10 Canadian Visa Mistakes to Never Make

Canadian Immigration is a long, complex, and complicated process. There are more than sixty-two immigration programs, each with different eligibility criteria, requirements, and application processes. Not just this, the screening of applications is extremely rigorous. Even the tiniest mistake can lead to rejection.

It’s, therefore, crucial to making sure your application is free of mistakes and you’ve included all the important documents. Here’s a list of common Canadian Visa Mistakes and how to avoid them.

Leaving Blanks in Your Application

Leaving blanks in your application is one of the most common mistakes of all. Applicants leave things blank for two reasons. Either the information required doesn’t apply to them or by mistake. It can be confusing for immigration officers to understand whether the blank has been left blank on purpose or due to an oversight. This can create issues in processing the application.

A person reading a paper

It’s, therefore, important to make sure not to leave any blanks in your application. Even if something doesn’t apply to you, make sure to mention ‘NA’ or ‘Not Applicable’ instead of leaving it blank. Review your application at least twice to avoid any oversight.

Misrepresenting Information

Another most common mistake that applicants makeis the misrepresentation of facts. There are three different types of misrepresentations:

  • Innocent Misrepresentation– It’s when the applicant gives incorrect information that he doesn’t know is untrue. This can also happen when the applicant misunderstands the required information and provides something else instead.
  • Negligent Misrepresentation– It’s when the applicant gives untrue information that he hasn’t tried verifying.
  • Fraudulent Misrepresentation– It’s when the applicant gives untrue information on purpose.

Any type of misrepresentation can lead to the rejection of your application. It’s therefore important to verify all the information you’re including. Make sure not to commit any fraudulent misrepresentation as it can hurt your credibility and can result in a permanent ban as well.

Not Including Enough Supporting Documents

Supporting documents have the power to make or break your application. It can add credibility to your application and can help it stand out. Make sure to add all the essential documents that can support your case.

If you can’t provide evidence or documentation about something, make sure to attach a separate cover letter explaining the unavailability of documents. A missing supporting document can raise doubts. It’s therefore important to mention the reason why the document is missing.

Not Cross-Checking the Document List

Missing documents is another very common mistake. Before submitting your application, make sure to cross-check all your documents against the checklist received with the application at least twice. You need to be sure that all the documents required for the application process have been attached.

A paper with a checklist

Not Providing a Strong Invitation or Sponsorship Letter

Your invitationand sponsorship letter are crucial to your application. Make sure your sponsor provides a powerful, convincing, and emotionally compelling letter. It needs to have all the information required by the immigration officers, both about the applicant and the sponsor. The sponsor should also provide all the documents necessary.

Not Providing Enough Proof of Funds

Depending on the type of visa, the sponsor or the applicant might have to provide proof of funds. Insufficient funds or proof of funds is one of the most common reasons for rejection. The numberof funds required may vary depending on the immigration program and your number of dependents.

Immigration officers are also interested in the source of funds and the frequency of deposits. The purpose of looking into the sources, deposits, and accumulation of funds is to make sure that the proof of funds is legit. An irregular deposit of funds into your account can raise red flags.

Not Providing Enough Proof of Ties to Your Country

This is one of the major reasons for the rejection of a Canadian visitor visa. If you’re applying for a visiting visa, it’s essential to provide enough proof of ties to your home country. This helps to make sure that the visitor will return to his country after his stay. If you don’t have enough ties to your home country, your visiting visa might get rejected.

Not Thinking Like an Immigration Officer

Make sure to think like an immigration officer when filing your application. Make a list of all the major concerns that your immigration officer might have. Provide evidence to dismiss their doubt about you.

Not Appealing Your Rejection Decision

A lot of applicants don’t even know that their rejection decision can be appealed. There are three things you can do after being rejected:

  • Appeal your immigration decision – Although not all immigration decisions can be appealed, some decisions can be put to this process. You’ll have to hire an immigration lawyer to appeal your decision. This decision is either appealed in the Canadian court or the Immigration Adjudication Division (IAD).
  • Apply for reconsideration – If you believe that your application was rejected due to a lack of certain supporting documents. You can provide these documents and apply for a reconsideration.
  • Reapplication – You can apply once again. Your application will be dealt with as a new one.

As a lot of applicants don’t know about appealing and reconsideration, they accept rejection as the final decision. Don’t forget, even if you do get rejected, you can appeal or apply for a reconsideration.

Not Hiring a Legit Immigration Lawyer or Consultant

Although you can fill your application yourself, it’s very important to get your application checked by an immigration consultant. There are a lot of technicalities in the immigration application that you might not understand. Moreover, because you might be filling an immigration application for the first time, you lack the experience that these legal professionals have. They can guide you about everything from the various application forms to the sponsorship and invitation letters.

Make sure to hire a legal professional who can guide you throughout the process. These professionals are also well-versed in appealing immigration decisions in case your immigration decision isn’t in your favour.

About the Author

The author is associated with Nanda and Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation, a law firm with the best Canadian immigration lawyers. You can find him handling complicated Canada spouse visas and other immigration cases. He works hard to make his clients’ dreams to live, work, and study in Canada come true.

For any immigration-related advice, book a free consultationwith Nanda and Associate Lawyers.

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