Visitor visa denied

[Mohammadzahedinejad]

I have applied for a visitor visa to meet my brother who lives in Canada.
I am an Iranian citizen living in Sweden doing my PhD which is a 4 years job about ending in September 2019.
My visa got rejected by the following reasons:
• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident, as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR, based on the purpose of your visit.
• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident, as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR, based on the limited employment prospects in your country of residence.

I can address the second bullet and now, it makes sense to me since my contract is ending in August while I am traveling in June 2019. I will include more support for my next contract and company.
However, what I don't understand is the first bullet.
I have uploaded my ticket reservation (Not paid) and my invitation letter from my brother has explained everything about my trip.
Did they reject my application because of ticket reservation? To me, it does not make sense to buy it if you don't know you'll get the visa.
Or they need a letter from my side as well explaining everything?

Thanks for your help.

Mohammad

 

[caninfoseeker]

Hi there, in my opinion they assess by linkages to home country and third country out side Canada. You should have residence, job, wife-kids which guarantees that you will return back (as per their thinking). Paid ticket or reservation is of no consideration.

 

[Bryanna]

I have applied for a visitor visa to meet my brother who lives in Canada.
I am an Iranian citizen living in Sweden doing my PhD which is a 4 years job about ending in September 2019.
My visa got rejected by the following reasons:
• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident, as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR, based on the purpose of your visit.
• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay as a temporary resident, as stipulated in paragraph 179(b) of the IRPR, based on the limited employment prospects in your country of residence.

I can address the second bullet and now, it makes sense to me since my contract is ending in August while I am traveling in June 2019. I will include more support for my next contract and company.
However, what I don't understand is the first bullet.
I have uploaded my ticket reservation (Not paid) and my invitation letter from my brother has explained everything about my trip.
Did they reject my application because of ticket reservation? To me, it does not make sense to buy it if you don't know you'll get the visa.
Or they need a letter from my side as well explaining everything?

Thanks for your help.

Mohammad

1. What was the purpose of your visit and for how long (in addition to meeting your brother)?

2. What is the immigration status of your brother and what path did he take to get it?

3. What is your immigration status in Sweden? If it is temporary status then when does it expire?

4. Have you traveled to other visa-required countries (UK, Schengen, Australia, NZ, etc)?

 

[Mohammadzahedinejad]

1

1. What was the purpose of your visit and for how long (in addition to meeting your brother)?

2. What is the immigration status of your brother and what path did he take to get it?

3. What is your immigration status in Sweden? If it is temporary status then when does it expire?

4. Have you traveled to other visa-required countries (UK, Schengen, Australia, NZ, etc)?

1- I am planning to visit Vancouver and also Calgary during my stay. And my main purpose is simply tourist apart from visiting my brother (we will travel together).
2- My brother's status according to invitation is "Although my status in Canada will expire at April 05, 2019, I have already applied for bridge work permits for myself to extend my stay in Canada. We have an express entry application under process since May 08, 2018. We are also waiting to hear the outcome of the decision soon." He has been living in Canada since 2011 while he did his PhD there and now has a job in a Tech company.
3- I have temporary permit to live in Sweden (have already lived for 3.5 years) which ends at end of August 2019. According to Swedish law, as a grad student I am granted to get permanent residency when I defend my thesis after 4 years living and paying tax in Sweden. I already have a job offer in a company which I continue right after my defense.
4-I have traveled to many countries in EU thanks to Schengen visa I am holding. Also to Singapore, Ecuador and Ireland.

 

[Bryanna]

1- I am planning to visit Vancouver and also Calgary during my stay. And my main purpose is simply tourist apart from visiting my brother (we will travel together).
2- My brother's status according to invitation is "Although my status in Canada will expire at April 05, 2019, I have already applied for bridge work permits for myself to extend my stay in Canada. We have an express entry application under process since May 08, 2018. We are also waiting to hear the outcome of the decision soon." He has been living in Canada since 2011 while he did his PhD there and now has a job in a Tech company.
3- I have temporary permit to live in Sweden (have already lived for 3.5 years) which ends at end of August 2019. According to Swedish law, as a grad student I am granted to get permanent residency when I defend my thesis after 4 years living and paying tax in Sweden. I already have a job offer in a company which I continue right after my defense.
4-I have traveled to many countries in EU thanks to Schengen visa I am holding. Also to Singapore, Ecuador and Ireland.

