--- title: "Visitor Visa Refusals" date: 2026-10-12 author: "K&S" url: https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/visitor-visa-refusal/ --- ![](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/refusals-passports.webp) # Visitor visa refused? *Find out why before you apply again.* 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. ## Thank you, we have it. 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](https://calendar.app.google/p4UydfDQwFAi1NRUA) [Call (289) 309-3069](tel:+12893093069) Why visitor visas are refused ## The officer wasn't satisfied *you'd go home.* 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. - **Ties to your home country**A job, a business, property, family who depend on you. The officer asks what will take you back. - **The purpose of your visit**A clear reason, a set length of stay and a plan that fits it. Vague plans or a long open-ended trip raise doubts. - **Money for the trip**Enough to cover your stay, shown with records that make sense. Large unexplained deposits often hurt more than they help. - **Your travel history**Past trips and returns home help. Earlier refusals or overstays need to be explained, not left out. The officer's notes ## Read the real reasons *before you decide.* 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](/insights/visitor-visa-refused-canada/). 1. **The decision note**Since 29 July 2025, IRCC has sent an officer decision note with most visitor visa and super visa refusals. Parts may be removed. 2. **Your full file**You can ask IRCC for your file under the Privacy Act. It's free, and you can ask from anywhere in the world. 3. **Through the Court**In a Federal Court challenge, we ask the Court to get the complete reasons from IRCC, so nothing removed from the note is missed. Deadline check ## Work out your *Federal Court deadline.* 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. - 60 **days if you applied from outside Canada** - 15 **days if you applied from inside Canada** Where did you apply from? Outside Canada Inside Canada Date you were told of the refusal Pick a date to see your deadline. [Get in touch](#review) 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 ## Re-apply, or *challenge the refusal?* 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. ### Re-apply with new evidence A fresh application that answers each of the officer's concerns directly, with documents that weren't there the first time. **Usually fits when**Something was missing or unclear, or your situation has changed since you applied. ### Judicial review Ask the Federal Court to set the refusal aside. If it does, a different officer decides the application again. **Usually fits when**The officer ignored documents you sent, or the reasons don't explain why you were refused. ### Ask for reconsideration 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. **Usually fits when**There's a clear error on the face of the file, like a document the officer missed. ### Apply for a super visa For parents and grandparents of Canadians and permanent residents who want longer visits. It has its own requirements. **Usually fits when**The trip is to see children or grandchildren in Canada, and your host meets the income test. Super visas ## Bringing parents or *grandparents to visit?* 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](#review) - **A host in Canada**A child or grandchild, 18 or older, living in Canada, who is a citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian. - **Minimum income**The host must meet IRCC's minimum necessary income for their family size. A spouse or partner can co-sign. - **Letter of invitation**Signed by the host, with proof of income and everyone counted in the family size. - **Health insurance**At least $100,000 of emergency coverage for one year from entry, from a Canadian insurer or an approved foreign one. Quotes aren't accepted. - **Medical exam**The parent or grandparent must take an immigration medical exam. - **Apply from outside Canada**The application must be made while they're outside Canada. ★★★★★ > “His guidance was clear, honest, and very reassuring during a stressful time.” **S* Sana ChaudharyGoogle review* Videos ## Watch it *explained.* [More on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@CohenMurisonLaw) Questions ## Visitor visa *refusals* Don't see yours? Call [(289) 309-3069](tel:+12893093069). How long do I have to challenge a visitor visa refusal? 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. Should I re-apply or go to the Federal Court? 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. How do I find out why I was refused? 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. Can the Federal Court give me the visa? 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. My parents were refused a visitor visa. Should they apply for a super visa? 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. Is the first meeting free? 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. Related ## Other immigration *matters we handle.* [**Refusals, Reconsideration and Judicial Review**Read more](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/refusal-reconsideration-judicial-review/) [**Delayed Applications and Mandamus**Read more](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/delayed-applications-mandamus/) [**Misrepresentation and Admissibility Hearings**Read more](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/misrepresentation-admissibility-hearings/) [**Criminal Rehabilitation and Record Suspension**Read more](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/criminal-rehabilitation/) Free video meeting ## Refused a visa? *Talk to a lawyer before you re-apply.* By video (free) or in person at First Canadian Place ($100), 7 days a week. [Book a free video meeting](https://calendar.app.google/p4UydfDQwFAi1NRUA) [Call (289) 309-3069](tel:+12893093069) [Send a message](#review) **Cohen Murison Law** 100 King Street West, Suite 5700 First Canadian Place, Toronto, ON M5X 1C7 Open 7 days, 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on public holidays. --- ## Cohen Murison Law - Website: https://cohenmurisonlaw.com - Contact: pawan@konanandspade.com