Dissapointing, but not a surprise, I guess...

[Coldstream63]

So, my wife and I have our PR application submitted the first of the year, and as part of our visits each year together, we thought we'd try again for a TR Visa while we wait. The main purpose for the visitor visa is so my wife can meet my family in person, especially my dad, who is 100, and in failing health. In fact, we specifically stated this in my invitation letter, which was part of the application.

While they've all talked on the phone and a bit on Skype, we all want to have my wife, brother, sister, kids and mum and dad meet in person.

Sadly, our TR Visa application was turned down. Specifically, it was turned down due to an evaluation of;

1 - Lack of travel history (no visits to western countries, showing a return home) Pretty $#*&! @ # hard to do when you cant get a visa in the first place!
2 - Reason for travel (we haven't figured out that excuse - we stated it right in the letter)
3 - Ties here vs. ties back home (yeah, husband in Canada vs. no surviving family in Indonesia. I totally see that)

I'm taking this harder than the first refusal in 2012 (she and I were just dating at that time), especially given my dad's frail health. Now that I've finished with a bunch of tears of anger and frustration, I just needed to vent here.

Yes, yes, I know TR Visas are hard to come by for those in our situation, but I only wish there wasn't an assumption of guilt (i.e., an intent to stay illegally in Canada), right off the bat.

We even said in the letter that we have a PR application submitted and aren't going to do anything to mess it up, and that we would be grateful for an approval on compassionate grounds. Just so $#&%$ @ * heartless!

***SIGH***

Thanks for letting me rant. I guess I'm buying tickets to go back to Singapore and Indonesia (not exactly a bad thing, butI feel so sad for my family and wife not being able to meet in person, and so worried about my dad)

 

[tink23]

So sorry for the refusal. It is heartwrenching. I hope your wife makes it to Canada to meet your father before it is too late.

My husband was refused a TRV in 2012 before we were married. What made it so frustrating was he was granted a single entry TRV in 2010, which he came to Canada with me over Christmas for three weeks and then we returned back to his country (I lived in DR at the time). We applied for his second TRV in 2012, under identical circumstances, except now he had proof of traveling to Canada and returning to DR well within the time constraints. Well, when he received the refusal I was so beyond pissed! I left the embassy bawling my eyes out! It was so frustrating because we applied the same proof as before but now he had better travel proof, yet they denied. There is really no rhyme or reason.

Anyway, I hope your wife is here soon with her PR and that she makes it in time to meet your dad.

 

[Coldstream63]

Thanks for the encouragement, and yes, there certainly seems to be no rhyme or reason tot he decisions we see sometimes. I can't imagine being in your shoes, where a TRV was granted before, and showing compliance with the terms of the visa, then being denied for the second application. Just make no sense in the slightest.

I pray that our PR Visa will be granted in time for my wife to see dad, and I'll be so disgusted at CIC if they don't get a chance to meet in person. How unfair that people who want to comply with all the regs get lumped in and disadvantaged because of the idiots who try to cheat the system.

 

[SenoritaBella]

So sorry for the refusal. The TRV process in my opinion is arbitrary at best and may explain the same application can be approved one time but rejected another time. A process where submitting everything on a checklist and then some gets you no success.

If you are going to apply again, consider showing stronger ties to her home country e.g. employment letter, leave of absence, ownership of properties or business, does she have minor children, etc? These would be aspects likely to make one go back.
Also for "reason of travel" - in addition to visiting with your dad, will you guys go sightseeing? If so, you may want to include an itinerary of places you would visit and if you have reservations, include it. With the warmer months, there is bound to many festivals (free entry), so you can plan to attend those and mention in your invitation letter.

Hope you are successful this time and moreso, her PR is processed quickly so she can meet your dad.

 

[OhCanadiana]

So, my wife and I have our PR application submitted the first of the year, and as part of our visits each year together, we thought we'd try again for a TR Visa while we wait. The main purpose for the visitor visa is so my wife can meet my family in person, especially my dad, who is 100, and in failing health. In fact, we specifically stated this in my invitation letter, which was part of the application.

While they've all talked on the phone and a bit on Skype, we all want to have my wife, brother, sister, kids and mum and dad meet in person.

Sadly, our TR Visa application was turned down. Specifically, it was turned down due to an evaluation of;

1 - Lack of travel history (no visits to western countries, showing a return home) Pretty $#*&! @ # hard to do when you cant get a visa in the first place!
2 - Reason for travel (we haven't figured out that excuse - we stated it right in the letter)
3 - Ties here vs. ties back home (yeah, husband in Canada vs. no surviving family in Indonesia. I totally see that)

I'm taking this harder than the first refusal in 2012 (she and I were just dating at that time), especially given my dad's frail health. Now that I've finished with a bunch of tears of anger and frustration, I just needed to vent here.

Yes, yes, I know TR Visas are hard to come by for those in our situation, but I only wish there wasn't an assumption of guilt (i.e., an intent to stay illegally in Canada), right off the bat.

