Visitor Visa to Canada: 4 common mistakes made when applying for one

A visitor visa is a travel document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that permits the entry of a foreign national into Canada for a period of temporary residence. A visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is essential for anyone who’s nationality is from a non-visa exempt country. For example, citizens of the United States of America, can visit Canada, visa-free (barring any temporary COVID-19 restrictions that may be in place for tourism). However, for nationals of the Philippines or Pakistan, they are required first to obtain a visa from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 

The purpose of a visitor visa is to visit Canada for a temporary period up to 6 months. Usually, the purpose is for tourism or to visit family or other functions that may be occurring in Canada. If you are seeking to visit Canada and require a visa, SJP Immigration Inc. can assist and represent you and your family, in your application to visit Canada. Here are 4 common reasons for refusal of visitor visa applications.

Lack of evidence for ties to home country 

Since a visitor visa application is only valid for a period of temporary residence, the immigration officer must be convinced that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay. One of that factors they use to judge this are ties to your home country. Such ties they consider are real property holdings, a career, family that is in your home country, the economic conditions in your home country and more. The onus is on the applicant to provide substantial evidence, they have enough reasons to return home, and will not remain illegally in Canada. 

Bona Fide Intention 

Immigration Officers like to see a particular reason for your visit to Canada, and consider whether it is reasonably a strong enough. For example: why is the applicant coming to Canada, where will they be staying? Are these strong enough reasons? If the applicant studied in Canada, and is reuniting with friends after some time, and there are invitation letters from these friends who reside in Canada, that can be supportive and is an example of what should be included.

Proof of funds for visit

As a developed nation, Canada is not inexpensive relative to the rest of the world. To comfortably stay here for a duration of time up to 6 months, the immigration officer needs to see that you have the funds to support your stay in Canada and support your dependents as well (children or spouse). Funds can be proven with recent bank statements, and other forms of liquid assets and credit lines to support your stay in Canada. An immigration consultant would be able to provide a good idea of what would be a reasonable amount of money (or Bitcoin), to have available when visiting Canada for a specified duration.

Itinerary for Travel to Canada

Another piece of supporting evidence Canadian immigration officers consider when applying for your visitor visa application would be an agenda and an itinerary of your proposed visit to Canada. For example, a wedding invitation with a publicly visible event listing and location would be a strong piece of supporting documentation in your visa application. 

This list is not exhaustive and provides common reasons and tips to avoid refusals of visitor visas. A licensed consultant or lawyer, experienced in immigration, can provide a reasonable checklist of supporting documentation unique to your circumstances. A licensed professional should take into consideration your personal circumstances, family composition, reasons for visit, and more to assist you in increasing your chances for a successful visa application by providing the right documents.