I am 53 years old. I've worked for 28 years and still working with a top Nigerian Construction firm as a Quantity Surveyor, but now a Contracts Manager since 2007 (
www.agferrero.com). I'm married with 4 kids (3 including nephew that I brought up from 4 years) and own my own home and other properties.
When I received my Email of a rejection I was literally shocked, not because of the rejection itself, but by the reasons given. I can't believe that anyone who looked at my documents will ever arrive at such conclusions. I recognize the right of a Country to reject for any or no reason but at least the facts should be acknowledged.
First of all, my proposed visit was only because I thought it would be nice to accompany my nephew who I'm sponsoring to uOttawa, M.Eng Chemical, and to use to opportunity to explore Canada a little (Toronto and Ottawa). Also, it is my ambition to visit as many places as possible in my Lifetime. I'm also an active Google Maps contributor - Level 6. My pics from all over the world have garnered over 1.3 million views. I'm not desperate. So to allege that:
1. I had not answered questions in the form truthfully? I was shocked. I answered every question TRUTHFULLY as with every other country's Visa I'd ever gotten.
2. That I'll not return due to my work details in inconceivable. I manage a portofolio of contracts worth more than CAD96million. My letter of Employment and Introduction by the company were attached. contact numbers and emails for verification were clearly shown.
3. That I'll not return due to my Financial Status was simply unbelievable: CAD139,610 was available and enough for my trip (and my nephews fees and living costs for 2 years at CAD76,000) as shown by 2 bank statements, including Standard Chartered Bank. Too little or too much? I didn't expect a full personal audit of my Net Worth or I would have shown evidence of much more.
4.That I'll not return due to my ties in Canada and Nigeria! Wow! I don't know a single soul in Canada, so what ties? In Nigeria I'm married with kids; Marriage Certificate and Children's Birth Certificates were included.
5. That I'll not return due to my travel History! I have traveled USA x 2, UK x 2, Italy x 2, South Korea, Germany, Netherlands, France, Turkey, UAE in 5 years; too few or too much? I returned from every single country traveled to within my declared dates, which were, in all cases, less than the permitted stay period by the particular country's Border Control. I (with wife and 2 daughters) hold a 2-month old USA visa.
Is it possible to over-qualify? What could I have done wrong? The reasons given could have been generic, but, if so, it would be unjust and expensive, not to talk of insulting.
Are there any means of seeking redress? I'm no longer interested in the Visa per se, I just can't bear having my integrity so impugned.
