Sending the same application twice rarely changes the answer. We read the officer's notes, tell you whether to re-apply or challenge the refusal at the Federal Court, and handle it for you.
We'll call you during office hours, 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. If your Federal Court deadline is in the next few days, call now.
Book a free video meeting now Call (289) 309-3069Why visitor visas are refused
Under section 179 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, an officer issues a visitor visa only if you show, among other things, that you'll leave Canada by the end of your stay. Many refusals turn on that test, and officers look closely at four things.
The officer's notes
The refusal letter usually gives a short, general reason. The officer's notes show what was actually weighed, and that decides whether to re-apply or go to court.
Read the full guide: Canada visitor visa refused: reasons, decision notes and next steps.
Deadline check
Most visitor visa applications are made from outside Canada, so the deadline is usually 60 days from when you're told of the refusal. Re-applying doesn't pause it.
days if you applied from outside Canada
days if you applied from inside Canada
Pick a date to see your deadline.
General information, not legal advice. Court rules on counting days, holidays and the winter recess can move the exact date, and a judge can allow more time for special reasons. We'll confirm your deadline.
Your options
IRCC's own advice is that applying again with the same information is unlikely to change the decision. The right step depends on what the notes say.
A fresh application that answers each of the officer's concerns directly, with documents that weren't there the first time.
Ask the Federal Court to set the refusal aside. If it does, a different officer decides the application again.
A request to the office that refused you to look at the file again. The officer doesn't have to reopen it, and it doesn't stop the court deadline.
For parents and grandparents of Canadians and permanent residents who want longer visits. It has its own requirements.
Super visas
A super visa lets a parent or grandparent stay up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries over up to 10 years. The officer still has to be satisfied they'll leave at the end of their stay, and the extra requirements are where many applications fall short.
Ask about a super visa“His guidance was clear, honest, and very reassuring during a stressful time.”
Videos
An application for leave and judicial review must be filed at the Federal Court within 60 days of being told of the refusal if you applied from outside Canada, or 15 days if you applied from inside Canada. A judge can allow more time for special reasons, but don't count on it.
Re-apply when you have new documents or a change in your situation that answers the officer's reasons. IRCC itself says that applying again with the same information is unlikely to change the decision. Go to the Federal Court when the officer ignored evidence you sent, or the reasons don't explain the refusal.
Since 29 July 2025, IRCC has sent an officer decision note with most visitor visa and super visa refusals. Parts can be removed. You can also ask IRCC for your full file under the Privacy Act. There is no fee, and you can ask from anywhere in the world.
No. If the Court finds the refusal unreasonable or unfair, it sets the decision aside and the application is decided again by a different officer.
It can fit if you or your spouse are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian and want your parents or grandparents to stay longer. A super visa allows stays of up to 5 years at a time, but it has extra requirements, including a minimum income for you and a year of private health insurance for them. The officer must still be satisfied they will leave at the end of their stay.
Video meetings are free. In-person meetings at First Canadian Place are $100. If your family member is abroad, you can come on their behalf.
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