We even said in the letter that we have a PR application submitted and aren't going to do anything to mess it up, and that we would be grateful for an approval on compassionate grounds. Just so $#&%$ @ * heartless!

***SIGH***

Thanks for letting me rant. I guess I'm buying tickets to go back to Singapore and Indonesia (not exactly a bad thing, butI feel so sad for my family and wife not being able to meet in person, and so worried about my dad)

I'm sorry to hear this.

Consider requesting a TRP (Temporary Residence Permit) and write a letter explaining the circumstances (incl. TRV denial which is essential for her to be eligible for TRP consideration) and include letters from your Dad's physicians. You could even purchase a round trip ticket (refundable in case she's denied) to give them concrete travel dates you have in mind.

Take a look at - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/permits.asp; OP-20 has additional details too (cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op20-eng.pdf).

Alternatively, and you may have thought of this already ... any chance your Dad could travel to the US and meet her in the States (assuming she can get a tourist visa to the US)?

 

[Coldstream63]

A TRP...never considered that, but definitley will the next time around.

Thank you!

 

[OhCanadiana]

A TRP...never considered that, but definitley will the next time around.

Thank you!

You're welcome. My pleasure ;D

 

[Coldstream63]

My dear father passed away this week without ever meeting my wife. Dad was so heartbroken when we learned the TR Visa was denied. Hell, we all were.

I'm so disgusted with the lack of flexibility in cases of compassionate request, and I'm so very hurt and sad that two people I love with all my heart were denied seeing each other, just because of bureaucracy.

Even if all they did was spend time talking in the hospital, while dad was still able, it would have meant so much to him, and to my wife.

I can't describe the mix of anger and grief I'm feeling right now...

 

[draxz1289]

My dear father passed away this week without ever meeting my wife. Dad was so heartbroken when we learned the TR Visa was denied. Hell, we all were.

I'm so disgusted with the lack of flexibility in cases of compassionate request, and I'm so very hurt and sad that two people I love with all my heart were denied seeing each other, just because of bureaucracy.

Even if all they did was spend time talking in the hospital, while dad was still able, it would have meant so much to him, and to my wife.

I can't describe the mix of anger and grief I'm feeling right now...

I am really sorry to hear Coldstream63. Its very unfortunate they dont take into consideration the real pain of separation

 

[sam_1985]

My dear father passed away this week without ever meeting my wife. Dad was so heartbroken when we learned the TR Visa was denied. Hell, we all were.

I'm so disgusted with the lack of flexibility in cases of compassionate request, and I'm so very hurt and sad that two people I love with all my heart were denied seeing each other, just because of bureaucracy.

Even if all they did was spend time talking in the hospital, while dad was still able, it would have meant so much to him, and to my wife.

I can't describe the mix of anger and grief I'm feeling right now...

I am really sorry to hear that. I can understand what you must be feeling. We do have one of the most inconsistent immigration systems with some visa offices processing in less than 6 months some in more than 12 months some even 24 months.... and some being able to visit as visitors (visa exempt country citizens) and some unable to get TRV's. I really hope you get your PR very soon so you don't have to deal with this. All the best and my condolences for your loss.

 

[canadianwoman]

I'm very sorry about your loss, and that your wife and dad could not meet.

 

[SenoritaBella]

I'm very sorry for your loss. It's unfortunate the system is this way without flexibility in such cases. I hope you are holding up OK.

Permit me suggest something... if you feel up for it, consider writing a letter to your MP and Immigration minister detailing your experience with the system, the impact to yourself, wife and family and what you would like to see change. Sometimes our words are most effective when it's a first hand experience.

My dear father passed away this week without ever meeting my wife. Dad was so heartbroken when we learned the TR Visa was denied. Hell, we all were.

I'm so disgusted with the lack of flexibility in cases of compassionate request, and I'm so very hurt and sad that two people I love with all my heart were denied seeing each other, just because of bureaucracy.

Even if all they did was spend time talking in the hospital, while dad was still able, it would have meant so much to him, and to my wife.

I can't describe the mix of anger and grief I'm feeling right now...

 

[granol]

Viva Canada

I am a born Canadian citizen, I have a wife in Russia and we just applied for sponsorship.

She applied for TRV visa in September and got denied in less than a week and you guys know what it cost and take just to come for 2 weeks.

I didn't know much about immigration until I met her... the more I learn the more I am thinking

"What the heck this country think it is?"... that we are so important?... better than others?...

I know there is a few frauds and we should not accept everyone so easily but seriously I am ashamed of my "Canada" and Quebec (not a separatist point of view)

 

[DanSlh]

Viva Canada

I am a born Canadian citizen, I have a wife in Russia and we just applied for sponsorship.

She applied for TRV visa in September and got denied in less than a week and you guys know what it cost and take just to come for 2 weeks.

I didn't know much about immigration until I met her... the more I learn the more I am thinking

"What the heck this country think it is?"... that we are so important?... better than others?...

I know there is a few frauds and we should not accept everyone so easily but seriously I am ashamed of my "Canada" and Quebec (not a separatist point of view)

Totally agree. +1 for your comment.