RedReact:
^^^
Not yet, I just saw the message in the mail; should be able to go and pick-up my passports next two weeks though.

It is well. Please let us know how it goes.

nicerichard05:
PLEASE IS THERE ANYBODY IN CANNY WHO CAN HELP ME PAY AN APP FEES, BEEN TRYING TO DO THAT FOR A WHILE NOW BUH I CANT WITH MY MASTER-CARD.

KINDLY PM ME IF YOU CAN HELP ME OUT, THEN I WILL PAY NAIRA EQUIVALENT TO YOUR NAIRA ACCT.

THANKS

If you are talking of Visa application fees payment then then you should know that payment via a bank in "Canny" is not acceptable by IRCC.

You can try a Dollar MasterCard or visit your bank to discuss other options

jukeblam:


Thanks man! (No need to be sad though)

Yea, I assumed that as well when I realised both unreturned docs were addressed to the Consulate.

My original bank statements were returned though.

Will try to get the GCMS notes for more details.

Good man! Would you like to furnish us with details of documents you submitted?

jukeblam:
Got my pp back today exactly 3 weeks after submission.
Application denied; reasons checked include:
Travel history
Purpose of travel.

Been to Dubai, U.S and Germany and I submitted copies of the visas, entry & exit stamps but didn't remember to submit copy of the past Dubai visas and the U.S visa is still valid.

Does Canadian Embassy retain some documents?
Cos the purpose of visit letter I prepared and office introductory letter submitted as part of my application package weren't in the returned package.

Really sad about this jukeblam, been looking forward to celebrate with you.

Please kindly compare what they returned with this information on IRCC website: After the visa officer has assessed your application, your passport and other original documents will be returned to you. Please note that original bank statements are not returned. If you sent fraudulent documents, they will not be returned.

I don't want to believe it's because they believe documents are fraudulent that's why they took them. I like to believe that it's because it was addressed to them. You might need GCMS notes to get more details on your application.

irebami16:
Jayfierce>>>
Sorry for updating so late.
My canadian visa is approved with 2 months visa
Thanks for the useful information. Once again thanks to NAIRALAND
Pls which airline is cheap and reliable can I travel with egypt air?

Wow! Congrats Irebami16! I thank God for not allowing IRCC to give us another heartbreak.

Please give us gist jor and list documents submitted. Is the Visa on the new passport or the old one set to expire next year? How did the case enquiry go? Tell us!

nampofo:
Yes. I'll be able to attend but I prefer the earlier one. Should I inform CIC that I am traveling earlier for a different programme? Also I'll be staying at my bro inlaw's place. In my application, I didn't state where I'll be lodging. Hope I will have no problem at POE.

You said your company has already sponsored you for the conference in December. Are they still going to sponsor this change? If so, then you can explain at POE with relevant documents from your company. If not, it will be wise to stick to the original arrangements.

Also, when does your Visa expire? Am asking so that we can have more insight into your options.

nampofo:
I received my passport back today. Surprisingly, I was given just a month visa. Anyway I am only traveling for a week.

Congrats. When does the visa expire? Would you still be able to make the conference in December?

kolnel:

Dhl ?
Then I have to pay for the to and fro ?
Have you done it before
Sorry for the question just want to be very sure
Thanks

Just got my passport back almost two weeks ago. Paid UPS for to and fro: One to carry my passport to VFS and the other to bring it back from VFS.

The return envelope was placed inside the outgoing envelope along with the passport and passport request letter. You can read up on the instructions on the VFS website if you haven't done so already. It's also worth mentioning that you can use any reliable courier service.

kolnel:
Please is it possible to send Nigerian passport to vfs centre Lagos through courier ?
Biometric was done same centre
Thanks

Yes.

Why are you announcing it na? You want to draw the attention of those bois to it? Abeg o.

mummyf:
lol @jayfierce. i didnt know i was noticed.
firstly congrats on your visa.

secondly, my plan is to take the kids for a10day holiday.3 kids. we have land documents and 3 car documents, letter from children school,virgin passports though husband has U.S visa, letter of introduction from my place of work.
my own bank statement is just about 400k. i am not spending my own money because husband is paying for everything and he is not applying with us.
my fear is, wont my own account balance affect our application? or do i tell husband to transfer all the needed funds to my account before we print the statement?

