Canada Visa Appeal for Indian Tourists: Step-by-Step Guide

If your Canada tourist visa has been rejected, don’t abandon your dreams of visiting the Winterland. You can opt for a Canada visa appeal route.

If you believe the refusal was unjustified or based on an error, you can request a reconsideration of your application or file for a judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Canada visa appeal for Indians for a favorable response!

Should You Appeal Your Canada Visa Rejection? Or Apply for a New Application?

Sticker Visa	Visa Rejection Appeal	File New Application (reapplication)
Cost	CAD 200 (INR 12,347)	CAD 100 (INR 6,173)
Timeline	6-12 months	2-4 weeks
Process	1) Submit appeal 2) Provide supporting documents 3) Await court decision	1) Apply online 2) Pay fees 3) Submit documents 4) Attend biometrics appointment 5) Track application
Urgency	Not suitable for urgent travel	Recommended for time-sensitive trips
Outcome Potential	50% success rate	50% success rate

Why Should You Appeal For a Canada Visa?

Receiving a Canada visa refusal can be frustrating, but appealing the decision may be worthwhile if:

You believe your application was complete and accurate
The refusal letter indicates you have legal grounds to appeal
You can provide stronger financial proof if funds were an issue
You’re prepared for the 6-12 month appeal timeline
Appealing is more cost-effective than reapplying

Eligibility For a Canada Visa Appeal

Generally, Canada does not allow appeals for tourist visa refusals unless there are significant legal or humanitarian grounds. However, you may be eligible to appeal if:

Appeal Timeframe:
- You file the appeal within 60 days of receiving the refusal if the decision was made outside Canada
- You file within 15 days if the decision was made in Canada
- Missing the deadline requires explaining the delay to the court
New Evidence:
- You have new documents or information that was unavailable during the initial application
- The evidence directly addresses the refusal reasons
Refusal Letter:
- The decision letter explicitly states your right to appeal
- This is a key requirement for appeal eligibility

Suggested Read: Canada Visa Rejection for Indian

Canada Visa Appeal Fees

The Government of Canada sets the fees for visa appeals:

Appeals with Hearing	CAD 200 (INR 12,347)
Appeals without Hearing	CAD 100 (INR 6,173)

Check your refusal letter for exemption eligibility. Fee exemptions may sometimes apply, but you may qualify for financial assistance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Canada Visa Appeal

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the Canada visa appeal process for Indians:

Understand the Rejection Reason

Common reasons for Canada tourist visa rejections include:

Incomplete or inaccurate application forms
Insufficient proof of financial stability
Concerns about the applicant’s intent to return to India
Failure to demonstrate strong ties to home country

Analyzing the specific grounds for your refusal is crucial for a strong appeal.

How Can I Submit?

Canada visa appeals can be submitted through two main channels:

Offline Appeal:
- Download and complete the Appeal Form
- Attach supporting documents
- Mail to: Immigration Appeal Division, 1025 Rue Gamelin, Montréal, QC H3H 2P6, Canada

Online Appeal:

Visit the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada website
Click “Submit an Appeal” and select “Sponsorship, Residency Obligation and Removal Order Appeals”
Choose “Visitor Visa” as your appeal type
Complete the online appeal form with personal details
Upload supporting documents in PDF format
Pay the appeal fee online
Submit your appeal and note the confirmation number

Canada Visa Appeal Letter Format for Indians

Your appeal letter is a crucial component of your submission, and it must meet the Canada visa appeal requirements for Indians to be considered effectively. Here’s a template to guide your writing:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, Province, Postal Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

Immigration Appeal Division
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
344 Slater Street, 12th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K1

Subject: Appeal Against Canada Visitor Visa Rejection

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Name], am writing to appeal the refusal of my Canada visitor visa application. My UCI is [UCI Number], and my application was rejected on [Date].

The reasons provided for the refusal were [State Refusal Reasons]. However, I believe the decision was incorrect because [Explain Why the Decision Was Wrong, Citing Evidence].

I am attaching the following documents to support my appeal:

[Document 1]
[Document 2]
[Document 3]

Thank you for considering my appeal. I look forward to your favorable response. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email] if you require any further information.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Name]

Canada Visa Appeal Documents for Indians

In addition to your appeal letter, include the following supporting Canada visa appeal documents for Indians:

Original refusal letter from IRCC
Completed “Notice of Application” form
Copy of your passport’s bio-data page
Proof of financial stability (bank statements, ITRs, etc.)
Evidence of ties to India (employment letter, property deeds, etc.)
Detailed travel itinerary in Canada
Accommodation bookings or invitation letter from the host
Any other documents that counter the refusal reasons

Follow-up Process

After submitting your appeal, you can follow up by:

Email the court registry at: [email protected]
Call: 613-947-0321
Checking your online account for status updates

The court typically responds within 3-5 business days to acknowledge receipt. A final decision can take 6-12 months.

Suggested Read: Canada Visa Extension for Indian

Why Choose OneVasco?

FAQs

1. How can an Indian appeal a Canada visa rejection?

Yes, Indians can appeal a Canada visa rejection in two ways:

Request a reconsideration by submitting an appeal letter to the visa office that issued the refusal.
If you believe the decision was legally flawed, file for a judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada. This requires strong arguments and evidence.

2. Is there a fee for filing a visa appeal?

Yes, Canada visa appeal fees are:

CAD 100 (INR 6,173) for appeals without a hearing
CAD 200 (INR 12,347) for appeals with a hearing

Some applicants may qualify for fee exemptions or financial assistance.

3. What should I include in my Canada visa appeal letter?

Your Canada visa appeal letter should include personal details, the date and reasons for refusal, and point-by-point rebuttals with supporting evidence.

4. What is the time limit for Indians to appeal a Canada visa rejection?

The time limit to file a Canada visa appeal for Indians is 15 days from the refusal date if the decision was made inside Canada and 60 days if the decision was made outside Canada.

You must explain the delay to the Federal Court if you miss the deadline.

5. Will appealing or reapplying for a Canada visa affect my chances in the future?

A previous refusal on record can make future Canada visa applications more challenging. However, every application is evaluated on its own merits.

Consult the Canada Visa Application Centre to understand how a prior rejection impacts your case.

6. How long does the Canada visa appeal process take for Indians?

The Canada visa appeal timeline for Indians typically involves 1-3 months for the Federal Court to decide whether to hear your case. If the court agrees to proceed, the final decision may take 6-12 months.

7. What are the chances of success in a Canada visa appeal for Indians?

The success rate for Canada visa appeals by Indians is around 50%. The outcome depends on:

The strength of your arguments and evidence
The court’s assessment of the original refusal decision
Whether there were clear legal or procedural errors in the initial review

An experienced immigration lawyer can help evaluate your case’s merit.

8. Should I hire a lawyer for my Canada visa appeal?

A lawyer can help you assess your case, prepare a strong appeal, represent you in court, and navigate legal procedures. For reliable representation, seek lawyers registered with the Canadian Consulate in Toronto.

9. What happens if my Canada visa appeal is denied?

If your Canada visa appeal for Indian tourists is denied, you have two options:

File a new application addressing the reasons for the original refusal and appeal denial with new evidence.
Challenge the Federal Court of Appeal decision if a clear legal error requires expert legal counsel.
You can submit a new application for your Canadian visa.