Declining Visitor Visa Approvals in Canada: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
If you’re planning to visit Canada, whether to see loved ones, attend a family event, or explore the country, you might have noticed growing challenges in getting a visitor visa approved. Over the past year, Canada has seen a sharp decline in both visitor visa applications and approvals. According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country refused nearly 1.95 million visitor visa applications in 2024, representing about 54% of all submissions. This marks a significant rise from the previous year’s 40% refusal rate.
But what’s behind this surge in denials? And why are fewer people even applying for visitor visas in the first place? Let’s unpack the reasons and explore what this means for travellers and families hoping to reunite in Canada.
Fewer People Applying, and More Getting Refused
Statistics from IRCC show that the number of visitor visa applications dropped by around 40% in January 2025 compared to the same time last year. This decline isn’t just about fewer people wanting to travel; it reflects growing frustration among potential applicants who feel the odds are stacked against them.
Many applicants report that the process has become more demanding, the documentation more extensive, and the success rate increasingly uncertain. This perception has discouraged thousands of would-be visitors from even submitting their applications, especially those coming from regions with traditionally high refusal rates.
How This Impacts Families and Travellers
One of the biggest factors driving higher refusal rates is IRCC’s enhanced “Visa Integrity” initiative, aimed at combating misuse and fraud. Officials are conducting stricter background checks, investigating potential misrepresentation, and closely assessing whether applicants genuinely intend to leave Canada after their visit. In 2024 alone, IRCC handled approximately 9,000 fraud and misrepresentation investigations each month, with many resulting in five-year bans from reapplying.
Another key reason for refusal is a lack of convincing evidence that the applicant will return home after their stay. Visa officers often refuse applications when travellers cannot demonstrate strong ties to their country of residence, things as steady employment, family commitments, financial stability, or property ownership. The logic is simple: the weaker your ties, the higher the perceived risk that you’ll overstay or apply to remain in Canada once you arrive.
Additionally, IRCC is placing greater emphasis on global migration trends. Following an increase in irregular asylum claims and overstays, officials are now more cautious about approving visas from countries where many visitors have previously claimed refugee protection. As a Reuters analysis noted, the drop in visitor visas from some of these countries directly correlates with a decline in new refugee claims.
Finally, the broader political and economic context plays a role. Canada’s population has grown rapidly in recent years, putting pressure on housing, healthcare, and social services. In response, the federal government has tightened the inflow of temporary residents, including students, workers, and visitors, as it recalibrates immigration targets.
How This Impacts Families and Travellers
For many people, the effects are deeply personal. Families who once counted on visitor visas for reunification are finding it harder to bring loved ones over, even temporarily. Elderly parents are seeing their applications refused despite strong family connections in Canada. Business travellers and conference attendees face longer processing times and more refusals, disrupting plans and professional opportunities. The emotional toll is real, and so is the financial cost. Each refused application can mean hundreds of dollars lost in fees and weeks or months of waiting. Worse yet, multiple refusals can hurt an applicant’s future chances, as every denial becomes part of their immigration record.
How to Strengthen Your Visitor Visa Application
In this environment, success requires preparation and precision. Applicants should treat their visitor visa submission like a detailed legal application, not a simple travel form. It’s essential to clearly explain the purpose of your visit, back it up with documented proof (such as itineraries, invitations, and employment letters), and demonstrate strong ties to your home country. Financial evidence plays a key role. Bank statements, proof of employment, tax records, and property documents can help convince officers that you have the means — and the motivation — to return home. If you have a history of international travel and compliance with visa conditions in other countries, highlight that too. Most importantly, be transparent. Omitting information or making inconsistent statements can lead to a finding of misrepresentation, which carries a five-year ban from applying for any Canadian immigration benefit.
✅ How Ayodele Law Can Help
Canada’s visitor visa process has become more competitive and less forgiving. Approval rates are lower, scrutiny is higher, and the stakes for mistakes are greater than ever. If you’re planning to apply, especially after a previous refusal or from a country with a high rejection rate, having a professional review your application can make all the difference.
At Ayodele Law Professional Corporation, we help individuals and families prepare strong, evidence-based visitor visa applications designed to meet today’s higher standards. Whether you’re applying for the first time or seeking to overcome a prior refusal, our legal team can guide you through every step, ensuring your submission tells the right story — your story — with the clarity and credibility visa officers expect. Don’t let a technical refusal keep you from seeing your loved ones or pursuing your travel plans. Contact Ayodele Law today to schedule a consultation and get the expert guidance you need to navigate Canada’s evolving visa landscape with confidence.
📞Book a consultation today to give your application the best possible chance of success