IMO, as your temporary permit in Sweden + your PhD contract will both expire soon, it is advisable to reapply when you are granted Swedish PR and/or you start working in the new job.

Your present status is temporary both for your Swedish immigration and employment. This would give concerns that you are visiting to look for a job in Canada or that you may not return to Sweden.

IMO, you have a strong application. Is there any specific reason why you would like to visit in June and not after you defend your PhD thesis?

 

[Mohammadzahedinejad]

IMO, as your temporary permit in Sweden + your PhD contract will both expire soon, it is advisable to reapply when you are granted Swedish PR and/or you start working in the new job.

Your present status is temporary both for your Swedish immigration and employment. This would give concerns that you are visiting to look for a job in Canada or that you may not return to Sweden.

IMO, you have a strong application. Is there any specific reason why you would like to visit in June and not after you defend your PhD thesis?

Thank you for your comment.
I see your point. In principle, I can apply after my graduation. My main reason is that at the time in June, my sister who lives in Sydney (she is a citizen, BTW) is coming to visit my brother, too. So, that's the best time for me to meet all of them unless I travel to Sydney later on.
Also, Swedish autumn and Vancouver autumn are no different and in autumn the whole country is cold and no fun to travel anymore unless you miss the rain.
I have no reason to stay in Canada as I am almost settled here in Sweden. Apparently, my case officer does not think so.

P.S: I already have a part-time employment contract (official) from the company I will be working after my defense. It is part-time because I am 100% employed by the university at the moment. It will turn to a permanent contract after that and I have two letters of support from CEO and COO of the company supporting my claim.

 

[Bryanna]

Thank you for your comment.
I see your point. In principle, I can apply after my graduation. My main reason is that at the time in June, my sister who lives in Sydney (she is a citizen, BTW) is coming to visit my brother, too. So, that's the best time for me to meet all of them unless I travel to Sydney later on.
Also, Swedish autumn and Vancouver autumn are no different and in autumn the whole country is cold and no fun to travel anymore unless you miss the rain.
I have no reason to stay in Canada as I am almost settled here in Sweden. Apparently, my case officer does not think so.

P.S: I already have a part-time employment contract (official) from the company I will be working after my defense. It is part-time because I am 100% employed by the university at the moment. It will turn to a permanent contract after that and I have two letters of support from CEO and COO of the company supporting my claim.

IMO, you do have a strong application. If you intend to reapply, I would suggest you take the time to prepare a solid application + do submit a paper application (do not apply online).


Here are my suggestions if you intend to reapply:
1. Prepare a detailed day-by-day visit with expense estimates (local travel, entry fees, expenses, etc).... state the shared expenses with your brother, but you should be able to prove you can pay for the entire visit + airfare.... with your finances, without depending on your brother.

2. The day-by-day visit plan will be your purpose of visit. You would include the family reunion, sightseeing, other activities

3. Explanation for Family Reunion: Do include any plane tickets booked by your sister + copy of her Australian citizenship + her eTA approval mail for Canada + a small explanation

4. For your PhD: Admission + student ID + other relevant documents to prove you are a bonafide PhD student + a synopsis of your PhD thesis + a letter from your PhD professor/guide + have you/can you make any bookings for your PhD defense presentation (?) + a leave approval letter from your University + an explanation about why you need to return for your PhD defense, how it will help your career, that your are just a couple of months away from defending your PhD thesis after your Canada return (so it is a compelling reason to return)

5. Your employment + employment prospects: Current employment from the university + bank statement to support this + offer of part-time employment with the other employer after your PhD + a letter from the new COO/CEO that they could consider hiring you full-time after your PhD defense + the other letters of support they have provided

6. For your Swedish PR: Prints from the Swedish immigration website that state you are eligible to apply for PR after you complete 4 years of Swedish residency as a graduate student and a tax payer + an explanation: Do state your timelines for your stay in Sweden + scan all your Swedish temporary permits issued so far + your tax returns + mention you have been working to achieve Swedish PR, you won't jeopardize your chances, you are only X months away from being granted this PR

7. Financials and financial investments + credit card statements for the last 2-3 months (low dues, of course)

8. Travel history: Tabular format: Visa details + entry/exit dates for each visit + purpose of each visit + color scan and include these visas

9. Any other ties to Sweden: A lease? Dependent family members? If yes, do include as many evidence as possible

10. Any ties to Iran" Property or land ownership? Financial investments? Dependent parents or grandparents?

11. Do prepare a cover letter that summarizes your entire application. You could search for suggestions that I had given to 'Jtpolzin' for the cover letter sections.

