Did they give you a document at denial... showing what you need to bring. If they did not... ask for one... it lists everything... have the guard circle the thing that you need as the document is generic and has bunch of other stuff on it. Having the doc will help.

Item 8 - 12 on the document are...

8. Proof of Foreign Residence (recent recent recpit, Copy of Mortgage, Utility Bills, etc ) all should be current.

9. Evidence of Financial Support (Bank Statements, Savings and Checking Quotes, Income Tax Report FOrms). (Take recent bank, credit card, RRSP, RESP, TFSA etc statements)

10. Financial Assistant (do not show any of this) (Social Assitant Payments, EI, welfare, disability etc).

11. Evidence of Education Ties. (School ID, Letter from School on school letterhead).

12. Income Tax Return Forms. (I took my most recent two years)

Try to fill as many of these items as you can.

“been asked to provide proof of ties to Canada. i rent so i can't use mortgage or anything like that. what do they need?”

Any of the following should do it.

-A letter of employment; Letters of employment should be written on company letterhead and be signed by your employer. The employer’s full name, address and phone number along with the nature of his / her business should be clearly typed. The letter must also give your full name, your job title, the date you commenced employment, and your current wage. If your stay in the US is related to your work, this must be clearly explained in the letter

-Canadian permanent resident card

-Gas, electric, water, cable TV and internet bills for the last 3 months showing your name and address

-Documents proving property ownership in another country or a rental agreement

-Insurance policies showing you as the policy holder OR the beneficiary

-Original valid identity documents like a Driver’s License, Health Card, Car Insurance

-Up-to-date bank statements