What should I do if my Canadian visa is refused?

Applicants who have been refused a visa will be given a written explanation of the reasons for their refusal. Once you get these written instructions, your channels of complaint are very limited.

Guarantors who sponsor family members and permanent residents who apply for travel documents to return to Canada can choose to appeal to the Immigration Appeals Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) for refusal. The rejection letter provides instructions on how to appeal. Appeals can be based on facts, law or fairness.

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) does not accept appeals from skilled immigrants, business immigrants and temporary residents (tourists, students or workers) against visa refusal. We suggest that applicants in these categories resubmit their applications after their own conditions have changed significantly.