Are you an American citizen who was recently rejected for a Canadian tourist visa?
If so, you may be wondering why you got rejected.
Even more important, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to get your visa application approved.
Well, in this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about why your tourist visa application may have been rejected and what you can do to get it accepted.
Let’s dive in.
3 Ways to Get Your Rejected Canadian Visitor Visa Accepted
Receiving news that your Canadian visitor visa application was rejected is a tough pill to swallow.
You just spent all this time, effort, and money planning your trip to Canada… just to be refused.
So, now what?
Is it time to throw in the towel? Or is there something you can do to get your visa approved?
Here are 3 ways you can get your visa application accepted (even if you’ve been recently rejected):
1. Appeal the Visa Refusal
The first option to get your visa application accepted is to simply appeal the visa refusal.
Even if you just received a visa refusal letter, you can still be appealed under certain circumstances.
For instance, you can reach out to an immigration lawyer to help you file an appeal if you have reason to believe the immigration officer made a mistake in refusing your application.
An incorrect visa refusal may be due to the immigration officer:
- Stepping outside of their jurisdiction
- Acing unfairly
- Breaking the law
If you believe the immigration officer has crossed the line on any of these factors, you will need to make an appeal in the Federal Court of Canada. This means going through the judicial review process.
If you choose to go this route, you need to be very timely in making a decision. If you wait too long, your appeal may be rejected. If you want to take this route, contact a trusted immigration lawyer as soon as you can for the best chance of a successful appeal.
2. Request a Reconsideration
The second option you have after an appeal is a request for immigration to reconsider your application.
This is slightly different from the above route.
If you believe there may be an error on the application or incomplete information, then it may be in your best interest to request a reconsideration.
This could be due to citing misinterpreted information.
Remember to make sure you submit all correct supporting documents and any other relevant information in your response. It’s best to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to help you craft a compelling response.
3. Re-Apply
Your third option is to simply re-apply with a brand new application.
If you have further documentation you can provide in your application, then you should consider re-applying for a Canadian tourist visa.
For instance, if there’s a change in your personal situation, such as your work situation, your marriage status, or your reasons for entry into Canada, you may want to submit a new application.
It’s important that you review your refused tourist visa application before you decide to submit a new application.
The Most Common Reasons Canadian Visitor Visas Are Refused
A Canadian visitor visa application from an American citizen may be refused for several reasons.
It’s vital that you first understand why your application was rejected before you decide what to do.
Here are a few of the most common reasons visitor visas are refused in Canada:
- Unclear reason for the visit to Canada
- Insufficient personal assets
- Inadequate documentation
- Vague documentation
- Unstable employment
- Difference between the length of stay and available funds
- Bad situation with family ties in Canada
- Lack of travel history
- Lack of supporting documentation of your Canadian host
- Previously overstaying in Canada
- Previous illegal stay in Canada
- Lack of legal status in your home country
These are just a few of the reasons you may be refused a visitor visa as an American looking to come to Canada.
Before you take action, it’s important to analyze each of these, including the notes from the immigration officer on your refused application.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Visitor Visa to Canada?
Once you’re approved for a visitor visa, you can relax as you’ve just completed the hardest part about visiting Canada. However, you need to remember that it will take some time for your visa application to process through Canadian immigration.
The visa processing time varies from person to person. It can take as little as two weeks or as long as four weeks. In some cases, it may take even longer depending on the complexity of your application and the number of applications being submitted to the Canadian government.
Your visa application only begins processing after Canadian immigration officers have received your application.
If your application is incomplete or they request additional documentation from you, the processing time will take even longer.
What to Do Once Your Canadian Visa Application Is Approved?
Once your visa arrives, you’re good to travel to Canada!
However, this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be allowed entry into the country.
At the point of entry, you will be asked to show your American passport, visa, and any other requested documents.
You may be asked for proof of address, depending on where you’re staying, as well as any other documentation to support your purpose for the trip.
The Canadian officials will ask you a few questions about why you’re visiting Canada.
After you answer, they will ultimately be the ones to decide whether or not to allow you entry into Canada. These officials have the authority to reject or accept your entry into the country.
Need to Get Your Rejected Visitor Visa Application Reversed?
Are you an American citizen?
Did your Canadian visitor visa application get rejected recently… but you still want to get a visitor visa?
If so, you’ll want to reach out to a Canadian lawyer to help you with the process.
Having a trusted and capable immigration lawyer by your side will help you with every step of the visa process. Here at Falcon Law, we’ll work with you to give you the best chance of success with your visa application.
We’ll analyze your rejected visa application, your documentation and your specific situation, and help you choose the best course of action to get your application accepted.
If you need help with your visitor visa application to Canada, reach out to us at Falcon Law.
