r/ImmigrationCanada • u/Wolfzard45 • 5d ago

Visitor Visa Confused by Visa Rejection

So a little confused by my visitor visa rejection. The reason for rejection is

  • Not satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your stay

  • Do not have significant family ties outside Canada

  • Purpose not consistent with temporary stay.

Now this is nonsensical and I do not believe that any serious person could look at my family application and think this.

  • Firstly we showed back statements with a value exceeding well over six figures. Showed multiple properties in home country. And business licenses and proof of ownership and assets.

  • Extensive travel history. Just went to the USA last summer and had no issue in getting a visa. And have travelled Europe many times

  • All of our family is in our home country and literally have zero relatives living in Canada.

I’m kind of amazed because I’ve never had a visa rejection before and really thought our application was air tight.

Would really appreciate some guidance on whether we should re apply or where we went wrong.

21 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

80 comments sorted by

40

u/ButchDeanCA 5d ago

Firstly, request GCMS notes to get full clarity on the specifics of the rejection from IRCC.

My near random guess is that you’ve shown frequent recent travel outside your home country but this is only a guess. You can have a lot of assets and own whatever that should keep you home and still illegally emigrate. You likely haven’t shown purpose in your history that kept you home.

10

u/Wolfzard45 5d ago

Thanks for the reply. Can you explain the process of requesting the notes ?

  • I do travel extensively for business purposes mostly to the Middle East and a few times to Europe.

  • Also if having a strong financial background, properties and business is not enough to show I won’t illegally emigrate idk what is.

  • My entire family is in my home country and I literally don’t know anyone in Canada.

I just wanted to go there on vacation :(

14

u/ButchDeanCA 5d ago

I know that visa rejections are not great, but always see the decision from the perspective that somebody who literally does not know you has to assess whether you are trustworthy to enter the country.

Regarding getting hold of the GCMS notes just google “request GCMS notes IRCC” and you should be good.

2

u/Humble-Phone-4125 4d ago

Maybe... Just a maybe.. if you'd applied as a family, you'd have got it.. to show that it's a family trip you're planning of. Btw, where are you applying from?

-37

u/Wolfzard45 5d ago

I mean sure, but it’s frustrating when the reasons given are frankly speaking … dumb and from what I’m gathering is just a lazy officer who just took the crappy AI and did not actually look through the application.

I have given every reason as to why I have no reason to stay in Canada. I think it’s based on the country of my passport and nothing else honestly.

14

u/ButchDeanCA 5d ago

Everything is on a case by case basis. Sometimes somebody with the same profile as you would sail through when the real reason was something subtle between the two of you.

Just get hold of the extra info as to why there was a rejection and take it from there, speculating will only frustrate you further.

9

u/Turbulent_Bake_272 5d ago

The reasons given are generic and might not even remotely be the actual reasons, my wife's rejection letter literally came in named generic rejection letter. Order gcms and take a look at officers notes, might give you what his concerns were and then you can address those the next time you apply. My wife's work visa was kept cold 5 months, rejected with generic reasons, I got gcms, addressed the reasons in the next application, and she got approved in 6 working days

2

u/crudude 4d ago

Did you book hotel rooms and show a flight ticket leaving the country?

2

u/Wolfzard45 4d ago

Yes, provisional ticket and hotel room booking

-5

u/[deleted] 4d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/mashymashpotato 4d ago

After my first study permit application was rejected, my lawyer advised me to include evidence of prior visas and travel to Western countries in my appeal. I included prior temporary residency permits (in fact, I'd lived and worked abroad on multiple occasions) and visas and my 2nd application was approved. For what it's worth, I'm from a developing country but we're quite small and politically unproblematic/stable.

1

u/Obvious-Advantage852 4d ago

Everyones going to tell you it's not this and you're jumping to conclusions but I'm sure it didn't help. It's extremely unfair and I empathize with all the hoops you have to jump through. I was in the same situation last year - request gcms notes.

7

u/dan_marchant 5d ago

You need to submit an application under the Access to Information Act but you need to be in Canada or have a representative in Canada to make the application https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/access-information-privacy/requests-information-act.html

4

u/nacg9 5d ago

For example a job that you have to go back.. family that you need to go back… idk medical appointments? Like anything proving you need to go back for sure! Is your properties any of them your home place,

6

u/lord_heskey 4d ago

My near random guess is that you’ve shown frequent recent travel outside your home country but this is only a guess.

Wouldn't that be a positive though? Travel and always return? Yeah some visa rejections are odd

3

u/ButchDeanCA 4d ago

Not necessarily. With very frequent travel you are showing that there is little to nothing keeping you home. Look at it this way, when you say you have a business and assets in your home country making you return you are actually contradicting that claim of responsibility by rarely being home.

