or financial reasons.

Who requires a visitor visa to Canada?

Foreign nationals require a visitor visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa) to enter Canada unless they are visa-exempt.

Visa-exempt travellers who require eTAs: Nationals of some countries are exempt from needing a Canadian visitor visa, but need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada by air. Visa-exempt foreign nationals do not need an eTA to enter Canada by land or sea. You can find the complete list of countries whose citizens require an eTA here.

The federal government also routinely makes changes to the list of countries whose citizens require a visa. For example, in 2024, Canada changed the exemptions for Mexican nationals, making it necessary for them to acquire visitor visas to enter Canada temporarily. *Exceptions apply.

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 require an eTA.

How are visitor visas issued?

When applying for a visa to Canada, applicants may be considered for single or multiple entry visas. A visa may be issued for up to 10 years.

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 allow their holder into Canada only one visit. They are usually only valid for the duration of this visit. If a traveller wishes to visit Canada again, they need to apply for another visa.

Super Visa for parents and grandparents

Foreign nationals can normally only stay in Canada as visitors for up to six months. For parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to visit their family in Canada for longer, the federal government created the Super Visa.

Super Visas allow parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or 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 for up to ten years.

Consult with an experienced immigration representative