Understand your visitor visa application refusal and what to do next

A refusal can be stressful and confusing. You want to understand why you were refused a visitor visa, and what next steps you can take.

• What the decision letter is telling you
• Next steps: what you can do and when

What the decision letter is telling you

In your decision letter, we refer to a specific section of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). This is the reason for refusal. Read this part of the letter carefully to begin to understand what wasn’t sufficient about your application.

• For example
  • If the letter states, “failed to comply with our request for biometrics”
    • You likely didn’t give your biometrics within the deadline we gave you.

Next steps: what you can do and when

What you can do next depends on the reason stated in your decision letter.

You may want to wait before applying again. For example,

• if your letter refers to misrepresentation, you may want to wait until 5 years have passed since you were refused
• if your letter refers to a history of criminal activity, or criminal inadmissibility, you may need to take action to overcome the inadmissibility

If neither of the above applies and your situation has not changed since you last applied

• Learn what you should do before you apply again

Your letter refers to misrepresentation

You’ll see the words “inadmissible for misrepresentation” in the last sentence of your decision letter if misrepresentation is the reason given to you.

It means that

• the officer determined that you provided false information or omitted important information on your application or during an interview, and/or
• you submitted false or altered documents

It doesn’t matter if it was someone else who lied or gave false documents. You’re responsible for all the information in your application, even if your representative completes it for you.

You’re not allowed to enter Canada for at least 5 years.

• You should wait to apply again until 5 years from the date of the letter.
  • If you apply before the 5 year period is over, your application will be refused. You won’t be able to enter Canada.
    • You also won’t get a refund for the application fee.

Your letter refers to a history of criminal activity or criminal inadmissibility

Certain activities, offences or convictions in your country, or in Canada, may mean that you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. This means you’re “inadmissible” under Canada’s immigration law. This includes both minor and serious crimes.

If we find you criminally inadmissible, you may be able to overcome it if enough time has passed. For some crimes, if enough time has passed you may be deemed rehabilitated. However, you need to apply for criminal rehabilitation.

If your situation has not changed since you applied

You should deal with the reasons your application was refused and show that your situation has changed a lot or you have significant new information to submit, before you try to apply again.

You may not be able to change your situation. If you apply again, you can be refused and won’t get a refund.

• For example, if your application was denied because you didn’t have enough money to cover your travel and leave Canada at the end of your stay, and you still don’t have enough money for your stay in Canada.

If your situation has changed and you apply again, make sure to:

• clearly tell us how your situation has changed, and
• submit documents that clearly support your situation.

Nobody can guarantee you a visa

If someone like an immigration professional or agent tells you that they can guarantee you a visa to Canada or fast track your application, don’t believe them.

• Applying with an immigration agent or other professional will not increase the chances of your application being approved. Application fees are not refundable once your application is being processed, so think carefully before you reapply.

• You’re responsible for all the information in your application, even if someone else completes it for you.

  See How to choose an immigration representative for tips for finding an authorized representative, and how to protect yourself from fraud.

Submit documents that clearly support your situation

When you apply for a visitor visa, it’s important that you submit documents that clearly reflect your situation.

• For example, if you have a long-term job with a good salary, or have other ties such as family or financial assets, you need to submit documents with details that show this.

When we assess your application, we look for the connection between the information you put on your application form and the details in the documents you submit with your application.

Before you apply again, take the time to read about the details to include in your documents, such as a letter of invitation from your family member or a letter from your employer.

Need help?

Find quick and direct answers to your questions about completing an application.

Important Note:

This page is for reference only. Providing us with the information detailed on this page does not guarantee that you will get a visa. If you choose to apply, we will assess your application in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its related Regulations.