RE: Ghanaian Supporters Denied Visa To Canada U-20 World Cup

In response to your story Ghanaian supporters denied visa to Canada U-20 WorldCup, we would like to provide you with information on how Canada processes visas, including specific measures we have put in place to facilitate FIFA Cup participants and delegates, so that you can provide a balanced and accurate story.

Canada is looking forward to welcoming participants, team delegates and visitors to the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup. Towards this end, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has been working closely with the FIFA Cup organizers to make it as easy as possible for team delegations, including athletes, coaches, judges and referees, to enter Canada. Canada's visa offices are aware of this special event and have been processing visa applications for these individuals as quickly as possible. Indeed, those involved with the FIFA World Cup who applied early and are genuine visitors have already received their visas.

Canada also welcomes genuine visitors who are coming to attend the World Cup.

While CIC can't comment on the admissibility of any particular individual, we can say in general that Canada welcomes visitors that meet the requirements for temporary residence in Canada, as set out in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Visa applications are considered on a case-by-case basis on the specific facts presented by the applicant in each case. The onus is on the applicant to show that they meet the requirements for a temporary resident visa.

Visa decisions are made by highly trained visa officers in accordance with Canadian immigration law.

Visa officers look at many factors in assessing whether an applicant is a genuine temporary resident. They consider the purpose of the visit and the applicant's ties to his or her home country, including the family and economic situation.

Foreign nationals wishing to come to Canada as temporary residents must show that they will respect the conditions that apply to temporary residents. One of these conditions is that they will leave voluntarily at the end of the visit.

Individuals who apply to come to Canada as temporary residents must satisfy the visa officer that they:

o are in good health (in some cases, a medical examination may be required);

o have not committed a crime;

o do not pose a threat to Canada's security;

o have a valid passport or travel document;

o have enough money to support themselves and their family members while in Canada (The amount of money needed can vary and depends on things like the length of stay, and whether one is staying in a hotel or with friends or relatives);

o will leave Canada voluntarily at the end of their authorized stay; and

o meet all other requirements of the IRPA.

To find out more about eligibility and admissibilityto Canada, visit CIC's website.

CIC is aware of attempts to exploit the interest of those wishing to visit the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada and would suggest visa applicants consult our website to protect themselves from fraud: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/protection/fraud/index.asp

Sincerely

Sonia


Sonia Lesage

Media Relations Advisor/Spokesperson | Les Relations avec les médias/Porte-parole

Western Region - Communications | Région de l'Ouest - Communications

Citizenship and Immigration Canada | Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada

300 - 800 Burrard Street Vancouver BC V6Z 0B6 | 300 - 800, rue Burrard Vancouver C.-B. V6Z 0B6

Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada