Applying for a visit visa to any of the most developed countries in the world most often results in a refusal rather than success.

To begin with, if you are applying from a country that is considered economically poor, especially countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, chances are that your visit visa application will be rejected out of fear that you may never return or may opt to ask for asylum upon arrival.

This is the current case in Canada where incidents of persons who traveled with visit visas asking for asylum upon arrival are at an all-time high. However, this is not the only reason why your visit visa application may be rejected.

Here, one Kenyan, Dan Mwangi listed the below five common reasons why the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will refuse your visit visa application:

1). Refusal based on the Applicant’s Lack of Ties to Home Country

If IRCC believes you do not have strong ties to your home country, such as employment, a dependent family, or real estate to maintain, the visa officer may be concerned that you will not return home after you visit Canada. Applicants should include evidence such as employment confirmation letters, proof of residence, and dependent evidence.

2). Refusal Based on Purpose of Visit

It is important to provide details on the purpose of your visit, so the officer understands why you want to visit Canada. Visitor visas may be refused because not enough detail was provided on the application regarding why the applicant wants to come to Canada.

If your visit is for a specific event, evidence such as invitation letters, event details and documentation should be submitted to support this.

3). Refusal Based on Insufficient Assets

Insufficient assets are another ground for refusal because the officer is concerned with whether the applicant can pay for their ticket to travel back to their country of residence.

Applications may be refused if the officer does not believe that you have sufficient money to finance your trip. Alternatively, if your trip is sponsored by a host (i.e., family member), it is important to demonstrate that this host has the sufficient assets to support your visit to Canada.

Kenyan mom of four dies in Canada after spending hours in cold seeking asylum

4). Refusal Based on Previous Travel History

Individuals who have been previously refused a visitor visa to another country or who have overstayed previous visas, are at risk of being refused a Canadian Visitor Visa.

Alternatively, individuals who have not previously travelled outside their home country, or have travelled very rarely, may be refused a visitor visa. This is because applicants have not established a clear pattern of returning to their home country at the end of an authorized stay.

5). Refusal Based on Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation is a common factor in visa refusal, this can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Misrepresentation can lead to a 5 year ban. And may even affect your visa application in future both in Canada and USA.