Visa Refusals

 Reconsideration Requests to IRCC

Have you received a refusal from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)? In certain situations, you may be eligible to request a reconsideration of your application—without having to file a brand-new one.

What Is a Reconsideration Request?

A reconsideration request is a formal appeal to IRCC asking them to review a refused application if you believe:

A mistake was made in assessing your file,

Key evidence was overlooked, or

Important information was misunderstood or misinterpreted.

This is not a guaranteed process, nor is it a formal appeal under immigration law. However, it is a valid and lawful pathway if there are clear grounds for review.

When Can You Request Reconsideration?

You may consider submitting a reconsideration request if:

You provided supporting documents that were not acknowledged in the decision,

The officer misinterpreted your intentions or personal circumstances,

You can present new, relevant evidence that was not available at the time of the original application.

What Should Be Included?

A proper reconsideration request should include:

A clear explanation of the alleged error or misunderstanding,

A copy of the refusal letter,

Your original application details (UCI and Application Number),

Any new or clarifying documents that support your case,

A polite and professional tone.

How to Submit a Reconsideration Request

Depending on where your application was processed:

Outside Canada: Submit the request directly to the responsible Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Canadian embassy that issued the decision.

Inside Canada: Use the IRCC Web Form to send your request and supporting documents.

Important Notes

Reconsideration is not a formal appeal and IRCC is not obligated to reopen your application.

It's best to file within 30–60 days of receiving your refusal.

If reconsideration is not possible, reapplying with a stronger and more complete application may be the better route.