It is an honor for an international student to get the opportunity to study at a university or college in Canada. Prior to coming to Canada, you will need a student visa of Canada. But before submitting the application for a Canada student visa, you must have an idea about how to avoid rejection of it. The high tuition fees international students pay help to defray the costs of domestic higher education. Which is why Canada welcomes them. They strengthen the nation’s future workforce.
Canadian universities and colleges are becoming increasingly popular. The application backlog has resulted in higher rejection rates for study visa applicants from several nations. 329,213 study permits were awarded by IRCC in 2021, and 60% of all student visa applications were granted. Research permits were approved at 55% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to 74% in the same period last year.
Reasons for rejecting a Canada student visa application from Canada
In order to avoid student visa rejection, the first step is to understand the IRCC’s requirements for study permits. Below are 15 typical reasons that IRCC denies Canadian study permits:
Not having a DLI acceptance letter
Canadian Designated Learning Institutions are the only institutions that can grant a study permit (DLI). An international college or university is referred to as a DLI if it accepts international students. Once you’ve been accepted, your institution will send you an acceptance letter (LOA), which you should include with your application. You will be denied a study permit if you submit an application without a letter of acceptance or if your letter of acceptance is not from a Canadian DLI that is authorized to issue permits.
Insufficient proof that you’ll leave Canada after studying
When your studies are over, visa examiners want to know if you intend to leave Canada after completing them. As an international student, you will have to comply with the requirement of not being able to continue to live in Canada illegally once your Canada student visa expire. Your student visa application can be denied if you state that you want to remain in Canada after your studies—even if you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or study permit extension.
The purpose of the visit is not clear
You will be rejected by the visa officer if the officer does not believe that your intentions to study in Canada are sincere. Candidates may encounter this problem if their application fails to include a statement of purpose that explains why they want to study in Canada and how the program will help them achieve their professional goals. You might be mistaken for an illegal worker by the visa officer in this case rather than a legitimate student.
Having no financial security
The cost of your courses in Canada must be covered by the funds you provide on your Canada student visa application. In the event that you do not have enough proof of paying for your first year’s tuition or having the funds to cover it, as well as the cost of living during your studies, you will be denied your study visa. It is also important that you can show how you obtained the money, such as by saving, taking out a bank loan, or getting a scholarship.
A guarantee investment certificate (GIC) is required during the SDS – (Student Direct Stream) if you request a Canada student visa through this stream. A portion of your GIC investment will be returned to you as student living expenses during your studies.
Accomplished but inconsistent academic performance
When applying for a Canada student visa, you must provide copies of your previous academic credentials, transcripts, and grade reports. Your academic history demonstrates two things: the legitimacy of your previous degrees or certifications and your history of being a good student. The visa officer has the right to deny your application if your supporting documentation is lacking or your academic history is inconsistent.
Choosing a study program that is not in line with your prior training or expertise
You will have a greater chance of receiving approval or rejection based on the course of study you choose. Unless your study program corresponds with your anticipated career path, prior education, or recent work experience, the visa officer may not be convinced of your intention to pursue education in Canada. If your study program is not a natural continuation of your previous education, you must make sure in your statement of purpose you explain why you are choosing that program and how it is going to benefit your career.
A training or experience gap that goes unaccounted for
It is important to have a consistent educational background and work history. Applicants who have taken a gap year while in school or were unemployed before applying for a study permit may have their application rejected. In your statement of purpose, it’s important to clarify any legitimate reasons for gaps in your academic or professional experience.
Language test scores low
Possessing fluency in French, or English if you’re studying in Quebec, is necessary to be granted a study permit.
Canada shares close family ties with your nation.
Having close familial ties to Canada can occasionally make it challenging to get a study permit. The visa officer may assume that you won’t move back home once you graduate if you mention having Canadian siblings in your application. If you mention that you don’t have any close relatives living in your home country, the visa officer may believe that you don’t have a compelling reason to leave Canada after finishing your studies.
A large number of study permit applications are pending
Although significant backlogs may occasionally lead to higher rejection rates, you cannot do much to influence how many study permit applications the IRCC is handling at any given time. Visa officers may reject applications for trivial reasons if they are reviewing more applications than usual.
Conditions or crimes that prevent entry
Medical examination results showing that you are not in excellent health will likely result in your study permit being rejected. Applicants with a previous criminal record are prohibited to travel to Canada and their visa application will be rejected.
Travel history that is unsatisfactory or unacceptable
A student visa officer will carefully review your prior travel history. Ensure that the dates for your international travels are accurate when completing the study visa application. Because providing an inaccurate or incomplete travel history may result in your study visa being denied. An overstay visa in Canada or another country will also result in your student visa being denied if you’re living unlawfully in your country of residence.