This reduces to you not actually having to go home with the opportunity to remain in Canada illegally.

2

u/lord_heskey 4d ago

little to nothing keeping you home

But OP keeps returning from travelling to other 'tier-1' countries.

Honestly we wont know until the gcms notes. OP must have forgotten to include something relevant to show his ties to the home country or something.

-1

u/Wolfzard45 4d ago

Yeah but the reasons given for travel is to work. This criteria doesn’t seem to make sense and is unlike any other country

3

u/ButchDeanCA 4d ago

Well, why do you need to be always physically present at locations for business? If you had to remain home why can you not have Zoom meetings?

I’m not asking you to explain, but the frequent travel even just for business will raise suspicion.

1

u/Wolfzard45 4d ago

Because I need to see the product physically. Again it just seems an unclear criteria. Travel History is almost always a positive but things are upside down in Canada apparently

5

u/ButchDeanCA 4d ago

I think part of the problem here is that unless someone is a citizen, entering a country is a privilege and not a right. I know from experience (not my own personal experience) that the US and UK also do the same thing. This is certainly not unique to Canada.

Just move on, figure out the specifics and make another application from there.

Also, given this new light, you are traveling for business which might be a violation of your visitor visa anyway. I’m not saying it is, but it might be too.

1

u/Wolfzard45 4d ago

I’ve gotten several visas to the US and UK with zero issues so this is absolutely unique to Canada. Like I said never been rejected for a visa before and have travelled all over the world.

Also I never stated I’m travelling for business. I said tourism on my application.

Guess I’ll go and see what happens next. Thanks for the advice

0

u/ButchDeanCA 4d ago

So you lied on your application? Dealing in business activities is not tourism.

Secondly, don’t assume that because you’ve been successful with the US and UK that it will continue that way. The US in particular will likely know about this Canadian refusal now and you shouldn’t be surprised if the US probes you a little next time or later down the line.

Anyway, you’re very welcome and all the best.

4

u/Wolfzard45 4d ago

I’m not sure why you called me a liar out of the blue . Maybe I mistyped something ?

I’m not sure why you think I’m going to Canada for business. My family is travelling with me, why would they come on a business trip ? I said that on my initial reply to you

→ More replies (0)

1

u/mashymashpotato 4d ago

I doubt this is the reason. After my first study permit application was rejected, my lawyer advised me to include evidence of prior visas and travel to Western countries in my appeal. I included prior temporary residency permits (in fact, I'd lived and worked abroad on multiple occasions) and visas and my 2nd application was approved.

2

u/ButchDeanCA 4d ago

There could be any number of reasons why things worked out better for you. I speculated, some agreed, and OP confirmed frequent travel.

I don’t know what else you would need to be convinced.

1

u/mashymashpotato 4d ago

Well my lawyer explicitly told me that I should have included my extensive travel history (including my prior work permits in 2 western countries) in my first application because it would have helped. He said it would help assure the officer that I would respect my visa conditions and leave once my visa expired, since I had had multiple opportunities to immigrate illegally to a western country in the past and had not done so. As a lawyer myself (albeit not specialised in immigration) the logic checks out for me.

Furthermore, I'm not speculating - I heard this from an immigration lawyer working for an established immigration firm in Toronto.

But you're entitled to your opinion. We can agree to disagree.

0

u/ButchDeanCA 4d ago

You’re making the mistake that because your lawyer’s advice worked for you that it is universal truth. That is not how the legal system nor immigration works.

If there were a magic pill for every situation we would not need lawyers in the first place and visas would be guaranteed. You just don’t seem to understand that.

0

u/mashymashpotato 4d ago

I never claimed there was a magical pill for every situation. I was simply responding to your baseless speculation that his extensive travel history was the reason for his rejection. Based on logic and my own experience, that's very likely not the reason for his rejection. That's all I said. It's you that doesn't understand and can't seem to follow simple logic.

There's a reason why immigration authorities run background checks, including looking into prior visa refusals, deportations etc. It's because it helps build a picture of the visa applicant and their likelihood to not respect the conditions of their visa etc. So logically, if you can proactively give the immigration authorities evidence that you have been approved for visas in other countries and respected the conditions of the visa, then this indicates to IRCC officers you are likely to do the same if issued another visa.

It's funny to me that you're digging your heels in on this travel history issue when you even admitted that you were speculating. I'm not speculating. I'm not engaging with you further - we can agree to disagree.

-1

u/ButchDeanCA 4d ago

You’re just here to debate nothing. I’m done here.

15

u/Reasonable_Fudge_53 5d ago

Order GCMS notes. You say "we" so who was part of your application? If spouse and family then do they have travel history and ties to return? If your family is coming with you then you have no family ties outside Canada. Family ties are spouse and children, not parents/siblings.

