Transit through Canada - Connecting Airport - What are the chances?

[atom86]

I'm a US citizen (Sri Lankan ethnicity) and want to see my fiance in Sri Lanka to get married. I was originally thinking about going to Sri Lanka but it has been closed for inbound travel since March (they say they are opening soon but never do).

So we decided to meet in the Bahamas and get married. To get to Bahamas, there is a connecting flight from either Canada, US (C1 is not being processed), UK, or Mexico (closed, india embassy). It seems all four countries have crazy requirements just for transiting air side. She, 31 years old, is also unemployed (she was employed in 2019 but I told her to quit as I'm able to fully support her). If she is coming, she will be coming with her father (67 years old), who is retired. Her brother (30) and sister (28) and mother will stay behind in Sri Lanka as they cannot travel as her sister cannot get any leave.

What are the chances of her getting Canada Transit visa? It will be only airside. Can I write Canadian immigration a letter explaining the circumstances when she applies? What can we do to improve the chances?

 

[scylla]

I'm a US citizen (Sri Lankan ethnicity) and want to see my fiance in Sri Lanka to get married. I was originally thinking about going to Sri Lanka but it has been closed for inbound travel since March (they say they are opening soon but never do).

So we decided to meet in the Bahamas and get married. To get to Bahamas, there is a connecting flight from either Canada, US (C1 is not being processed), UK, or Mexico (closed, india embassy). It seems all four countries have crazy requirements just for transiting air side. She, 31 years old, is also unemployed (she was employed in 2019 but I told her to quit as I'm able to fully support her). If she is coming, she will be coming with her father (67 years old), who is retired. Her brother (30) and sister (28) and mother will stay behind in Sri Lanka as they cannot travel as her sister cannot get any leave.

What are the chances of her getting Canada Transit visa? It will be only airside. Can I write Canadian immigration a letter explaining the circumstances when she applies? What can we do to improve the chances?

It's honestly hard to say in terms of chances of approval. You can certainly try applying.

Note that she will need to give biometrics as part of the process. Biometrics centres in many countries are closed right now or only accepting certain applicants. So maybe check that out first before applying to determine feasibility of your plans.

 

[scylla]

I'm a US citizen (Sri Lankan ethnicity) and want to see my fiance in Sri Lanka to get married. I was originally thinking about going to Sri Lanka but it has been closed for inbound travel since March (they say they are opening soon but never do).

So we decided to meet in the Bahamas and get married. To get to Bahamas, there is a connecting flight from either Canada, US (C1 is not being processed), UK, or Mexico (closed, india embassy). It seems all four countries have crazy requirements just for transiting air side. She, 31 years old, is also unemployed (she was employed in 2019 but I told her to quit as I'm able to fully support her). If she is coming, she will be coming with her father (67 years old), who is retired. Her brother (30) and sister (28) and mother will stay behind in Sri Lanka as they cannot travel as her sister cannot get any leave.

What are the chances of her getting Canada Transit visa? It will be only airside. Can I write Canadian immigration a letter explaining the circumstances when she applies? What can we do to improve the chances?

And just to add... What will strengthen her application is demonstrated ties to her home country. Typically this is things like employment, property ownership, assets, etc. If she has previous travel to countries requiring visas (e.g. US, UK) this will also strengthen her application.

 

[atom86]

And just to add... What will strengthen her application is demonstrated ties to her home country. Typically this is things like employment, property ownership, assets, etc. If she has previous travel to countries requiring visas (e.g. US, UK) this will also strengthen her application.

Even for airside only they need that information? It's really unbelievable...they should really have 2 different "transit" visas...one for leaving airportn and one for airside only.

 

[scylla]

Even for airside only they need that information? It's really unbelievable...they should really have 2 different "transit" visas...one for leaving airportn and one for airside only.

Technically they are two different visas. However someone transiting through Canada can still very easily claim refugee status at the airport and then enter Canada and attempt to remain in Canada permanently based on the refugee claim. So that's the reason why it's important to demonstrate ties to the home country and past travel (if applicable), as well as the reasons for the travel and proof of funds for the travel. IRCC is looking to confirm the traveler's intentions are genuine.

 

[atom86]

Technically they are two different visas. However someone transiting through Canada can still very easily claim refugee status at the airport and then enter Canada and attempt to remain in Canada permanently based on the refugee claim. So that's the reason why it's important to demonstrate ties to the home country and past travel (if applicable), as well as the reasons for the travel and proof of funds for the travel. IRCC is looking to confirm the traveler's intentions are genuine.

Ah I see. In that case, would a letter from me in her application telling her/immigration the purpose of the visit be helpful? Also, in this case, maybe DATV from UK has a better chance since it is clearly for airside only??

 

[scylla]

Ah I see. In that case, would a letter from me in her application telling her/immigration the purpose of the visit be helpful? Also, in this case, maybe DATV from UK has a better chance since it is clearly for airside only??

You should certainly include a letter if you decide to apply however she will also want to include evidence of ties to her home country.

I can't comment on the UK visa. Suggest you post this question to a UK immigration forum.

Good luck.

 

[atom86]

You should certainly include a letter if you decide to apply however she will also want to include evidence of ties to her home country.

I can't comment on the UK visa. Suggest you post this question to a UK immigration forum.

Good luck.

Sorry, just to clarify....she is the one applying. For me, I will take the ferry from Florida to Bahamas. Do I need to send her the letter so she can include it in HER application?