Reconsideration is not an official process or formal, and the IRCC website does not mention anything about submitting a reconsideration after a visa refusal. Reconsideration request is simply a webform letter outlining why you believe the reason for refusal is error in law and does not align with immigration laws.
Here’s the response from the IRCC website on how to seek help after a visa application refusal:
So, why do some people get a reconsideration after submitting a letter? The truth is no one really knows how the reconsideration process works. Some individuals are lucky enough to have their reconsideration requests approved, leading the IRCC to change the initial decision. However, on the other hand, many people submit reconsideration requests that are never even processed.
After conducting thorough research, we found a PDF response from the Abu Dhabi visa office regarding the visa reconsideration request.
Is Submitting a Reconsideration Worth It in 2025 After Visa Refusal?
In short, yes, submitting a reconsideration is still worth it in 2025, as there have been cases where visa officers have reconsidered applications. However, the outcome depends on the specific circumstances of each case. Reconsiderations are typically granted only when there is an error in law or fact, without the need to submit new documents. That said, even if an error is found during the officer’s review, there is still a chance that they may uphold the initial decision.
There are no specific timelines for a reconsideration request. A reconsideration is not meant for submitting documents that were missed in the original application; it is intended to address errors in the decision. Your application will not be reconsidered if you submit new or additional documentation. There is very rare chance they consider reopening the application with new document provided after the made final decision. If you believe you missed a document in your initial application or want to convince the visa officer with new evidence, you should reapply with a new application instead of requesting a reconsideration.
The grounds for refusal must be thoroughly investigated before requesting reconsideration. You can request an ATIP or GCMS note to get detailed information about the refusal. The GCMS note includes the officer’s manual notes explaining why the application was refused. If you believe that the officer’s reasoning is invalid or goes beyond the rule book, and you can counter those points with rules and examples that demonstrate you are complying, then you may proceed with a request for reconsideration.
What happens after a reconsideration request is made?
Once you submit the webform for reconsideration, a frontline IRCC representative will typically respond with an acknowledgment email. The email may look something like this:
Acknowledgement letter for Reconsideration Application:
Dear: XXX
Thank you for your email regarding the refusal of your recent application to Canada. We realize that this decision may come as a disappointment to you.
Your request for reconsideration of the refusal of your application has been forwarded to a Migration Officer for review. This delegated official will review the contents of your message, the application and the refusal decision.
Based on a review of all of these factors, they will consider whether an error in fact, in law, or in procedural fairness has occurred and whether or not your file will be re-opened.
Your request will be reviewed within 30 days of this email, If the Migration Officer determines the decision was rendered with no error in fact, law, or procedural fairness, this message will serve as notification of the review and you will receive a reply to this effect. No further reconsideration requests will be considered without the submission of a new application.
Should the Migration Officer decide to re-open your file, you will be contacted with information on next steps.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in Canada.
Regards,
Client Experience Team
IRCC Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
If your reconsideration request is approved, your application status on the online portal will change from “Refused” to “Application in Progress,” and your application will be processed according to the updated timeline. if anything need after the case reopen they will contact you accordingly.
If your reconsideration is denied, the acknowledgment letter will serve as the final decision notice, and your application status on the portal will remain as “Refused.”
Which is better: a New Application or Reconsideration?
As mentioned earlier, reconsideration is only appropriate when all the documents are with IRCC, and you believe they have failed to properly assess the documents in accordance with IRCC guidelines or the law. In this case, a reconsideration letter should clearly explain where and how IRCC overlooked the documents and did not follow the rules. However, if you missed submitting a supporting document, have new documents to present, or if there have been changes in circumstances since the initial application, you should file a new application. In your new application, be sure to reference the previous refusal and explain the changes or missing information.
For example, if you submitted a Super Visa application with proper documentation, such as the Notice of Assessment, pay stubs, and other proof, but the IRCC rejected your application due to not meeting the minimum income requirement, you can submit a reconsideration letter explaining how the documents you provided meet the requirement. Remember, this should be done without submitting any additional documents. In this case, there is a chance that the officer will reconsider the application.
However, if you realize that you missed submitting a key document, such as the Notice of Assessment, in your initial application and now wish to present it, reconsideration is not the right option. Instead, you should submit a new application, clearly addressing the previous rejection and providing the missing document.
Refusal reasons such as “ties to home country” and “financial situation” have a lower chance of being reconsidered. These are typically subjective factors, and unless there is a clear error in how the visa officer assessed your application, it is unlikely that a reconsideration will change the decision. In such cases, it may be more effective to submit a new application with stronger supporting evidence to address the concerns raised in the refusal.
For what kind of application, reconsideration requested can be submitted. on 2025?
A reconsideration request can be submitted for all types of visa refusal applications, though it is not a formal process. This includes Temporary Resident Visas, such as study permits, work permits, visitor visas, and super visas. In addition, permanent resident applications and citizenship applications can also be reconsidered if there is an error in law. However, reconsideration is typically only considered when there is a clear mistake in the original decision.
Some commonly asked question/FAQ’s regarding Reconsideration of application.
Will IRCC reconsider my application if I missed a document and submit it with a reconsideration request?
The simple answer is no. It is very unlikely that new evidence submitted with a reconsideration letter will be considered.
What is the processing time for reconsideration?
There is no fixed timeline for reconsideration, but you can expect a decision within 2 to 8 months if the case is reopened.
Is there a cost involved in the reconsideration of an application?
No, there is no cost associated with the reconsideration of an application.
How to Submit a Reconsideration Request?
Submit your reconsideration via the webform to the specific visa office handling your case. Follow proper guidelines, include reasons why the refusal isn’t supported by law, and structure your request clearly. Templates are available online.
