Source: Published in the Jamaican Gleaner - Tuesday April2, 2013
Dear Miss Powell,
I read your articles every week and I find them very informative. I recently got an invitation from my cousin in Canada to visit the family. I want to apply for a visitor's visa, but everyone I know who has applied was refused on the basis that they don't have "sufficient ties". What does that mean? How do I prove that I have sufficient ties? Your response would be appreciated.
- LC
Dear LC,
When you apply for a temporary resident/visitor's visa, it is up to you to convince the immigration officer that you are not a flight risk and that you have intentions of returning to Jamaica at the end of the time granted for you to visit. To do so, you will need to establish that you have sufficient economic and social ties to your home country.
Economic Ties
There are several ways to establish economic ties. You should include as many of the following proofs with your application:
1. Stable, permanent job, preferably with the same employer for a minimum of one year. Include a letter from your employer that includes information about the period of time that you have been employed and the vacation time that you are entitled to.
2. If self-employed, you should show copies of your business registration or incorporation, proof of contracts or projects.
3. Bank statement that shows you have sufficient funds to pay for your ticket, trip, and not be financially burdened at the end of a vacation.
4. Registered land title. If you have unregistered land, then you will need to show receipt for payment of property taxes in your name or a statutory declaration with a survey. If you have unregistered land, you should take steps to make an application to bring the land under the Registration of Title's Act to make your life simple in the future.
5. Rental contract/lease if you do not own the property that you live in.
6. Vehicle registration/title.
Social Ties
Many people emphasize the economic ties and ignore the social ties. Social ties are very important and so you must include proof of this. While it is good to show that you have relatives in Canada to visit who would be responsible for you, it is even more important to emphasize that you have a community of people to whom you are responsible and who rely on your return to Jamaica at the end of your vacation.
So you should include the following:
1. Birth certificate of children;
2. Marriage certificate;
3. If you are not married, but in a stable committed relationship, you should include a statutory declaration of common-law union and proof of joint property or bank accounts.
4. Membership in various community groups. If you are on the executive/board, get a letter from the president or one of the executives of the group.
5. Professional membership certificates.
You should note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are several other things you could include to show proof of social and economic stability in Jamaica. Just remember to present documents that show that you can afford the trip as well as proof that have you have a stronger connection to Jamaica than to Canada that would require you, or inspire you, to return at the end of your trip.
Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, commercial, real estate, personal injury, family, and administration of estates. She is on the roster of mediators for Ottawa, Toronto, and the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica. Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject line: Immigration.
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