Thanks a lot ma'am for the congratulatory message. I was actually hoping that Aunty Shadeebee78 would wade in because she just got her visa under similar circumstances. She didn't disappoint.

You've been around so no need to stress the importance of a clear distinction between personal and business account in relation to applying for a visit visa. Since he's the sponsor then please provide all necessary documents to show source of income. Also add yours too please. Also every significant official document that you have from your work place.

Please kindly allow me to be your Visa officer scrutinising your file. My Questions as a no nonsense officer would be:
1. Why is Canada her first choice of travel? How are we sure she will return seeing as she has never travelled before?
2. What's her relationship with her husband like? Is she trying to run away with the kids?
3. What's the risk factor in case she applies for asylum? Will she add value to to Economy while she's here?
4. Is there any other thing that would bring her back to Nigeria asides from her husband?
5. Do they have enough money for the trip? Is there a means of financially recuperating after the trip?

Sorry these are harsh questions but realistic because they have seen it all. Do your part to allay all assumptions that you don't intend to return from your visit to Canada and you will be home free. Godspeed.

ajobi21:
Good morning house. I got a mail from CIC yesterday telling me there has been no update on my account. why are they trying to rub it in . Is this normal tho or is it because I keep checking my cic account everyday. By the way, i submitted on sep 30 and did my biometrics oct 9 or so.

You ticked that you would like to receive monthly updates in your CIC account. I still continued to receive that monthly update even after Visa approval. I've disabled it accordingly.

dotcomnamename:

Thank you. After the date of submission of online application, what is the maximum time applicant must capture biometrics?

30 days. The date will be in your biometrics letter.

mummyf:
Good morning house, i need opinions from guru's in the house. my husband wants to sponsor me and the kids on holiday to canada.he is a business man and his statements of account are good. i have a job but i dont make as much as my husband does.
how do we convince the v.o that we will definately come back after holstaying back as home ties but how do we reconcile accounts since i will be the main applicant?
Does my husband need to present all his account statements including his company account?

@jayfierce,awelekiti &others. i need your imput pls.

Good morning mummyf. Finally you speak out having been a long time follower of this thread. As a guru you also know how best this works. What are your exact plans and what do you have to work with in addition to the account statements?

dotcomnamename:

I will be in similar situation by next summer, however, i have been advised by 'awelekiti'on this thread that if they request for my passport i can send it to them by post courier service from my country of residence to Nigeria and the same courier service can bring my passport back to me in my country of residence.
Awelekiti, could Cala be right?

She expressly said it's her thinking. Here's the process for passport request:
1. IRCC sends a mail to your CIC account requesting for your original passport to finalise your application.
2. Go to the VFS website either in the UK or in Nigeria and click passport request.
3 Follow the instructions for sending your passport which includes:
A) Paying for courier service through VFS or using a self addressed return courier envelope.
B) Paying for passport transmission to the Embassy if you want to use A DIFFERENT VFS FROM THE ONE THAT CAPTURED YOUR BIOMETRICS. If you decide to use same VFS that captured your Biometrics then PASSPORT TRANSMISSION IS FREE.
C) Print the biometrics letter from your CIC account and send it along with any other payment receipts you made. Fill the VFS consent forms and include them.
4) You can also send an mail with scanned copies of the receipts you sent to VFS. That is if you sent any.

geotherm:

I don't understand if you have Irish passport why do you need visa to enter Canada. You don't need visa to enter Canada, however due to recent changes effective March, 2016, you need to apply for is eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). That is if you really have an Irish passport.

He has a green card and it's not the same as being a Passport holder. US green card holders are currently the only ones in that category that can apply for ETA.
Only an Irish Passport holder(citizen) can apply for ETA, and not a green card holder.

RossMehn:

Bros pls how do we go about applying for this GCMS notes and how much does it cost

Costs $5. If you are not in Canada then you would need someone to help you apply.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/atip/requests-atip.asp

dotcomnamename:

Thanks, but i'm not sure if i will be in Ireland so i can go to UK by then because i will be in Nigeria for holiday during the period. Lets say i capture my biometric in Nigeria during my holiday, what if my online application is successful and if i'm required to submit passport for visa, what if i've already returned to Ireland with my original passport? How will i then submit my passport? To where?

