Should You Hire an Immigration Lawyer for a Canadian Visitor Visa?
Key Evaluation Criteria and Legal Guidance for 2025
Visitor Visa refusals are at record highs
If you are applying for a Canadian visitor visa in 2025, you need to be aware that refusal rates have reached unprecedented levels. Recent government data shows that in 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) refused 1.95 million visitor visa applications, representing a refusal rate of 54%—up from 40% the previous year. For some countries, refusal rates now exceed 61%, a direct result of stricter border security measures and enhanced scrutiny by Canadian authorities.[i]
Why even “Simple” cases now require careful assessment
What may seem like a straightforward case can quickly become complicated under current IRCC practices. Officers are trained to scrutinize every detail, and any inconsistency, incomplete documentation, or perceived lack of ties to your home country can lead to a refusal. Even minor errors or omissions can result in a finding of misrepresentation, which carries severe penalties including a five-year ban from entering Canada.[ii]
Evaluation Criteria: When to consult a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant
You should strongly consider consulting a licensed immigration lawyer or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) if:
- You have any prior refusals, overstays, or inadmissibility issues.
- You find the application process or documentation requirements confusing.
- You are under time pressure or have unique circumstances (e.g., travelling with minors or for urgent reasons).
- You suspect that an unlicensed agent or travel agency may have submitted documents on your behalf in the past, especially if you did not review or understand those documents.
- You want assurance that your application is complete, accurate, and compliant with current Canadian law.
The risks of using unlicensed agents or travel agencies
Canadian law requires that anyone providing immigration advice or representation for a fee must be either a lawyer in good standing with a Canadian law society or a licensed RCIC, regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Using an unlicensed agent or a travel agency, whether in Canada or abroad, can have serious consequences:
- IRCC will not accept applications from unauthorized representatives, and such applications may be refused outright.
- If forged or altered documents are submitted, even without your knowledge, this will remain on your immigration record and may permanently damage your prospects for any future Canadian immigration application.
- Misrepresentation, whether intentional or not, can result in a five-year ban from entering Canada and may lead to criminal charges.
How to Verify a Licensed Immigration Professional
- Lawyers must be members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society. (For eg. You can check details of Nishant Ahlawat, Barrister and Solicitor by clicking on the link here – https://lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal/lawyer-and-paralegal-directory)
- RCICs must be registered and listed as “Active” on the CICC public register. ( https://college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant)
You can verify the status of an RCIC or lawyer by visiting the CICC website or the relevant law society’s public directory.
What to do if you suspect past misrepresentation
If you believe an unlicensed agent or travel agency may have submitted your application using false, incomplete, or forged documents, you should immediately consult a licensed immigration lawyer. Early legal advice can help you assess your situation, take corrective action, and protect your future immigration prospects.
Key Takeaways
- Visitor visa refusal rates are at record highs in 2025, with over half of all applications denied and some countries facing rates above 61%.
- Every application is subject to close scrutiny, and even minor errors or omissions can result in refusal or a finding of misrepresentation.
- Never use an unlicensed agent or travel agency for Canadian immigration matters. Only lawyers and RCICs regulated by the CICC are authorized to represent you.
- If you have any doubts or suspect past misrepresentation, consult a licensed immigration lawyer immediately.
For tailored legal advice or to review your case, contact our firm to speak with a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer.
Sources:
[i] https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/canada-refuses-study-work-visitor-visas/
[ii] https://www.cicnews.com/2025/03/visitor-visa-refusals-for-canada-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-you-can-avoid-them-0352304.html#gs.n7w1sg