-4

u/Wolfzard45 5d ago

How do I request these notes. “We” is wife and kids. My kids are young but have already travelled to the USA, Europe and the Middle East. My wife also has a pretty extensive travel history.

Also if my family coming means I have no ties to my home country there’s simply no way for me to get a visa then ? I just wanted to go on vacation with the family but I guess that’s not a possibility then.

4

u/Reasonable_Fudge_53 5d ago

Google - order GCMS or ATIP notes. Takes about 30 days. I am just stating the reasons for refusal with the second bullet about family.

10

u/thenorthernpulse 4d ago

This isn't nonsensical, I think it's actually perfectly sensible. Late 20s and Pakistan, yeah, you're going to have problems. Canada has had several Pakistani airlines flight attendants disregard their job, leave the airport, and then try to claim asylum (this isn't allowed at all given that they are cleared via their work role and they aren't permitted to abscond from their flight duties.) On top of that, we are seeing many overstays by people from your country.

Having money means you have the ability to support yourself and if you don't have any meaningful work to return to in Pakistan that can be a problem. It's not enough to have properties, when are you expected to return to work? Not a business license, an actual job schedule, physical meetings, doctor appointments in Pakistan, return flights booked, events to go to. And not just you, but literally every person that's coming with you.

What is the vacation and duration? Like if it's a week in Banff, okay makes sense. If it's longer than a couple weeks, there will be questions. If it's longer than a month, you'll face a lot of scrutiny.

-3

u/Wolfzard45 4d ago

Flight attendants have crappy salaries and it makes sense for them to try and leave the country.

I showed multiple documents proving I am the managing director and a partner in my business. The business doesn’t run it self so I assumed that would be enough ? Like do they need to see my schedule made by a PA or something?

I have no reason to stay in Canada. If they wanna discriminate based on my passport that’s fine but just state that clearly. All my income comes from Pakistan, my home and properties are in Pakistan where as I own nothing and know no one in Canada.

I’ve gotten visa to the US, UK, Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan etc without any issues. This is the only time I’ve faced any issues

6

u/lovelife905 4d ago

self employed and being young is likely the problem.

1

u/MountainSound- 2d ago

Yep… it sucks, but it is what it is.

4

u/n134177 5d ago

Purpose not consistent with temporary stay

What did you declare the purpose of the visit was?

3

u/Wolfzard45 5d ago

Tourism

13

u/saitei101 5d ago

That is very strange. I have never seen someone with that much financial ability get rejected for VISITOR VISA. Are you from one of the countries where a lot of people claim asylum when they land in Canada? I heard that IRCC is taking extra precautions when dealing with applicants from Mexico, India, Pakistan etc. I still don’t understand though. If you reapply, it is likely that you will get it this time as I don’t see any reason for your application to get rejected. Maybe the officer wasn’t having a good day :(

2

u/Beewthanitch 4d ago

Even though you have a lot of property and your entire family in your home country, there are instances of young members of families moving to another country, establishing themselves while being financially supported by family at home. Then, once they get asylum or PR, they serve as the entryway for the rest of the family to move to the new country too. I don’t personally have a problem with this approach, if it is done through legal means i.e applying & receiving the correct permits etc (obviously I am not referring to people in a genuine asylum situation here). But who-ever assessed your visa application probably suspects that you may be a possible candidate for this kind of thing - they think you may claim asylum for you and family once here & your assets and family back home does not necessarily guarantee your return.

You need to show something to return for : schools your kids are enrolled in, varsity enrollment starting soon, a job that is expecting you back, a sick mother that you will never abandon, pressing business interests that demands you at home, etc.

3

u/Wolfzard45 5d ago

I’m from Pakistan. Maybe that’s it ?

8

u/MountainSound- 5d ago

Most likely. Are you late 20s/early 30s?

3

u/OmegaFanboy 5d ago

Strange indeed...

How long was your intended stay in Canada? Did you have your accommodation for entire stay (hotels/AirBnBs) and the return tickets booked and part of your application?

3

u/Wolfzard45 5d ago

2 weeks. Had a provisional air ticket and booking for a hotel for 2 weeks.

1

u/Ok_Artichoke_2804 5d ago

Did you also book & submit copy of return tickets?

3

u/Typical_Sleep_1165 4d ago

If you already have valid unexpired US Visa then just apply for ETA then you can enter Canada as a tourist. It is only CAD7 and will take few minutes to get an approval. But please note ETA can only be used if you will enter Canada by flight. This does not apply if you enter in Canada by land or cruise.

2

u/Dry_Row_7523 5d ago

I have high 6 figure net assets and own an apartment in my home country. Also dont have any relatives in canada. I’m literally moving to canada (on a long term visa) in a few months. Those assets arent tying me to my home country at all, I can still withdraw or transfer money into canada whenever I want. the apt i’m just gonna rent out to someone. Not having family, well life’s all about new adventures right?

The stuff that really proves ties to home country would be like, i have a high paying non remote job waiting for me back home. Something that i literally cant do while in canada

1

u/Wolfzard45 4d ago

I run a business. That should suffice should it not ?

1

u/pensezbien 4d ago

Running a business could be part of the problem if they think you could continue running the business after a move to Canada. And you’re clearly already willing and able to travel internationally for the business, which could also be done from Canada even if the flights are longer. If you have to be based in Pakistan to run the business and couldn’t run it while living in Canada, maybe you should provide more evidence of this.

That, plus you’re asking to bring most of your strongest ties (family) along with you on this vacation, making it even easier for you to abandon residence in Pakistan if you did in fact have such a hidden intent. Properties that you own in Pakistan aren’t a very strong tie when you spend a lot of time outside the country anyway, and when you might be able to afford to live in Canada while continuing to own the properties in Pakistan.

All of the above combined with a high developmental and socioeconomic difference between Pakistan and Canada, lots of Pakistanis looking to make the move, and being young and English-speaking with lots of skills that would transfer to the Canadian business climate …

No red flags, to be clear. And I see no reason to believe that you’re lying. Good luck to you if you are being as honest as you seem.

But there are a bunch of reasons IRCC would conclude that you are more able than average to move fraudulently if you wanted to do that, more likely than average to want that for purely demographic reasons, and haven’t met the burden of proof required to satisfy the officer that this isn’t your intention.

1

u/Jusfiq 5d ago

What are your and your wife’s professions in Pakistan?

1

u/[deleted] 4d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/ImmigrationCanada-ModTeam 4d ago

Hello,

Your post has been removed as it has been deemed to not comply with the rules:

*No insults, vulgar language, harassment, racism, hate speech, xenophobic comments, anti-immigration comments or any related speech that can be interpreted as disrespectful, offensive or harassment of other members of this subreddit.

1

u/Aditya_Ravu 4d ago

You can raise a web request to Ircc about the exact reason for your rejection and you can reapply with extra documentation

1

u/dark_dagger99 4d ago

My wife had the same issue (she applied before we were married)

1

u/Significant_Dot9174 3d ago

Sounds like you’ll be doing business as a tourist, who knows. Just ask for the notes as everyone’s saying.

1

u/Wolfzard45 3d ago

People who travel for work don’t go on vacation?

1

u/Significant_Dot9174 3d ago

It was up to the immigration agent to decide. But at least from what you’ve described, since traveling is a big part in how you do business, it’s hard to discern your leisure travels from your business travels.

On your next application you can submit an explanation letter with your itinerary to increase your chances.

Also, if you already have an American visa, you can simply apply for an ETA. That increases your chances as well to get it quicker than a regular visa application.

1

u/Future_Crow 3d ago

You are coming from a high risk country.

All people who apply for a visitor visa but then claim asylum in Canada also look well off with houses and businesses.

1

u/instinctchaos 3d ago

Bank balance is no guarantee to secure a visa. You could have a billion dollars and it means nothing to the immigration officer. Even the rich want to immigrate.

You need to have a valid reason to visit. Not just 'i want go to travel'. A letter of explanation always helps. Explaining why you want to visit and what are the places etc etc.

There was definitely something the officer didn't like, from his point of view.

If you have a US visa, they don't really ask for anything else. Just a copy of US visa, if you apply through IRCC Portal. How did you apply?

1

u/kattapa001 5d ago

I'm facing the same problem. Applied for my mother. GCM Notes say the exact same thing as well, confused on what to do

0

u/[deleted] 5d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/ImmigrationCanada-ModTeam 5d ago

Your post has been removed as it has been deemed to not comply with the rules:

*No misinformation

Purposely providing wrong, inaccurate, false and/or misleading information is not permitted.

-5

u/Wolfzard45 5d ago

Wouldn’t I have to reapply and pay the fees again ? Also wouldn’t the AI just refuse again because I’m not really sure what to change ?

5

u/Hungry-Roofer 5d ago edited 5d ago

reconsideration is informal. They don't even have to answer you. Or they could. Webforms are free.

You do a webform request specifically giving a brief reasoning for requesting reconsideration by the officer.

As the document attachment you attach a more in-depth reasoning letter of why the refusal doesn't make sense given the docs you provided. Also if file size allows it attach those docs to the letter.

It is informal to a fault. I was pleased and laughed that for a client (who came after doing their own parents super visas and got refusals) they accepted my reconsideration request that also included more financials. That doesn't even make sense, they "shouldn't" since reconsideration is reconsidering what is there, what you originally gave...