You can submit your passport to the nearest VAC center and pay fees for transmission of your passport to the embassy. If you are submitting your passport to the same VAC where you captured your biometrics then transmission is free.

Please note that you have no business talking to the embassy. All passport requests are handled by the VAC. If the VAC is far from you, you can courier your passport to the VAC. Ensure all relevant fees are paid including courier or use a self addressed return courier.

dotcomnamename:
I wish to apply for Canadian Tourist Visa in next summer 2017. I'm going to spend 2 weeks as a tourist. I have Irish Green Card here in Ireland and i'm married with children. I'm studying but working part time. I have visited the UK twice in 2004 and 2006. However, there is no Canadian embassy here in Ireland. I will be in Nigeria for holiday around that time but i am not sure if the Canadian embassy will accept my application in Nigeria as i have family ties in Ireland and as Ireland is my country of residence?. In addition, i also have landed property in Nigeria & with my old company's cert i registered in 2008 but i've not been running the company. I can also provide my Nigerian accounts . If it can be possible to apply in Nigeria during my holiday, after biometric in Nigeria will i also submit my original passport? or can't i send my passport down to Nigeria after my holiday in Nigeria?

Canadian tourist visa experts, over to you please!

If you require your passport then go for online application. Capture your biometrics at a center close to you in Nigeria or UK.

Much has already been said about documenation. Read through the forum and read a few steps back to the guide notes used by the immigration Officers.

RossMehn:
My sister got refused visa after 161 days reason
A) Purpose of travel
She applied for tourist/visiting visa wrote a detailed letter of what and where she intended on visiting . How then can u refuse someone based on purpose of travel is tourist visa not for vacationing. I don't understand can someone pls help me understand

Sorry about that. There's more to it. When my sibling was refused, purpose of visit was ticked. The GCMS notes revealed the problem to be the course of study.

RedReact:
From my own perspective, the below in quotes is often used to determine fate of applicants from Nigeria;

"Even if the person’s ties to the home country seem to be strong, there may be other factors in the general economic or political environment which make the long-term prospects for the person or their family unstable. Consider these factors in the assessment."

This makes visa application somewhat complex for us

Yes. I really wish many would just read it.

awelekiti:
I totally agree with you. There's an adage that says different strokes for different folks. I had forgot to include my Order Confirmations and marriage certificate in my CIC application in the past which were enough to refuse my application because I couldn't have said I was going for inspection of my equipment production stage without any evidence of transaction to back it up. likewise, I stateed on the application form that I'm married but how could the cic have been satisfied with my claim if I didn't submit a marriage certificate copy? What I simply did was a letter to back it up. I was up north busy with a project at the time I was gathering my application docs. Due to my tight schedule, I printed most of the documents, filled the form a night preceding the application submission date so in the process, I forgot the aforementioned. I submitted like that to vfs without knowing. The moment I realised this, I quickly wrote a letter on my coy letterhead, stating the reason for forgetting those documents . I Included evidence of northern project which occupied my time. . . Also made a copy of my flight ticket down to Lagos for this purpose... I made a photocopy of the letter which was acknowledged by a staff inside, with stamp and date. The security first looked through the documents after which he said wait here for me pls, at the security post. The letter wasn't junked...embassy takes documents seriously. They make mistakes too...it all depends on the way you present yourself at times. I deliberately made a copy to be acknowledged to be sure it got in their hands inside. My visa was later granted. Another instance, if you could recollect a day I posted a comment here that my Technician Applied for a TRV via paper route and he was panicking thereafter because of some mistakes he made on the family Information form, I told him to write the cic and submit a corrected family form(please look for that post for details). His visa was granted! It's always good to be on a safer side by getting things done right from the onset though, but if a mistake was made and discovered after you've signed your application and submitted...if you have enough evidence to proof for the error of omission or commission, please don't hesitate to act. Don't wait for them to ask because they may never do. There are some instances which could warrant that you wait for the cic or IRCC to contact you before you submit a doc but not on the requirements you already know you've fallen short of. On the property/asset document, I said 'please do' in bracket, in my earlier comment, because those vital documents required are inexhaustible. Bombard them with as many vital documents as possible at your disposal, since that's what they want.

