Refused — what can I do now?
A refusal is not the end of the road, but reapplying with the same information will likely get the same answer. Start with the decision letter itself — IRCC's own guidance is to work from the reason it states.
What does my refusal letter actually say?
The letter cites a specific section of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act — that citation is the reason for the refusal, and IRCC says to read it carefully to understand what was not sufficient. Read the refusal and reapplying guide
What are IRCC's stated grounds for refusing?
Non-compliance with the Act and Regulations, an officer not satisfied you will leave by the end of your authorised stay, and the inadmissibility grounds — security, criminality, health, financial reasons and misrepresentation among them. Read the refusal and reapplying guide
What are the GCMS notes, and how do I see my file?
The officer's detailed reasons sit in case notes in IRCC's Global Case Management System (GCMS). You can request your personal information from IRCC under the Privacy Act — there is no fee for that request. Read the refusal and reapplying guide
Can I ask IRCC to reconsider the decision?
IRCC's refusal pages describe two routes: a new application, and — where you believe the process was unfair — judicial review through the Federal Court of Canada. They do not describe a formal reconsideration process for visitor refusals. Read the refusal and reapplying guide
When can I apply again?
At any time, unless your decision letter says you cannot — but IRCC's advice is to apply again only when your situation has changed significantly or you have significant new information that answers the refusal reason. Read the refusal and reapplying guide
An agent says they can guarantee approval if I pay them. Is that real?
No. IRCC states it plainly: nobody can guarantee you a visa, hiring a representative does not increase your chances, and anyone who claims otherwise is not being truthful. Read the refusal and reapplying guide
Official sources
Guides on this page are verified against official sources before publication. Official starting point: IRCC — Why your visitor visa application was refused.
General educational information, not individualized legal advice. Follow the official instructions on the linked IRCC pages, and consult a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer for case-specific questions.
General information based on official sources — not a confirmation for your case. Always check the linked official page.
Fresh in this section
NEW Canada Visitor Visa Refused: What the Letter Means, and What You Can Do Next
Canada visitor visa refused? Read the decision letter the way IRCC explains it, understand GCMS notes, and reapply only when your situation has changed.