Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
To Visit Canada
Some visitors to Canada are exempt from visas because of any of the following reasons: Their nationality, the documents they hold, or their purpose of visit to Canada.
Many people, however, need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada.
Does everyone receive a visit visa to Canada?
The obvious answer to this question is, no. When you intend to travel to Canada, you must submit an application first. Of course, you need to convince an immigration officer you meet the following requirements before they issue a TRV.
A valid reason for visiting Canada
Enough financial resources to cover the expenses of your visit
Returning to your country of residence before the expiry date of your visa
Not being inadmissible to Canada
Visit visa to Canada: A Valid Reason
Some examples of valid reasons for visiting Canada include visiting relatives and friends, attending seminars or exhibitions, attending concerts and other public performances, and receiving medical treatment. Of course, when you submit your TRV application, you need to provide some documents to explain why you are visiting Canada. Nonetheless, if the purpose of your visit is unclear or shows you intend to study, work, or illegally stay in Canada, the officer will refuse your application.
Visit visa to Canada: Financial Resources
Financial resources refer to the money available to you or the person who is willing to invite you to Canada. Of course, you may verify the amount via your bank statements, salary slips or other financial documents. Regardless, do some research around the potential expenses you incur during the visit. Then make sure the documents you present, verify you have enough money to cover those expenses. Of course, it is reasonable to purchase travel insurance for your trip to Canada.
There is no minimum requirement for financial resources. However, I recommend showing at least readily available funds equivalent to at least six months of the Canadian poverty line or rather LICO.
Visit visa to Canada: Ties to Home Country
The main reason for TRV refusal is when an officer believes you won’t return to your home country or country of residence before the expiry of your visa. Therefore, you need to show you have enough ties to your country of residence and have no reason to overstay in Canada. Of course, emotional, familial, and financial ties are among the most convincing ties. Consequently, make sure to offer credible documents. For example, if your company provides you with a three-week leave and they may fire you if you do not go back to work in a timely fashion get an official letter from them on their letterhead. Include all these documents in your package.
Travel History
According to the immigration officers, rich history of travelling to other countries is a good indication you do not want to stay in Canada illegally. Consequently, to show you have travelled to other countries recently, make sure to present convincing documents to the immigration officer (e.g. visa counterfoils, entry and exit stamps, etc.).
Visit visa to Canada: Inadmissibility
The officer may refuse the application because the applicant is inadmissible to Canada due to medical reasons, criminality, security or terrorism, and organized crime. Of course, if you are in doubt that you may be inadmissible to Canada contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or a Canadian immigration lawyer for advice.
Dealing with Refusals
Officers know how to process the applications fairly. However, there is a considerable degree of subjectivity in assessing TRV applications. In other words, depending on how the officer views your application, they decide if they issue the visa or not. Of course, if they refuse your visa on inadmissibility grounds, it is challenging to get a visa in the future. Consult with a professional about this matter. If they reject the application on other grounds, you may submit another application with more convincing documents.