Applying for a TRV for the first time !!!Help required please!!!

[Shok77]

I am interested in applying for a TRV for myself alone. I am married and live with my wife and two little children, one going to school and other will be soon in a month. I have no travel history except for 2 visits to Sri Lanka twice in the last five years. Got Malaysia and Thailand Viist Visas couple of years back but could not visit. Got UK visa denied in 2006 and Schengen Visa denied in 2009. I do have a permanent job and have about 5000 CAD in my bank account.

Have a brother in Canada who is a Canadian Citizen and he can send me an invitation letter and I can stay at his place for my two week visit including food of course. Could anyone please tell me as to what my chances would be for approval with only Job and family as home country ties (Pakistan), no property.

Purpose of visit; family reunion, will be meeting my brother and his family after almost ten years.

Looking forward for any suggestions to make my application stronger for minimum changes of refusal.

 

[Shok77]

Scylla any advise..............!!!

 

[Pippin]

It sounds like it is going to be hard to prove strong ties. With $5000 savings it is going to take a large percentage of that amount to pay for the trip and you still have family at home needing to live on that money. Do you mind sharing reasons for previous refusals? Hopefully others will have some suggestions for you. Has your brother a way to come and visit you if you are unsuccessful ?

 

[Shok77]

Thanks for the reply Pippin, not at all, I won't mind sharing the reason of refusal with you,

UK Refusal: I had borrowed some money from a friend and made large amount of transactions which ticked the visa officer and he said he was not satisfied that the funds were my own.

Schengen (Poland): No reason mentioned.

My brother just recently got his citizenship but he is not a position to travel overseas because of financial reasons and he said that since it has been a long time that we have not seen each other so this might qualify us for a family reunion.

Another thing I thought CAD 5000 would be enough to support me for the visit, I own a car and I can sell it to come up with another CAD 5000 if that helps,


Cheers,

 

[Pippin]

Wouldn't you need your car on your return? The $5000 would be plenty for a visit of a few weeks but it doesn't leave much for your return and your family's continuing needs. Having that amount saved does not give you a strong enough proof that your employment is good and a compelling reason to return home. Your wife and children are your strongest ties. Selling a car to increase bank balance would not be a positive move as you would have to show where that infusion came from to prove they are your own. It doesn't increase your ties. Having unused visas isn't a help. I am sorry I am not able to put a more positive spin on my reply, but I think your best route is to improve your employment income and assets before reapplying. Ask your brother to order your GCMS notes which may give you more specific information regarding the refusal. All the best.

 

[Shok77]

Ok let's forget about selling the car, but I don't understand why do you think I am going to need the GCMS notes, I did not get my Canadian TRV declined, it was UK and Poland Visas, I have never applied for a TRV, this is going to be my first attempt ever.

Thanks

 

[Pippin]

Shok, my mistake about GCMS. Sorry. What positive points can you bring up to counter the previous international visa refusals. What has changed that you can use. I know they aren't Canadian visas, but for example, can you say your UK visa was refused for XXX reason and since then you have done YYY or your family will remain at home where you will return after your holiday.
It isn't just that your bank savings are limited that they will assess. They will take from this fact that your employment might not be enough of a tie to bring you back.
A positive travel history would show several things: disposable income (well established at home) and demonstrated return to home country (abiding by rules if visa).
I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[Shok77]

Thanks Pippin I appreciate it, that information was very helpful. We have a family property that I have a dispute with my uncles, they claim it is theirs but it actually belongs to my father so I might be able to get that under my name possibly, it will be a great hassle to achieve it though. let's say if I am successful, will it improve any chances?? One more question for you please, Is US visa easier to get than TRV, a friend lives there if it helps...

Thanks again Dear.

Shok