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Reconsideration vs. Reapplication After a Canada Visa Refusal
Visa refusals can be frustrating, but you do have options. Two common approaches are reconsideration requests and reapplications — and understanding the difference is key to deciding your next step.
1. What Is a Reconsideration Request?
A reconsideration request is not a new application.
It’s simply a formal request to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to reopen and reassess your previous visa application because you believe the decision was incorrect or certain facts were overlooked.
When to Use It:
You recently received a refusal (ideally within 1–3 days).
You believe the refusal was made without fully considering your documents or explanations.
You have additional clarifications, updated SOP (Statement of Purpose), or supporting documents to submit.
Key Points:
Submit through the official IRCC Web Form.
Include your personal and application details, plus a concise explanation (up to 1500 characters).
You may attach supporting documents (max 2 files, total size under 3.5 MB).
There’s no guaranteed timeline — IRCC may respond within days or even months.
Approval rates are low (less than 5%), but there’s no harm in trying.
2. What Is a Reapplication?
A reapplication is a new visa application submitted after a refusal.
You start fresh, uploading your documents and SOP again — with any necessary updates.
When to Reapply:
If your reconsideration request has no response after 7–10 days.
If you’ve identified missing or weak documents in your first submission.
If your financials, employment, or academic records have been updated.
What You Can Update in a Reapplication:
New financial documents, salary slips, or CA reports.
Updated property valuations.
A stronger SOP, especially if the first lacked clarity in:
Reason for travel
Eligibility
Prospect of returning home
Financial ability
3. Can You Do Both?
Yes. You can submit a reconsideration request and reapply at the same time.
If IRCC reopens your first application and grants the visa, any second application will be withdrawn automatically, and your application fee refunded.
4. Does Reconsideration Affect Your Next Application?
No. A refused reconsideration request:
Is not counted as another visa refusal.
Does not harm your chances in a future application.
5. Best Practices for Both Options
Always back claims in your SOP with proper documentation (e.g., property evaluation reports, financial statements, experience letters).
Don’t skip documents to save small costs — missing proof can cause costly refusals.
Keep your SOP professional, structured, and complete.
Avoid changing your program, university, or consultant just because of a refusal, unless they were truly inappropriate.
Our Recommendation
At Globexa Immigration, we always:
Submit a reconsideration request immediately after refusal.
Wait 7–10 days for a response.
Prepare and submit a reapplication if needed.
Even if approval chances are low, reconsideration is a low-cost, low-risk step worth taking — it has worked for clients in the past, including visitor visa, study visa, and even PhD study visa cases.