12. Point-wise information, no long sentences, formal tone, all finances in both Swedish Krona and CAD + most importantly, reference/cross-reference all evidence for each section

 

[Mohammadzahedinejad]

Dear Bryanna

Thank you for your time replying my inquiry. After discussing my case with my brother, I have decided to postpone my application after I have got my permanent residency in Sweden and also have moved to my new job. By then, he has hopefully received his permanent residency as well so he can travel abroad easier.
Frankly, looking at my financial and application situation, it hurts that I have to go through all these pains to just visit my brother in Canada which of course, it is because my nationality and I can't do anything about that.
Anyways, I truly appreciate your kind response to my questions. I will keep in mind what you said below when I'm applying for my visa next time.

Regards,
Mohammad

IMO, you do have a strong application. If you intend to reapply, I would suggest you take the time to prepare a solid application + do submit a paper application (do not apply online).


Here are my suggestions if you intend to reapply:
1. Prepare a detailed day-by-day visit with expense estimates (local travel, entry fees, expenses, etc).... state the shared expenses with your brother, but you should be able to prove you can pay for the entire visit + airfare.... with your finances, without depending on your brother.

2. The day-by-day visit plan will be your purpose of visit. You would include the family reunion, sightseeing, other activities

3. Explanation for Family Reunion: Do include any plane tickets booked by your sister + copy of her Australian citizenship + her eTA approval mail for Canada + a small explanation

4. For your PhD: Admission + student ID + other relevant documents to prove you are a bonafide PhD student + a synopsis of your PhD thesis + a letter from your PhD professor/guide + have you/can you make any bookings for your PhD defense presentation (?) + a leave approval letter from your University + an explanation about why you need to return for your PhD defense, how it will help your career, that your are just a couple of months away from defending your PhD thesis after your Canada return (so it is a compelling reason to return)

5. Your employment + employment prospects: Current employment from the university + bank statement to support this + offer of part-time employment with the other employer after your PhD + a letter from the new COO/CEO that they could consider hiring you full-time after your PhD defense + the other letters of support they have provided

6. For your Swedish PR: Prints from the Swedish immigration website that state you are eligible to apply for PR after you complete 4 years of Swedish residency as a graduate student and a tax payer + an explanation: Do state your timelines for your stay in Sweden + scan all your Swedish temporary permits issued so far + your tax returns + mention you have been working to achieve Swedish PR, you won't jeopardize your chances, you are only X months away from being granted this PR

7. Financials and financial investments + credit card statements for the last 2-3 months (low dues, of course)

8. Travel history: Tabular format: Visa details + entry/exit dates for each visit + purpose of each visit + color scan and include these visas

9. Any other ties to Sweden: A lease? Dependent family members? If yes, do include as many evidence as possible

10. Any ties to Iran" Property or land ownership? Financial investments? Dependent parents or grandparents?

11. Do prepare a cover letter that summarizes your entire application. You could search for suggestions that I had given to 'Jtpolzin' for the cover letter sections.

12. Point-wise information, no long sentences, formal tone, all finances in both Swedish Krona and CAD + most importantly, reference/cross-reference all evidence for each section

 

[Bryanna]

Dear Bryanna

Thank you for your time replying my inquiry. After discussing my case with my brother, I have decided to postpone my application after I have got my permanent residency in Sweden and also have moved to my new job. By then, he has hopefully received his permanent residency as well so he can travel abroad easier.
Frankly, looking at my financial and application situation, it hurts that I have to go through all these pains to just visit my brother in Canada which of course, it is because my nationality and I can't do anything about that.
Anyways, I truly appreciate your kind response to my questions. I will keep in mind what you said below when I'm applying for my visa next time.

Regards,
Mohammad

That would be the best: Applying after you get your PR


Good luck