Getting a visa gives us a lot of anxiety-- this is true especially those who hold a passport from a 3rd world country like me! Not only is there a long list of requirements, the chances of visa denial is also relatively high.

Canada is probably one of the top destinations for everyone not only for migration but also for touristic purposes. Having said that, this is one of the toughest visas to obtain due to a large number of people wanting to live there for good. The factors that the Consuls consider in reaching their decision are:

• the information in the travel and identity documents;

• the reason for the travel to Canada;

• the person’s contacts in Canada;

• the person’s ties to his or her country of residence (including immigration status, employment and family ties);

• the person’s ability to pay for the trip and to support himself or herself while in Canada;

• whether the person is likely to respect the conditions of his or her admission to Canada;

• whether the person is inadmissible to Canada; and

• whether the person would be likely to leave Canada at the end of his/her authorized stay.

Note that one or some of the cause for visa denial could be applicable to you. Here are 8 common reasons for visa denial and what you can do to avoid it. :)

1) YOU DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FUNDS/SUFFICIENT ASSETS

One of the requirements in applying for a Canadian Tourist Visa is your Bank Statement/Bank Certificate. This is to prove that you are financially capable to travel and stay in Canada as a tourist and that you have strong ties to your home country. For a Canadian Tourist Visa, you need to have at least 150 USD/day of your stay plus some funds to cover your hotel and flight fees.

7 Common Reasons For Canada Visa Rejection And What You Can Do To Avoid It

What you should do: Note that there are several factors they consider when looking at your Bank Statement/Bank Certificate and it’s not all about the total amount you have. Your bank account should show that you have a steady source of income as computed from your Average Daily Balance and that’s just tip of the iceberg. Click here to know more about the 7 Practical Tips On How To Have The Right Show Money.

2) INCOMPLETE/IMPROPER DOCUMENTATION

The Government of Canada is straightforward with what you have to give them for documentation. This includes:

Valid passport.
Duly accomplished Form IMM5257
Duly accomplished Form 5645
2 passport size photos (35mm x 45mm)
Proof of income/financial capability
Travel history
Purpose of Travel

What you should do: Triple check the documents that you have in hand. Make a personal checklist if possible. Not submitting any of these warrants visa denial unless the Consul is kind enough to call you and ask for the missing documents. You can submit additional documents like an Affidavit of Support from your sponsor, a Cover Letter, or an Invitation Letter from a resident/company in Canada if it’s necessary for your application.

3) MISREPRESENTATION/FALSIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS

This is greatly frowned upon in any Embassy or probably by anyone! Would you like to take someone who lies straight to your face as a guest in your house?? Certainly not! An example of misrepresentation is making it appear that you are employed when you are certainly not. An example of falsification is when you produce false documents like a Certificate of Employment to ‘prove’ that you are gainfully employed.

What you should (not) do: Do not even attempt to do this. Period. This could cause outright visa refusal or worse, it could get you blacklisted.

4) FAILURE TO MEET CANADA’S HEALTH STANDARDS

One of the top reasons why people want to migrate to Canada is because of their very efficient Health Care System. An Immigration Medical Exam is required for Permanent resident applicants, Temporary residents, and Refugees. This is the Government’s way of taking steps to protect the health of Canadians; to protect the safety of Canadians; and to reduce and prevent excessive demand on Canada's health and social services.

What you should do: Make sure your health is at its best and get the required Immigration Medical Exam when you are applying for visas under the above-stated categories.

5) YOU FAILED TO MEET SECURITY STANDARDS

A pending criminal case or a criminal background is a cause for outright visa rejection. This is especially true when you’re applying for an immigrant visa. For tourist visas, I think it will depend on the severity of the case. If it’s just theft then I think you can still get it but if it has something to do with terrorism or a capital offense like murder or kidnapping, then definitely not. That’s my personal opinion and please correct me if I’m wrong.

What you should do: Wait for the disposal of the case. It is only when your name is cleared that you stand the chance of getting an immigrant visa.

6) YOU HAVEN’T TRAVELLED OUTSIDE OF YOUR COUNTRY YET

One of the requirements for a Canadian Tourist Visa is the copy of your visas (valid or expired) as well as your entry and exit stamps. Now you know that this is one of the things they take into consideration. This proves that you are financially capable to travel and that you haven’t overstayed in any country that you visited.

What you should do: Travel outside of your country first. Promo fares are everywhere and Southeast Asia isn’t expensive at all! The easiest way to get passport stamps from the Philippines is by crossing the border from Singapore-Malaysia or backpacking across Southeast Asia using the Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand Route, Thailand-Malaysia Route, or the Thailand-Myanmar Route. For those who have the luxury of time, you might want to consider doing it for at least 2 weeks so you would really get to enjoy the experience.

7) YOU HAVE A PROBABILITY TO OVERSTAY

This is the most common reason for tourist visa denial. They protect the interests of the Canadians and people seeking employment while on a tourist visa or those intending to overstay and drain their resources are threats to them.

What you should do: Show your deep-rootedness or deep ties in your home country. Show them that you are financially capable, that you have properties, and/or you are gainfully employed.

That’s all for this post. If all else fails, or even before all else fails, check out my previous article to learn more about How To Handle Tourist Visa Rejection And What You Can Do To Avoid It. Good luck with your visa application! :)

7 Common Reasons For Canada Visa Rejection And What You Can Do To Avoid It