Busy Signal Asks For Support After Canadian Visa Was Denied
Dancehall artist Busy Signal is calling for support from Jamaican authorities after his application for a Canadian visitor visa was denied.
In an Instagram post on Friday, the Stay So artist shared a letter from the Canadian High Commission dated December 19, 2024, which stated that the decision was based on concerns about whether he would leave the country at the end of his stay.
“The purpose of your visit to Canada is not consistent with a temporary stay given the details you have provided in your application,” the letter further explained.
Busy, known for hit songs such as One More Night, Sweet Love (Night Shift), Come Over (Missing You), These Are The Days, Dolla Van, and Unknown Number addressed his fans in the caption, saying:
“My dear Canadian fans, I was hoping this would be a surprise announcement that you are finally going to get to see me in concert. However, for some reason I ‘BUSY SIGNAL’ risks running off with no intention of leaving smh,” he wrote, accompanied by a facepalm emoji.
He highlighted his longstanding career and currently clean legal record and criticised the decision as unjust and discriminatory.
“As a globally recognized Jamaican artist with an impeccable business track record, no current police record of any sort from any country, with active visas from the U.K., the U.S.A. and Europe, I am calling on my country’s authorities for support in addressing the injustice, prejudice, and racist response I received when the Canadian High Commission/ Embassy denied my visa application, citing that I would not leave Canada. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 🍁🍁🍁,” Busy stated.
Some of his fans questioned whether the visa denial might have been a result of paperwork issues, or the type of visa he requested.
Busy Signal addressed this speculation surrounding the application process in a follow-up comment.
“Just to clear up a misunderstanding I see in the comments,” he began.
“So I’ve always applied for visiting first, appear in the country to meet with possible business partners before planning a tour or concert then apply for a work visa. This was only first step. So no, I did not give the impression I planned to work on a visiting. Over 20 years in the music business traveling. So I, nor my team would do something so stupid.”
According to the Canadian Federation of Musicians, a work permit is not required for foreign artists in Canada for less than two weeks.
In Busy’s post on Friday, several other fans expressed outrage and disappointment with the Canadian authorities. “Meanwhile they let mass immigration into the country with barely any research smh 🤦🏽♂️,” one person said.
“The reason given for denial is laughable. Your career requires travelling from country to country throughout the year. Why would you want to confine yourself to Canada at this time. SMH,” another added.
In 2017, Busy Signal returned to New York, marking his first visit to the United States in several years. His past struggles included being arrested in 2012 under an extradition warrant and spending two months in U.S. federal prison. After completing probation, he applied for and received his U.S. visa, enabling his return.