Once a tourist visa application gets refused, it becomes more difficult to get the subsequent application approved. It does not make sense to keep resubmitting the same application and expect a different result. Tourist visa applications should be tailored to each applicant’s unique circumstances.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when applying for the Canadian tourist or visitor visa:
- Not filling out application forms properly:
It is important to properly document the applicant’s work history and education, to sign and date the Family Application Form, to indicate dates of birth of the applicant’s parents and child(ren), to honestly answer all questions, etc.
- Incomplete invitation letters:
The letters from Canadian inviters should entail a series of carefully chosen details. For instance, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (or IRCC) needs to understand who exactly is inviting the tourist visa applicant, what is the inviter’s status in Canada, how many people live with the inviter, etc. Purpose of the visit to Canada should be clearly explained. IRCC provides guidelines on the invitation letters, and many opt to have the letters prepared in the form of a Statutory Declaration.
- Provided supporting documentation did not suffice:
It is common to get a tourist visa application refused because of the lack of the applicant’s family ties to their home country, their employment prospects in the home country and the applicant’s economic conditions in their country. Some of these concerns can be alleviated by providing the applicant’s marriage certificate, property deeds, proof of employment, etc.
- Using concealed representatives:
IRCC recognizes only Canadian immigration lawyers, Ontario paralegals, Quebec notaries, and immigration consultants as authorized paid representatives. Unfortunately, many applicants use agents, tourist agencies, or unlicensed consultants to prepare and file their applications. These concealed representatives (or “ghost consultants”) oftentimes do not understand how Canadian immigration system operates and its evolving practical realities. This can have catastrophic results for the applicants. IRCC reiterated many times that they want to do business with authorized representatives only.