Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) refusals are more common than most applicants realize. And in many cases, the refusal comes down to one simple issue: the officer isn’t convinced you’ll return home after your visit.

That concern—often described as “lack of ties to home country”—isn’t always about what you say. It’s about what you prove.

 

1. Weak Ties to Your Home Country

This is the most common ground for refusal. If you’re not working, studying, caring for family, or tied down with something concrete back home, an officer may assume you’re using the visa as a backdoor to stay in Canada.

What helps:

  • Employment letters with clear return dates
  • Proof of ongoing education
  • Property ownership or long-term lease
  • Dependents who remain in your country

 

Even if your intention is genuine, the burden is on you to show it.

 

2. Inadequate Financials

You need to show that you (or your sponsor) can afford your stay in Canada. It’s not enough to submit one screenshot of your bank balance. IRCC wants to see stable, ongoing financial capacity.

 

What helps:

  • Full bank statements (not just balances) from the past 4–6 months
  • Pay stubs or proof of regular income
  • If you’re being sponsored: their bank statements, employment proof, and a formal letter of support

 

3. Vague or Generic Travel Plans

“Tourism” alone isn’t a reason. Officers want to see exactly why you’re coming, when you’re arriving, where you’ll stay, and when you plan to leave.

 

What helps:

  • A detailed letter explaining the purpose of your trip
  • Travel dates, accommodation plans, places you want to visit
  • Any relevant documents (e.g. wedding invitation, family event notice, itinerary)

 

4. Inconsistencies or Missing Documents

 

If anything looks off—dates that don’t align, a missing signature, old forms—officers can and often will refuse the application. The IRCC system is strict on formatting and completion.

What helps:

  • Double-checking all forms for dates, signatures, and accuracy
  • Making sure your supporting docs match your story
  • Submitting everything in the format requested by IRCC

 

5. Prior Immigration History

 

Past visa refusals, overstays, or deportations will not go unnoticed. But hiding them makes it worse. Officers have access to shared immigration records across countries.

 

What helps:

  • Full disclosure
  • A letter of explanation that addresses any red flags head-on
  • Additional documents to show your situation has changed

 

Visitor visa refusals aren’t the end of the road—but they are a warning. The fix isn’t just to “try again.” It’s to prepare differently. That’s where legal guidance makes a real difference.

 

At Marwah-Jad, we don’t just fill out forms. We build a case for your entry—properly. If you’ve been refused or are applying for the first time and want to get it right, we’re here to help.