An application for a visitor visa to enter Canada might be routine, but success isn’t guaranteed. According to government data, there’s an increase in the number of visitor visa rejections last year. This also comes at a time when the federal government made changes to the Canada visitor visa validity. Today we will discuss the tips to reduce the risk of refusal of your Canada visitor visa. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

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 a temporary resident visa (IMM 5257) and a family information form (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645). 

In addition, you might need to fill out other forms if needed: 

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

While filling out forms, it is vital 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 

Another one of the significant tips to reduce the risk of refusal of your Canada visitor visa is to attach all necessary documentation. 

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

The documents needed vary depending on the purpose of your visit. Some documents that you would require include: 

  • Identity documents like passport
  • Two photos that meet the requirements of the visa application photograph specifications
  • Proof of financial support (for instance, 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
  • Travel history

In addition, you might 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 IRCC’s visitor visa processing fees to avoid any delays or refusals. 

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 includes: 

  • Confirmation letter of a job
  • Proof of any other assets
  • Lease agreements of any property
  • Evidence of family dependency 

Show Adequate Proof Of Financial Support

It is vital to prove that you have the funds to cover your routine expenses while in Canada. 

Proving financial stability can be done by providing documents like: 

  • Proof of assets
  • Pay stubs
  • Recent bank statements
  • Employment verification letters 

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 the duration of your stay and where you plan to stay.   

Highlight The Purpose Of The Visit

Another one of the major tips to reduce the risk of refusal of your Canada visitor visa is to highlight the purpose of your visa. 

A significant part of convincing an immigration officer that you intend to leave Canada after the trip includes sharing a clear purpose of 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, a return ticket, and a travel itinerary. 

Show Proof Of Health (If Needed)

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

IRCC might reject a visitor visa application on the basis of an applicant’s health status. For instance, 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 or/ and passing a medical examination. 

Overcome Criminal Inadmissibility (If Needed)

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

However, there are certain ways to overcome criminal inadmissibility. You could: 

  • Apply for criminal rehabilitation
  • Check if you fit eligibility for deemed rehabilitation
  • Apply for a temporary resident permit 

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, like overstaying or prior visa refusals – it might be harder to get a visitor visa. 

In these cases, it is 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 behavior. For instance, you could share proof of compliance with visa regulations in subsequent travels. 

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

Resolve Residency Issues Prior To Applying 

Another one of the significant tips to reduce the risk of refusal of your Canada visitor visa is to resolve residency issues before applying. 

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

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

In case of political stability in a home country, it is 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 its 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: 

  • Purpose of visit
  • Funds available
  • Need for medical treatment
  • Other factors 

The updated instructions constitute a move away from the previous policy, according to which multiple-entry ten-year visas were considered the norm.  

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.