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The Canadian visa application process can be a complex and lengthy task, especially if you don’t know the ins and outs of the immigration system. No one wants to put time and effort into making travel or immigration plans only to have them dashed by having your visa denied.
There are various reasons that your Canadian visa application could be denied, whether you’re applying to study, immigrate, work or travel in Canada. In this article, we take a look at the Top 7 reasons why visas could be denied and how to avoid them.
Your visa could be rejected because of insufficient supporting documents including financial records showing sufficient funds, meeting international security and health standards as well as your intentions for entering the country, or whether or not you are able to provide evidence that you will return home once your visa has expired.
Another reason that could affect your Canadian visa application is using an unofficial immigration agency or law firm. Most applicants don’t realize just how important it is to use a paid RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant). When you use an RCIC you not only optimize your chances of having your visa approved because you will have professional guidance and support throughout the entire process, but also because the government will be assured that all documentation has been verified and submitted correctly.
To speak to one of our accredited immigration professionals, simply click the link below, or continue reading to find out how you can avoid the most common mistakes when applying for a Canadian visa.
Top 7 Reasons Your Canadian Visa Application Could Be Denied
1 in 4 Canadian visa applications are denied and could easily be avoided. Here are the most common errors that could lead to your visa being rejected.
1. Using an Unregulated Immigration Consultant or Law Firm
This is, unfortunately, one of the most common reasons why so many Canadian Visa applications are rejected or delayed. There are many fraudulent organizations taking advantage of hopeful applicants, offering free evaluations and special deals as well as guaranteeing job offers and visas. These scams often result in identity theft, fraud, theft of bank account or credit card information, and computer viruses.
These scams take place telephonically, via email, and/or the internet (fake websites and fake news). Earlier this year, fake news stories started circulating that Justin Trudeau (Candian Prime Minister) was begging the Kenyan and Nigerian prime ministers for 1 million skilled workers. This leads to various WhatsApp scams, leaving many people, victims of immigration fraud, having parted with their hard-earned money after paying “ghost agents” for fake job offers and visas.
For tips on how to avoid falling prey to immigration scams visit our blog here.
2. You Haven’t Provided Enough Supporting Documents
When you apply for a Canadian visa you will need to provide supporting documents that prove that what you are saying is true. For example, if you have a degree you will have to provide a copy of your degree as well as your transcripts or if you report that you have 2 years of work experience, you will have to provide a reference letter stating hours worked, duties and responsibilities. Failure to provide sufficient evidence to back up your claims could lead to your visa application be returned or simply rejected.
3. You Haven’t Convinced the Government That You Are Not a Security Risk
You will need to supply a criminal report showing that you have not been involved in any of the following:
- espionage;
- subversion (such as political riots or work strikes);
- violence or terror;
- be a member of an organization that violates human or international rights (such as war crimes; crimes against humanity, etc.) or is involved in organized crime (such as money laundering, human trafficking, etc.); and/or
- committed a crime (this includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol).
4. You Haven’t Provided Enough Information Showing That You Are in Good Health
You will need to have an immigration medical exam done by a government-approved medical institution or professional when you apply for a Canadian visa. Medical inadmissibility includes being:
- A danger to public health (which includes having an infectious active disease, such as tuberculosis or syphilis, or have been in contact with someone who has an infectious disease).
- A danger to public safety (which includes experiencing a loss of physical and mental abilities, unpredictable or violent behavior); and/or
- An excessive demand on health or social services (which depends on whether the cost of your medical treatments would put excessive strain on the public Canadian health care system and negatively affect wait times).
The 2019 cost threshold is currently $102,585 over a period of 5 years however excludes refugees and their dependants, protected persons and sponsored family members, dependents, spouses, and common-law partners.
5. You Haven’t Provided Enough Evidence That You Will Be Able to Support Yourself and Your Dependants Financially
Whether you are studying, immigrating, working, or traveling to Canada, you will need to provide sufficient proof that you will not only be able to support yourself during your stay in Canada but your dependents too. This is regardless of whether or not your dependents will be joining you in Canada or not.
Below is a table showing how much you will need to be able to support yourself as well as sponsor someone.
| Income Cut-Off for Financial Sponsorship | |
|---|---|
| Size of Family Unit | Minimum Annual Income (CAD) |
| 1 person (the sponsor) | $25,338 |
| 2 persons | $31,544 |
| 3 persons | $38,780 |
| 4 persons | $47,084 |
| 5 persons | $53,402 |
| 6 persons | $60,228 |
| 7 persons | $67,055 |
| More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add | $6,827 |
6. You Haven’t Provided Enough Evidence to Support Your Reasons For Visiting Canada
Government officials need to be assured that your intentions for visiting Canada are both lawful and of a positive nature. You will need to prove that you are, for example, purely visiting for tourism purposes or visiting a conference. You will also need to prove that you will return home when you say that you will. This could be affected by your past travel history (such as overstaying in another country) as well as not providing a valid reason why you would need to return home, such as a permanent job or dependents.
7. You Have Misrepresented Yourself
If you have failed to meet any of the previously mentioned criteria, it may be tempting to supply altered documents or misinformation. This is not advised as your documentation will go through a rigorous verification process. When you use an RCIC, your application is not only more likely to be approved because the consultant will have verified your documents for you, but your application will also be processed a lot quicker. Ready to start your Canadian visa application? Here’s how we can help.
How We Can Help You With Your Canadian Visa Application
Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be tedious, with copious amounts of forms and documents to complete and strict submission dates, we wouldn’t blame you if you felt scared about getting started on your application. But that's what we’re here for. At Canadian Visa, we take the stress and hassle out of planning to relocate abroad. Our accredited RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) are ready to evaluate your eligibility, review all documentation and submit all documentation on your behalf. Using an RCIC not only gives you the best possible chance of receiving an ITA but will make the entire process simple and stress-free.
All you have to do is complete our online application form and we’ll take care of the rest. We handle the paperwork while you plan your trip to Canada. It's just that simple.
