Romanian student, willing to visit, TRV denied

[Sajuuk333]

In hope of getting a little more feedback, I decided to BUMP this.

 

[SenoritaBella]

$1500 is not even close to being enough for a 2 month stay. It's important to be certain of how long you want to stay - saying about, or approximately or at most 2 months does not look good. You are going to need your host to attest in their letter(truthfully ofcourse) that he/she will provide accommodation, daily expenses for the duration of your trip and also include proof. Proof would be his/her bank statements and investments, proof of employment(recently signed letter to confirm current employment, most recent paycheck), tax documents(e.g. T4, notice of assessments). Also, proof of accommodation e.g. copy of his/her apartment lease or mortgage or most recent cheque cashed by his/her landlord.

Regarding travel history, they are most interested in "recent travel". So if one hasn't travelled and returned within the same year of the application, chances are they will refuse the application.

You definitely need strong ties - would be a good idea to include your school registration, scholarships, loans, grants and the conditions you need to meet to continue being eligible for them. Some grants require the recipients to complete the full program and work afterwards in their country. This would help show that you have a compelling reason to return home.

Proof of relationship - if your host is a friend, you need proof of the relationship. Perhaps emails, texts, photos of the two of you if possible. Very important for the host to notarize the letter. If possible, your host should have the invitation letter notarized as well.

I get the sense that it's harder now to obtain TRVs. I wonder if this has to do with the new rules i.e. visitors are no longer able to change status to student or worker while in Canada. They must return home and apply from there. Back in the day, they could just mail their application to a visa office in the US.
This means if a visitor is not able to renew/extend their visitor status, but doesn't want to leave Canada, they will be overstaying their visa. Perhaps this is what is of more concern to officers.

Update: I am able to get my family to transcribe an apartment and a car to my name. Would that be considered 'strong ties'? The process of transcription is easier and shorter than we have previously thought, and we can do that very hastily.

So I would be: single, 20, unemployed, ~$1500 CAD in my bank account, proof of being a Romanian citizen (passport), all family here, proof of being a student, no previous infractions or offenses, supporter (with all details including T4 and proper invitation letter), proof of ownership of an apartment and a car (is BAILMENT CONTRACT enough for the apartment?), BUT no previous travel history.

Reason: visiting a friend.

Itinerary: ???

Duration: 2 months at most.

 

[Pippin]

A car would not be considered an asset. In your friend's letter, ask her to state how and when you met. A copy of her most recent CRA statement can be used along with bank statement for proof of her assets. Like others have stated, it seems odd that your educational institution requires a personal visit in order to apply. It would definitely be a good idea to check that it is government approved if you ultimately plan to use your Canadian experience to immigrate. I think the advice to apply for a student visa if you are accepted is the strongest option accompanied by a good Statement of Purpose letter explaining how the Canadian education would augment the courses in which you have already excelled (include marks). Take a long look at the cost of the Canadian education for International students. Having a bank account of $1500 sadly says to the VO that you are not well established in your home country. I don't think my own kids at 20 had that much in their own bank accounts either, but the VO's don't seem to care if a person is just at the start of their earning years or not. Good luck

 

[Sajuuk333]

My friend will indeed send me her T4 and bank statement, a letter of invitation (able to notarize), I have a bailment contract on one of my mother's properties and she WILL support my stay there (listed her as a supporter, will acquire all documents needed). One question, she lives with her parents in a rented house. Should she send me the contract made between her parents and the landlord?

I've never been anywhere before in this year (or any year for that matter). I've just made my passport and I want to visit her (we met on a social networking site). Is this really not possible? It's an honest visit.

By the way, I have proof for being a student and having grants. I only have to make a legalized translation of it. I have no family members outside of Romania.

What should I write in the letter of explanation? What about the itinerary?

 

[SenoritaBella]

It is ok if you met on a social network. Just explain how, when, etc and state your relationship. Include proof of both e.g. emails, chat logs, phone logs, pictures of both of you(if applicable), etc. Important to include an itinerary of places you will visit - since you plan to have just $1500(better to have more), it makes sense to choose places that don't require a lot of money or a free. e.g. visiting museums, libraries, are generally cheap or free and you can find some pretty cheap day tours.

I don't know the answers to your other questions. Sorry.

My friend will indeed send me her T4 and bank statement, a letter of invitation (able to notarize), I have a bailment contract on one of my mother's properties and she WILL support my stay there (listed her as a supporter, will acquire all documents needed). One question, she lives with her parents in a rented house. Should she send me the contract made between her parents and the landlord?

I've never been anywhere before in this year (or any year for that matter). I've just made my passport and I want to visit her (we met on a social networking site). Is this really not possible? It's an honest visit.

By the way, I have proof for being a student and having grants. I only have to make a legalized translation of it. I have no family members outside of Romania.

What should I write in the letter of explanation? What about the itinerary?

 

[Sajuuk333]

I assume we must write how we've met in the Letter of Support or Proof of relationship? We've met 3 months ago. It's not much...

 

[Pippin]

I don't think it matters. Certainly your friend can say it in the invitation letter. Just don't go overboard or it weakens ties to home.

 

[Sajuuk333]

I was thinking of including this: date when we started talking and a picture to prove that, number of messages sent back and forth and proof (we have over 80.000 in four months ) and maybe a phone log? We've called each other many times. Is that wise or should I limit myself with the details?

Also, I've read about the letter of support. What does that need? Do I need proof from friends/family? Mine or hers? Financial details WILL be included, of course.

 

[Pippin]

You have to think about what your objective is. Do you want to come to visit a new friend or are you trying to find a way to stay longer? If you are preparing documents to show the duration of your relationship for spousal sponsorship then details yes, but if you are just explaining how and when you met this person and why she would want to invite you for a holiday then don't go overboard, because it sounds like you are very serious and could jeopardize your chance of getting a trv.

 

[Sajuuk333]

I want to come there for a short visit (1.5 months max). Just visiting her. That's all.

 

[scrls5]

You may have a good chance,

I applied for a student visa like 3 years ago, got denied, re-applied providing WAY more supporting documentation and got approved

However: If you wrote on your 1st app that you dont have any assets such as a house or a car, and suddenly you have some in your second application, that will be suspicious

good luck!

 

[Sajuuk333]

I didn't write that. I just didn't state anything, and haven't even provided proof for being a student. It was my first application and I was...naive, haha.

I also decided to provide sworn affidavits as proof of support.

 

[Sajuuk333]

My visa has been accepted! Thank you for those who helped, and boo to those who discouraged!

 

[SenoritaBella]

Even greater thanks should go to those "who discouraged" because it spurred you to try harder. That's really great news, very encouraging to see people get TRVs.

My visa has been accepted! Thank you for those who helped, and boo to those who discouraged!

 

[Pippin]

Congratulations!! What did you do differently that you think made the difference. Wonderful result! Enjoy your visit.