How Quickly Can I Apply for a Visa After Rejection?

2.5 minute read

"Thinking of visiting Canada? The visa process for visitors can be complicated and messy. Reapplying for a rejected visa can be daunting, but having the right information at hand can greatly simplify the process."

Written by My Visa Source Team
Updated on: Feb 28, 2021

Thinking of visiting Canada? The visa process for visitors can be complicated and messy. Reapplying for a rejected or refused immigration visa can be daunting, but having the right information at hand can greatly simplify the process. There is no appeals process for a visa application – if your application for a Canadian visitor visa is denied, your only recourse is to submit a new one. This process can be started at any time, barring a citation on your decision letter stating otherwise.

What's Next After a Visa Rejection?

It’s recommended that you re-submit only if your situation has changed or if you wish to add significant new information that was omitted from your original application.

There is no mandatory waiting period for re-application – unless otherwise noted, you may apply again for a visa at any time after your first rejection. However, sending the same application a second time without additional information is likely to result in rejection for the same reasons as the first.

If you are looking to apply or reapply for a Canadian visa, here are some factors to consider before putting ink to paper.

Do I Even Need a Visa?

Depending on your country of origin, you may not need a visa to visit Canada. Visa-exempt foreign nationals may need an Electronic Travel Authorization, while US citizens can visit Canada freely, without the need for a visa or ETA. The Government of Canada’s immigration guidelines can help you to find out which applications you’ll need for your trip.

What Is the Nature of Your Trip?

Generally speaking, temporary travelers to Canada fall under the purview of the visitor visa. Depending on your reason for visitation, your application process may be slightly different.

Applying as a tourist – applicable to those traveling to Canada for leisure, sight-seeing, or other miscellaneous purposes. According to the government of Canada, in order to apply as a tourist, you must:

have a valid travel document, such as a passport,

be in good health,

have no criminal or immigration-related convictions (these past issues could cause "inadmissibility" to, or denied entry to Canada,

convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country,

convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and

have enough money for your stay.

Applying as a businessperson – applicable to those traveling to Canada for investment or business related purposes. According to the government of Canada, business visitors applying must have:

a letter of invitation from your potential business partner in Canada; and

24-hour contact details for that person.

Identification cards or proof of employment.

In addition, you must show that:

you plan to stay for less than six months,

you do not plan to enter the Canadian labour market,

your main place of business, and source of income and profits, is outside Canada,

you have documents that support your application and

you meet Canada’s basic entry requirements.

Applying to visit children or grandchildren – a super visa is available for those wishing to visit children or grandchildren in Canada. In order to be eligible, you must demonstrate:

your ties to your home country,

the purpose of your visit,

your family and finances,

the overall economic and political stability of your home country, and

an invitation from a Canadian host.

Additionally, you must also:

prove that your child or grandchild in Canada meets a minimum income threshold,

provide a written statement from that child or grandchild that he or she will give you financial support,

have valid Canadian medical insurance coverage for at least one year and

have an immigration medical exam.

Aside from applying for a visa directly, you can also take advantage of a variety of federal immigration programs aimed at helping newcomers through their applications process.