No idea on how to address their only concern!

[swoosher]

I was refused a TRV and the letter they sent me had immigration status and purpose of visit ticked. I really don't understand what they mean by immigration status and how it's a concern. I live in the mideast and i am a legal resident here...since birth! That's 30 years now. I sent them all my legal residency docs, and everything else that was required. Apparently from the letter the only thing i need to address is immigration status, since everything else was ok, but how am i supposed to do that when my immigration status is perfectly ok?? Purpose of visit i guess i could make that more clear but immigration status?? dont really know what to do. Really confused here. Tried contacting the Embassy to inquire about this but they dont take calls...only e-mails. Sent them an email but im yet to received a reply. This really sucks as now i have to plan for another city to spend my summer vacation and i hate planning in a rush.
Any ideas on what their concern is and how to address it?

 

[Pippin]

Is your citizenship in another country? That is all that I can think of regarding imm status. If that is the case, explain clearly the details of your citizenship and residency. Where do family members live, are you married, have children? Purpose of visit - "not compelling enough" reason given? Explain why you have chosen this location for your holiday, outline itinerary. Are you meeting someone? Looking for a job? These are probably questions in the VO's mind. Hope others have more ideas for you. Good Luck.

 

[swoosher]

Is your citizenship in another country?

Yes

That is all that I can think of regarding imm status. If that is the case, explain clearly the details of your citizenship and residency.

How exactly do i do that? It was clear from the docs i sent. Born and raised here. I mean, not much to be detailed. Dad was here a long time ago on a contract and been here ever since, raised a family and is still working. That was also clear from the docs.

Where do family members live,

All here - Parents & siblings.

are you married, have children?

No. Not married and no children.

Purpose of visit - "not compelling enough" reason given?

No. They didnt give any reason. Just ticked on "purpose of visit". The application didn't really give any option to explain the purpose of visit. It just had a drop down list with three options "business, tourism & other". I chose tourism since that was the only option which fit my purpose to go to Canada.

Explain why you have chosen this location for your holiday, outline itinerary.

Ok now i figure i have to include an extra letter with those details. Funny how applicants have to get their visas refused to know this. I mean, it would have made more sense if they just added a few lines in the application where you could explain your purpose of visit. Or just ask anywhere in the application process. At least that way that could actually help them in making a better decision.

Are you meeting someone? Looking for a job? These are probably questions in the VO's mind.

No & no. I already have a job and i am well off....that was clear in my application.

Immigration status really got my scratching my head. Whats worst is that i can't even ask them and find out what they mean.

Hope others have more ideas for you. Good Luck.

Thanks a mill for your input pippin!! I understand their concern is that i might not leave Canada when my visa expires. But the reason they are giving me is not making sense. At least if they had interviews, that would have been way better as there are alot of factors that can go into the interview process which would help them better determine whether i am a genuine traveler or not. But unfortunately they don't, and the only thing they can go by is the docs i submit. Fair enough, i submit everything they ask for...but now they are saying there is something wrong with something which is totally OK. So now what?

 

[Pippin]

Oh you would be amazed how much you learn EVERY time you send an application, unfortunately. Definitely, write a cover letter state reasons for rejection in past application and answer each point with a clear explanation. Yes, include the history of how your parents came to the country and that all your family members live there. Describe your job. Get letter from your employer authorizing your holidays and the dates you plan to be away. Elaborate on your reasons for the visit. Describe any previous travel history, which shows your record of being away and returning home as well as having the funds to afford international travel. Good Luck.

 

[swoosher]

Oh you would be amazed how much you learn EVERY time you send an application, unfortunately. Definitely, write a cover letter state reasons for rejection in past application and answer each point with a clear explanation. Yes, include the history of how your parents came to the country and that all your family members live there. Describe your job. Get letter from your employer authorizing your holidays and the dates you plan to be away. Elaborate on your reasons for the visit. Describe any previous travel history, which shows your record of being away and returning home as well as having the funds to afford international travel. Good Luck.