My question is what year was this? What rules were in place when you applied? IRCC already said that they overlook some documents especially when you pose a low risk in that area financially. I believe this also applies to every other area including family ties.

As for your technician. There's a lady on this forum who made mistakes on her family information form and she was still given the visa. She didn't write any letter to the embassy. You may wish to read up on her story.

What I state here is the current standard of practice. Sorry to digress to a different country but even the US embassy states that you should not provide documents to the officer except he requests for them. There are legalities involved in it.

We need go to with the times and current rules and regulations. Let's not imagine that we can do what is not recommended and get away with it. Let's not go against the stated rules and regulations of IRCC.

zeus001:

So sorry bro. After all this time. This is very scary o. Couldn't they just ask for more documents? At least give opportunity to even explain one's self before making a final decision. Na wa. My own fear is that I have a virgin passport. The only country I've been to is Cameroon and I know that one doesn't count. Am really worried now. Abeg guys will the virgin passport count against me? I know there's no rule book for that perse but what are my chances?

No document stands or is viewed in isolation. They support your application and each other. That's why they are called supporting documents. All i could get from the guide notes:
"Is travel consistent with local customs or practices? Has the person travelled before?"
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/visa/processing/admissibility.asp

@Bigfido, you could take a look at this if you haven't done so already. It answers many of your questions.

awelekiti:
On personal asset and finance, I've never presented any landed property or survey documents to support my applications in any of the embassies I had applied to, for visas in the past. If you forgot to submit a particular document in your paper application for instance, you could go to Anifowoshe in Lagos yourself (or send it via a courier to them if you're not resident in lagos) with a letter to back it up and hand it to the security at the gate who will help take it inside for you and acknowledged a copy of the letter you brought to back your documents. Landed property for instance can be voluminous, scanning and sending such online could be cumbersome at times. Mine is like an epistle together with my building plans' docs lol, even though I've never submitted one in the past.

Sorry but I can't help wondering if you have your own personal IRCC different from what we know. Maybe you've got some contacts in IRCC. Abeg link me oh. I still get other family people when I like get this visa. . It's nice though and gives hope but hope is a terrible thing on the scaffold.

IRCC states that you cannot add to your application once submitted. It seems you suggest a dual standard of operation and I might as well accuse them of irregularities in following their own regulations.

Also it's not legally possible to add to your application because you have already signed that it's complete to the best of your knowledge. Only IRCC can request for documents legally speaking. The security guard you mentioned would probably hand over that letter and it will be junked.

Now IRCC combines assets and financial status. If your financial status is good they may overlook the asset. In fact it is stated on the guide notes for the officers:
"To assess the adequacy of a visitor's financial resources, you may exercise discretion in the documentation you request from applicants. In situations where applicants generally pose a low risk regarding funds, you may choose to limit or waive routine requirements for documentary evidence"
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/visa/intake/proof.asp

Based on the information above, I HIGHLY recommend submitting assets please. I don't water down any requirement because that could just be what could save your application. My motto: Bazooka them with what they want and watch them fall over to give you a visa. Lol.

MineMK:

Awwwwww@bigfido... I am so sorry to hear this. But instead of express refusal they should asked you for these documents. Anyway God knows best. I am so sorry it's well

I read online where foreign nationals get document requests. Sadly it's rare in Nigeria if it exists at all.

manlikegb:

You cancelled on Aug 3rd, that was when your application was still under processing I believe.
What did you do after you cancelled yours with booking.com ?
Did you present another hotel booking to the IRCC explaining what happened to the cancelled booking or did you just leave it alone and not say anything?
Perhaps I can call the property directly tomorrow and know for sure what conclusion can be reached and all... Whats your take on this Sir.

Sorry I cancelled before the 3 days deadline not on the 3rd. Had to dig up my emails to confirm. I cancelled almost two months before I got a decision on 27th of September 2016. My planned trip was from August 5th to 13th 2016. The letter from my employer also says same.

