Being refused a Canadian visa in 2022 can be frustrating as it can ruin travel plans, work plans, or even a new living arrangement. Don’t worry, after a visa refusal, there are a few steps you may be able to take to still obtain a Canadian visa. Contrary to what many people think, reapplying after a Canadian visa rejection or refusal is actually an option, depending on the reasons why the application was rejected in the first place. The letter that the IRCC sends you explaining your visa has been rejected, they don’t provide the information explaining why it was refused. There are different reasons why an application for a visa may be rejected based on the unique requirements of each visa type.
Reasons for a Canadian Visa Rejection:
- Failure to provide proper and accurate supporting documents
- Failure to show adequate financial resources to finance your travel to and stay in Canada
- Failure to meet international security standards, such as in cases where the applicant has a criminal background
- Failure to meet health standards
- Visa officer has reservations regarding the applicant’s intention or his/her application
There may be other factors that could result in a Canadian visa refusal, but many fall within the parameters of those mentioned. If your application is denied, you may be eligible to appeal the refusal or reapply for the visa. In the case of an appeal, however, you cannot expect the visa officer or authorities at the embassy to accept an appeal to obtain even a temporary visa. The best option is for you to apply again for a visa with your newly improved application. Here are the steps you should take after a Canada visa rejection.
Avoiding Consecutive Canadian Visa Rejections in 2022
The rejection letter you receive holds many clues and critical information about the reasons why your application was denied. Read it carefully and take note of whatever information you can find that you can use later to strengthen your reapplication case. You may also request access to the notes your visa officer made while reviewing your application. This may help you to address any concerns in your reapplication.
Know that it is also possible that the new application will pass through another visa officer who may have a different view of the documents provided.
Consider an Appeal
Depending on the case, it is also a good idea to consider your eligibility for an appeal, either with the IAD (Immigration Adjudication Division) or the Federal Court of Canada. Note, however, that this appeal is only valid within a specific period of time and should be acted on immediately. If this applies to your case, it may be a good idea to enlist the help of a lawyer who specializes in Canadian visa applications in order to increase your chances of getting approved.
Reapplication Procedures
After Canadian visa rejection, applicants should be aware of specific procedures recommended for filing a new application. Know what these steps are and make sure to follow them carefully in order to avoid any problems the second time around. The steps you take in your reapplication will vary based on the type of visa you require.
Canadian Student Visa Rejection Reasons
Canadian student visa applications are often refused for the same reason other application types may be refused: failure to prove adequate financial resources, proof of intent to leave after the program ends, or questionable travel or identity documentation.
Two unique refusal reasons for student visas are that the IRCC may question your choice of program or your letter of acceptance. If the visa officer who reviewed your case does not see a connection between your chosen program of study and your educational or work background, they may be inclined to refuse your application. To address this type of problem, you will want to ensure you clarify in your personal statement your reasons for choosing the particular program of study.
Changes on Getting a Canadian Student Visa After a Canadian Visa Rejection
If you have applied for a student visa, you probably know that to do so, you must have been accepted to a Canadian educational institution. You will have to provide this letter of acceptance as part of your application. If the visa officer doubts your letter of acceptance is genuine or that you truly met all program requirements, they may refuse your application. To avoid an issue like this in your reapplication, review the documentation and make sure all documents are clear and easy to understand. You may also want to provide additional supporting documentation. Additionally, make sure the institution that you were accepted into is valid and on the list of designated learning institutions in Canada.
Chances of Getting Canada Student Visa After Rejection
Reapplying after a Canadian study visa rejection or refusal is an option, depending on the reason/s why the application was rejected. There are different reasons why an application for a visa is rejected. The rejection letter holds much valuable information that will describe the reasons why your application has been denied. Read it carefully and take note of whatever information you can find that you can use later to strengthen your re-application case.
After a rejection for a Canadian visa, applicants should be aware of specific procedures recommended for filing a new application. Know what these steps are and make sure to follow them carefully in order to avoid any problems the second time around.
All in all, if the reason for the rejection is a mistake on your application, you can rectify the problem by making the proper corrections. Check the information you provided and provide the data or supporting documentation required. When doing so, make sure you have a good explanation of why this new information was not given during your first application.
Work Visa
In the case of a Canadian work visa, the most common reasons for refusal are those mentioned as the general reasons for a Canadian visa refusal. However, an important thing to note in regard to Canadian work visas is the distinction 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 the program quota being filled, or from missing documents/incorrectly filled out application materials. If the program you have applied for has already reached its quota of accepted applicants, you will unfortunately not be able to reapply at the time for that particular program. However, if your application was returned for missing information, you can simply correct these mistakes and reapply.
Visitor Visa
If you are refused a Canadian visitor visa, you will want to follow the typical protocol of reviewing the reasons for rejection, correcting all mistakes, and providing any additional information before reapplying. If you are certain there was nothing lacking on your initial application and that the visa officer made a mistake, you may be eligible to appeal. In such cases, you will likely want to consult an immigration lawyer.
Correct the Initial Mistakes
In any case, if the reason for the rejection is a mistake on your application, you can rectify the problem by making the proper corrections. Check the information you provided and provide the data or supporting documentation required. When doing so, make sure you have a good explanation for why this new information was not given during your first application.
Seek Professional Assistance
Chances are that if your visa was denied you may not have used an immigration lawyer. If you want to have any hope of getting that refusal overturned, or a second application approved, getting your hands on your immigration Physical File is essential. It will be critical that you know what evidence, or lack thereof, influenced the officer in believing you wouldn’t go home if the visa was approved. An immigration lawyer will have access to your file to determine what factor stopped you from getting your visa. The laws that cover Canadian visa rejection can be rather complicated. It may be in your best interest to talk to an experienced immigration lawyer who can give the proper advice and support for your case.
Here at VisaPlace, we have had years of experience helping clients avoid visa rejections and help after they have been denied a Canadian visa. If you are interested in hiring an immigration lawyer, we welcome you to book a consultation with us! If you are unsure of your immigration needs, feel free to fill out our free online assessment. It will help us determine how we can best help you!
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
