49% of Canadian Visitor Visas Get Refused — Here's Why (And What To Do)

BOOK A CONSULTATION - bit.ly/4epCTeQ Nearly half of all Canadian visitor visa applications are refused — and most people have no idea why. Refusal letters are vague, templated, and tell you almost nothing. In this episode of Border Banter, immigration attorneys Sonia Sidhu and Alexandra Cole break down exactly what IRCC officers are actually looking at, the most common reasons applications fail, and what you can realistically do after a refusal. What we cover: The 3 IRCC portals and which one is right for your situation The one question every officer is really trying to answer Why the new TRV portal is leading to more refusals — not fewer Financial sufficiency: what it means and why even wealthy applicants get refused Ties to home country — what actually proves you'll leave How your travel history, family, and employment all factor in What "dual intent" means and how it can work for or against you Border crossing with an approved visa — can you still be denied entry? What to do after a refusal: reapplying, appeals, and your real options If you've been refused a Canadian visitor visa — or you're worried your application isn't strong enough — this episode is for you. Subscribe for new episodes of Border Banter — breaking down Canadian immigration one topic at a time. About Border Banter: An Immigration Podcast At Green & Spiegel, we understand that immigration law can be complex, fast-moving, and difficult to navigate. Border Banter: An Immigration Podcast was created to make these topics more accessible by delivering timely insights, practical guidance, and real-world perspectives in a conversational format. Through engaging discussions led by our experienced lawyers—and occasional guest experts—we aim to provide clarity on the issues that matter most to our clients and community. Chapters: 0:00 - Why 49% of visitor visas get refused 1:02 - The 3 IRCC portals explained 4:08 - Why the new TRV portal causes more refusals 8:30 - What officers are really looking for 12:15 - Ties to home country: what actually counts 17:40 - Financial sufficiency — and why it's not just about money 22:10 - Travel history and how it affects your application 26:45 - What is "dual intent" and when does it apply? 31:20 - Can you be denied entry with an approved visa? 36:50 - What to do after a refusal 41:26 - How to book a consultation