Visa refused? We'll find out why and prepare a new application
We'll review the officer's notes in your refusal letter, request your full GCMS notes if needed, and build an application that addresses every reason for refusal.
Received a Procedural Fairness Letter?The response deadline is short. Send us the letter — within 1 business day we'll tell you whether we can help and what it will cost.
Send the letterA refusal is not the end of the story
Visas are often approved after a refusal — once you understand what concerned the officer and address it in a new application.
We find the reason
We review the officer's notes in your refusal letter. If they're too brief, we request your full GCMS notes.
We find the weak points
Ties to your home country, finances, purpose of travel, travel history, documents — we look at everything.
We reapply
A new application and cover letter that address every reason for refusal.
Common reasons for refusal
Recognize the wording from your letter? It can be fixed.
The officer isn't sure you'll leave after your visit
You need to show stronger ties to your home country: work, family, property.
Insufficient funds
Your statements and documents didn't show enough money for the trip and your stay.
The purpose of the visit is unclear
Your travel plan is vague or doesn't match your documents.
Limited travel history
No proof of past trips after which you returned on time.
Study or work doesn't match your background
The program or position doesn't look like a logical step in your career.
Missing documents
The officer didn't find what they needed in the application to make a decision.
Notes in the refusal, or the full GCMS file?
Since July 29, 2025, IRCC includes the officer's notes — a short explanation of the decision — with refusals of visitor visas, study permits and work permits. The full GCMS notes are the entire history of your application: checks, documents and officers' records. They are requested separately and are available for any application — temporary, PR, sponsorship or citizenship.
- 1When you need the full fileThere are no notes in the refusal or they're too brief, your application has been in processing too long, or you're preparing a serious reapplication or a court challenge.
- 2We request it for youRequests can be made by citizens, PRs and people in Canada. If you're outside Canada, we'll request it with your consent.
- 330 days by lawIn practice IRCC often extends this, so we request right away. We'll explain what the file says and build a plan.
Preparing a new application yourself? We'll review it before you submit and show you what to fix.
File review →Questions about refusals
Can I appeal a refusal?
A temporary visa refusal is usually not appealed — instead, you reapply, addressing the reasons. A decision can be challenged at the Federal Court of Canada: this is done by a lawyer, and the deadlines are short — 15 days for decisions made in Canada and 60 days for decisions made outside Canada. We'll tell you which path makes more sense in your case.
Do I have to wait before reapplying?
There is no mandatory waiting period. But reapplying with the same documents makes no sense — first you need to understand the reason and strengthen your application. The exception is a refusal for misrepresentation: then a 5-year ban applies, and you should start with a consultation.
My refusal letter already includes the officer’s notes. Do I need GCMS notes?
Not always. Often the notes in the letter are enough to understand the reason and prepare a new application. The full file is needed if there are no notes or they're too general, if your application has been in processing too long, or if you're preparing a court challenge.
How long do GCMS notes take?
By law, IRCC must respond within 30 days, but in practice the deadline is often extended. If you need to apply urgently, it can make sense to prepare a new application in parallel.
Will a refusal affect future applications?
You must disclose past refusals honestly on your forms. A refusal on its own doesn't close the door — what matters is showing that the reasons have been addressed.
What is a Procedural Fairness Letter?
It's a letter in which the officer shares their concerns before making a decision and gives you a chance to respond. The deadline is stated in the letter and is usually short, so send it to us right away — within 1 business day we'll tell you whether we can help and what it will cost.
Don't put off reviewing your refusal
The sooner we find the reason, the sooner you can reapply.