Thing is, I had used my main vacation for a trip to the US. I suspected this would raise a brow. So I explained in the letter that my job position allows me time to travel in between.

I didn't do anything after I cancelled my booking. I left it like that because I expect them to be intelligent enough to realise that since the visa has not been issued close to when I needed it, the normal thing is to cancel.

bigfido:
So I got refusal letter today after 161 days. The documents I didn't submit like I said came back to haunt me. Wish I knew about the forum before apply.

Reasons ticked are
1) personal assets and financial situation
2) purpose of visit
3) current employment status

I really don't know what made me not to attach those documents. It's painful.

I will type the letter for purpose of visit and submit my asset documents. This time of course has to be paper route.

For the employment status, asides from ticking the self employed route and the document I submitted, I was told I am supposed to write a letter on the company letterhead stating my role.

Anyways. Goodluck to those still waiting. Will let you guys know when I am ready to reapply

Am sorry. It's painful. I learnt that pain from my inlaw. He works in a multinational company and felt it was enough. He also has a US Visa, 10 years UK visa and other extensive travel history. He was refused 4 times till I found out and explained that IRCC is not the same as Sheffield. They don't mess around with documentation. He repackaged and got the visa at the 5th try through paper route.

It's painful to be refused especially after 5 months of waiting. It is well my brother. Take heart.

manlikegb:



Blacklisted? Please what could have caused blacklisting in this matter? Please shed more light on your opinion? I was even thinking I should just leave it alone hoping that even the IRCC should be aware that there's a possibility of cancellation of hotel reservation during the longetivity period of procession people's applications.

Lets take for instance, people who their purpose of travel(e.g conference) have passed because of long processing times by IRCC and still get approved, I am sure their hotel reservations must have been cancelled or considered a no show situation. Im just thinking out loud. Please shed more light on your opinion sir. Thank you.

I cancelled mine with booking.com on August 3rd 2016.

As for blacklisting :
Thank you for your response. Please note that your reservation has been cancelled and we are unable to process future reservations for your account at this time. If you would like to rebook, we suggest you do so directly with the property.

Anyways don't let it bother you much. It sounds temporary and hopefully is. Hopefully it will just be one of those Card glitches to IRCC. Best of luck.

manlikegb:

Dear XXXX XXXX;

Thank you for your response. Please note that your reservation has been cancelled and we are unable to process future reservations for your account at this time. If you would like to rebook, we suggest you do so directly with the property.

We thank you for your time and apologize that we are unable to assist you further.

Sincerely,

XXXX XXXX

This is why I dislike using agents apart from flight booking. What kind of rubbish is this? This sounds like you have been blacklisted. I just pray IRCC doesn't call these Expedia people because they seem not to even want to listen to any explanation

RedReact:
Bigfido, Jayfierce, I have a question;
Why would an embassy deny an applicant with good travel history on the basis of "No travel history"? I believe if an applicant would run away, he would have done that with the previous opportunities he had in his previous journeys. That statement sound somehow to me.

Are you sure its "no travel history"? If you speak of IRCC then what they tick is "travel history". It could mean a lot of things.
A) Violation of your visa during previous travels.
B) Being blacklisted/banned by other countries for submitting fake or fraudulent documents.
C) IRCC unable to verify your travel information.
D) etc

manlikegb:

• We were unable to authenticate the credit card.
• We were unable to authenticate the card holder.
• The purchase was declined by the credit card company.
• Account History.

a) did you book free cancellation without down payment?
b) if you used naira MasterCard, is the limit above what your bank set for Naira MasterCard?
c) does your bank still honour foreign transactions using naira mastercard?

If you can't use expedia then use booking.com. It allows booking in Naira and I've not been disappointed by the free cancellation so far.

bigfido:

Guy some people submitted ISO 9201 certificate say na God make them and them be human being. Why man no go dey fear?

bigfido:

I didn't submit marriage certificate, my pikin birth certificate, Dna, my house document and car docs. I should be worried

Looool. Bigfido leave me abeg. Where the person when submit DNA? If your business can be done anywhere in the world then there's the suspicion that you want to hide and transact some business. Along with your express entry application. In fact I gat my gbejero eyes on you.