You applied, you were approved, you have the visa in hand, and then a letter arrives questioning it. It is a shock most travellers do not know is possible: a temporary resident visa can be cancelled even after it has been issued.

What the law allows

Under section 180.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, an officer may cancel a temporary resident visa in defined circumstances, including where the holder is found to be inadmissible. Because misrepresentation under section 40 is a ground of inadmissibility, a concern about a false document or an inconsistent statement can put your already-issued visa at risk.

Why this is not a do-it-yourself reply

These letters usually give a very short time to respond, sometimes ten days. It is tempting to send a quick explanation and hope the matter goes away. But the response does double duty: it addresses the cancellation and it shapes whether a misrepresentation finding, with its five-year consequence, is made. The wrong words can convert a visa problem into a multi-year bar.

How we help

We assess what is actually being alleged, separate the visa-cancellation question from the far more serious misrepresentation question, and respond to both deliberately. Where a cancellation or inadmissibility finding has already been made, we advise on the available remedies. We will give you a clear and honest read on where you stand.

This page is general legal information and is not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. For your own situation, please book a consultation.