Want to visit Canada? Here’s what an immigration officer looks at when assessing your application.
Immigration officers consider a range of factors when assessing visitor visas, including:
Purpose of the visit: The immigration officer will want to know the reason for the visit, such as whether the visitor is coming for tourism, business, or to visit family. The officer may also consider whether the visitor has an invitation from someone in Canada.
Duration of stay: Immigration officers will look at how long the visitor plans to stay in Canada. If the visitor is staying for a longer period of time, they may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of employment or financial resources.
Ties to the home country: The officer will consider whether the visitor has strong ties to their home country, such as a job, property, or family. This helps to determine the likelihood that the visitor will return to their home country after their stay in Canada.
Financial resources: Immigration officers may ask for proof of financial resources to ensure that the visitor can support themselves while in Canada. This could include bank statements, proof of employment, or a letter from a sponsor.
Criminal history: Immigration officers will check the visitor's criminal history to determine whether they are admissible to Canada. Visitors with a criminal record may be denied entry or may require additional documentation to obtain a Temporary Resident Permit.
Health: Visitors may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are not a risk to public health in Canada. This will depend on your country of residence.
Previous immigration history: Immigration officers will consider the visitor's previous immigration history to Canada, including any previous visa or permit applications, as well as any history of overstaying or violating the terms of a previous permit.
Overall, the immigration officer's main concern is whether the visitor is likely to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay and whether their stay will be in compliance with Canadian immigration laws and regulations.