Ottawa Interview for Temporary Visa Denied?

[netguy 0]

thanks for the info. They came from Syria, sponsered by a elder Canadian Citizen man(i.e. refugee's).

I am having the father put more funds into account. what's sufficient enough for 3 days?

I'll have the mother and daughter each get letters from their schools that they attend their and will return to classes after the wedding date. I'll also have the father have his employeer write a longer letter that will indicate that he is taking 3 day vacation for wedding and is expected to return certain date.

They do have only TWO family friends in Canada, however no relatives. most of the relatives live in the USA who also migrated from Syria in 2009. its a tough situation I know, but their has to be a way. any other ideas?

I think life's journey has made some good points and given you good advice.

You mention purchasing a trip to Montreal to visit friends after the wedding - so I assume they haven't booked any travel yet so did not have that at the initial interview or submitted return tickets as proof.

If they really want to attend I would suggest they all have return tickets (pay a bit more and make sure they are refundable).

For the bank account - do they have enough funds in that account to reasonably support 3 people for the period of time they are staying?

For the Mother and Sister, what documents did they bring from the schools? It should be something that states that they are enrolled and that the classes continue until - whenever. When do they continue to or will they be out of school for a summer break at that point?

Did they bring a copy of the lease to their residence?

Did the Father's employment letter state that he had requested time off as of - whenever and is expected back at work on - such and such a date?

You mention they have pets, who is looking after them while they are gone? Perhaps they could get a letter from that person as well.

The thing is, as Lifesjourney mentioned, having only been in Canada for 1 year, their social ties are probably pretty weak. How did they come to Canada? Do they have other family here? If they have a family base, have them write letters as well, giving their contact information - stating they know this family and understand they will be returning after attending the wedding.

One other thing - you have no timeline - where are you in this process? The bottom line here may be that the family applied for a visa for a ceremony that is not even guaranteed to take place when they stated.

[trailmix 77]

Well, you need to use what you have to work with here. Have the two friends write an affidavit that they know the family, that they are good members of the community etc.

If the employer's letter could state something along that line as well - that "Father's name" is a valued member of the staff and has shown himself to be a trustworthy person - you know what I mean, something on a more personal level.

Do they attend any kind of religious organization's services? Church, mosque etc? If so and they know people at the church, perhaps the religious leader there could write a letter as well. They could state that they know the family - at least - and perhaps write something of their character - that they are trying hard to settle in to their new life in Canada and are becoming part of the community.

Reasonable amount for 3 people for 3 days? No less than $1000 I would say.

Also, did you write them a letter inviting them to the ceremony? Do you have invitations printed up yet? Where are they staying? If they are staying with you, include that in your letter, that the family will be staying at your residence at <address of residence> from <date> to <date> - be sure to include you contact information, phone number and email. Also can't hurt to include some proof that you live there - the top portion of a utility bill, for example, that shows your name at that address.

Edited April 28, 2010 by trailmix