The only points i got for the rejection are immigration status and purpose of visit. So that means those are their only concerns, and "logically" im thinking those are the only points i have to address. I didn't think i needed to address irrelevant points...but of course i could be wrong. Ok, i could address their purpose-of-travel concern by giving more details. But when it comes to immigration status, im at a loss. I've already submitted EVERYTHING there is about my immigration status...all official docs like ID and so forth. Including my family's along with the "family members form". I dont know how else to address their concern on this particular point. As for the letter from employer authorizing my vacation and dates...I've already done that...all signed, stamped and sealed (yes sealed, no joke). And they already know my travel history from all this visas on my passport as well as from the form where you have to write the names of the countries you visited in the last ten years. Finances...they got my bank statement showing more than enough funds for the trip.
So what more can i add in my new application? Wish i just knew how to address the immigration status point.

Anyone?

 

[Pippin]

I understand your point about responding to their rejections, but my thought was their underlying issue is that you will not leave Canada before visa expiry. That's why they are hung up on the status issue - not a citizen of the country where you live they equate with not attached, or so I assume they think. Is there any reason why you have not applied for citizenship where you are living? Rhetorical question, just something you might work into your cover letter. The reason I brought up travel history was their comment about purpose of visit. Can you relate this visit to any other travel you have done and returned back to country of residence? Can you show how this trip is just part of your exploration of many places? I am just about as stumped as you are and I wish you luck.

 

[swoosher]

First of, thanks a lot for your input! You've been very helpful! As for the points you've brought up...

I understand your point about responding to their rejections, but my thought was their underlying issue is that you will not leave Canada before visa expiry. That's why they are hung up on the status issue - not a citizen of the country where you live they equate with not attached, or so I assume they think.

Yeah, i figured... since i guess thats their main concern in most cases. They just chose to give me a reason that is baseless. Hence me not knowing how to proceed.

Is there any reason why you have not applied for citizenship where you are living? Rhetorical question, just something you might work into your cover letter.

Never really had a reason to. it was never a concern.

The reason I brought up travel history was their comment about purpose of visit. Can you relate this visit to any other travel you have done and returned back to country of residence? Can you show how this trip is just part of your exploration of many places?

Funny you brought this up. I was actually going to ask regarding this. Yes, i can! All my previous trips were to "party". Almost all the trips i took previously were to "party cities"...or cities known for nightlife and so forth, since thats my idea of vacation. Like most of the time i travel when there is something going on, a concert, famous DJ playing somewhere...and events as such. So basically they were what you may call singles destinations. And Canada is no exception. That's why i want to go to Canada. I wanted to attend the festivals and visit some known nightlife venues...and yes, mostly for the ladies.
So yeah, i want to go to Canada for the same reason i went to all the other countries...to party. And this right here is what i wanted to ask here.... How do i say that in the cover letter?? I mean, saying i want to go to Canada for partying and ladies just sounds immoral...or just not right. Of course i can word it differently....but that wouldn't really be specific...and i have to be specific this time. So yeah...basically this is somewhere else where im stuck.

 

[Pippin]

So you're just a Party Animal, LOL...Isn't that funny - I never thought of Canada as a rockin' place. Perhaps you can look at the location you want to visit and determine what is "happening" around that time (for example: Vancouver Festival of Light in July/Aug = fabulous fireworks displays over 3 nights featuring different countries each night) and I am sure there are other summer activities all across Canada. Please give me fair warning when you are coming and I will lock up my daughters!

 

[swoosher]

Please give me fair warning when you are coming and I will lock up my daughters!

lol If they are younger than 25....then u got nothing to worry about. I'm just starting to realize that i click with women that are 25 and older, only. Come to think of it, it's been like that for the past few years.


Anyway, I know exactly where i'm going. I got a list of events and venues i want to go to! I'm just not sure if it would be a good idea to put it bluntly on the cover letter...why i want to go to Canada that is. Thoughts???

 

[Pippin]

Yep, you're darned right it wouldn't be a good idea to say you're coming here to party, but it is good that you have the basis for your cover letter now. Good Luck.

 

[swoosher]

Yep, you're darned right it wouldn't be a good idea to say you're coming here to party, but it is good that you have the basis for your cover letter now. Good Luck.

Wow didn't think it was that bad... considering there are tons of ppl that go to Canada just for that, especially in the summer, especially from the neighboring country, especially young folks. Thought that was the whole point of having festivals in the first place :

Well, thank you very very much for your insight and clarifying some things. I think now i have a clear idea what to do. Thanks again and God bless you!

 

[Pippin]

LOL, things don't always come across as they are meant when in type. Of course Canada wants people to come and enjoy themselves (responsibly). Tourism is an important part of our economy, but be cautious in wording your cover letter as the VO's are always looking for COMPELLING reasons to visit.