What Criteria Support a Strong Case For a Temporary Resident Visa?

If you are a foreign national who is thinking about applying for a temporary resident visa, there are certain criteria to take into consideration that should not be treated lightly. To assure that you have a good chance of being successful at gaining entry into Canada, you must be able to convince Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officials that you meet the requirements for obtaining a temporary resident visa. In assessing an application CIC officers will examine the following factors:

• Financial stability and Travel History to and from Canada
• Purpose and duration of your visit
• Family ties to Canada verses obligations and ties to your home country
• Observance of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the policies that apply to temporary residents

Financial Stability and Travel History

Evidence must be provided that you are able to support yourself and any dependents who are with you while in Canada. It is necessary to ensure that foreign nationals have enough money so that they are not forced to resort to illicit employment or social aid. Therefore it will be helpful to provide a combination of the following documentation:

• A job letter that states your occupation/position held, date of employment, annual/monthly salary and the name of employer.
• Bank statement of accumulated savings.
• Proof of the size of your family currently residing in Canada

Additionally, if you have travelled to Canada in the past and left within the stipulated time provided without any trouble, it could be considered as credible behavior. However, if you have never traveled to Canada before, it is not reasonable grounds for your visa to be denied.

Purpose and Duration of Visit

It is common that persons apply for a temporary visa, with the unstated intention of staying in Canada and claiming refugee status. Another common occurrence is that temporary visa holders choose to remain in Canada longer than the allotted time approved for their temporary visit. To help deflect any suspicion of your travel intentions on behalf of Canadian immigration officials, a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can be of vital assistance. Although it does not assure that the visa will be granted, once the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requirements are met and assuming the information provided is truthful, it just may lead to positive results. The letter of invitation must entail the following information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Contact number and permanent address
• Relationship to the person being invited
• Purpose of visit
• Length of stay
• Particulars on accommodation and living costs
• Intended date of departure

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Canadian Address and telephone number
• Occupation
• Specify status (citizen or Permanent Resident)
• Copy of documents that provide proof of permanent residence or citizenship in Canada

Family Ties to Canada Verses Ties to Home Country

Another important factor in determining an applicant’s admissibility is their ties and obligations to their home country. Due to the vast amounts of refugee claims made over the years, careful consideration is made when issuing temporary visas, particularly for nationals of low economic countries. This means that CIC will evaluate the strength of your ties in your indigenous country to that of your ties in Canada, and decide which one they believe outweighs the other. For example, property ownership, savings account, school enrollment, proof of employment or having a spouse or children living in your homeland, will show that your ties to your homeland are stronger. Without the presence of any of the aforementioned circumstances, you might create the assumption that you have no reason to go back to your homeland, especially if you have close relatives already living in Canada; and that it would be easier to remain in Canada once your visa has expired. Having ties to your homeland however still does not guarantee that your temporary resident visa will be approved.

If you have any questions or queries concerning your temporary resident visa application, or your visa was denied, contact a knowledgeable immigration Lawyer who can provide a personalized consultation pertaining to your distinct situation.

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Disclaimer: This information is not intended as legal advice and is for general information purposes only. This information may also be time sensitive. Always contact an Immigration Lawyer for information and advice specific to your situation.