Lack of documentation
Your study permit application may be rejected if you submit any required documents late, fill out forms incorrectly, fail to explain why you are visiting, or have other application flaws. You must submit your LOA, and evidence of financial support. As well as you have to submit identification along with a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of explanation) and if you wish to study in Quebec, a Quebec Selection Certificate. Please carefully review the document checklist provided by your local visa office as some nationalities may require additional documentation.
False statements in a student visa application
Your application for a study visa may be rejected if there are any inconsistencies, errors, or exaggerations. In general, immigration officers carefully examine your documents and confirm the information you submit. Assure the accuracy of the information you include in your application and statement of intent. The submission of false information or fake documentation is a criminal offense that can prevent you from entering Canada in the future in addition to having your student visa rejected.
The hiring of an immigration consultant who is not licensed
Consult a member of Canada’s College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) if you need assistance with your study visa application. A Registered International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) is an authorized education advisor. They will be directly associated with a Canadian university or college.
Ensure your application is filled out correctly and watch out for unlicensed immigration or education advisers who promise admission to Canadian universities. An unregistered consultant may deny your student visa application if you deal with him or her.
Getting your Canadian study permit approved: tips for success
If you wish to study in Canada, you must ensure that your application is accurate and complete. As well as must know how to avoid rejection before submitting it. Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting your study permit approved now that you know the common reasons why study permits are rejected:
Submit all required paperwork with the help of a document checklist
You should include all the paperwork listed on your student visa document checklist, as document requirements may vary by country. In the event, you think you will have an easier time getting approval by adding additional documents not specifically requested, don’t hesitate to do so. After completing your education, you can demonstrate that you have good reason to return home if. For example, you buy a home or have a successful financial portfolio.
Ensure the university or college you apply to is DLI-accredited
To determine whether a university or college is a government-approved learning institution (DLI), check the government’s list. The study permit will not be granted to international students enrolled in non-DLI schools.
Make sure you choose the right course of study for you
You should choose a course of study in Canada that corresponds with your previous training or work experience. Even if your program does not directly relate to your current career path. You should be able to demonstrate how your new skills can help you advance. You might want to emphasize how your knowledge of data analytics will help you to enhance the effectiveness of your marketing efforts if you have a marketing background and wish to pursue a degree in data analytics in Canada.
Provide adequate financial evidence
If you’re requesting a study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), be sure to have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least $10,000 ($11,000 for Quebec). You may be charged a processing fee or administration charge by your financial institution when you deposit cash in a GIC. Additionally, you’ll need to show proof of tuition and housing payments for your first year.
Financial support documentation, such as bank statements or evidence of scholarships or loans, can also be included with a general study visa application. When you demonstrate more financial resources, your chances of getting a student visa increase.
Enhance your language proficiency
Language tests aren’t always easy to pass the first time. In the event that your original score is low and you would like to raise it. You will need to retake the Academic IELTS, CELPIP, TCF, or TEF Canada. It will cost you $300 to retake the language test, but if you do well. You’ll have better chances of being accepted to a Canadian institution or college. Take some practice tests before retaking IELTS or CELPIP and use our advice to raise your score.
Give specific details about your desire to go home
In your application, be careful to emphasize that you want to finish your education in your country of residence. The most significant obligation you have as an international student is to leave Canada when your study permit expires. Immigration agents want to make sure you are aware of your obligations. Include your domestic career goals and how your Canadian education will enhance your chances of finding employment at home to further clarify this. Understandably, at this point—at least until you have had some experience with Canadian student life—your future plans will be uncertain. Therefore, it’s advisable to refrain from bringing up the prospect of staying in Canada after graduation.
Verify that your immigration advisor is a RISIA-certified professional
When using an immigration advisor to assist you with your study permit application. Make sure they are a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) associated with the school you plan to attend. However, RISIAs cannot file your visa application on your behalf, just provide counsel and direction.
Steps on how to avoid rejection of a Canada student visa
If your study permit application is denied, it doesn’t mean your hopes of studying in Canada are shattered. Reapply for a student visa or appeal the judgment to a judge. However, before you can do either of those things, you need to determine why your study permission was denied.
You are entitled to the notes of the visa officer if your application for a study permit is dismissed. These notes are referred to as Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes. You will learn more about the reasons for the denial of your application. Notes from the GCMS cannot be obtained directly by foreign residents. Rather than doing so yourself, you’ll need to hire an immigration advisor or agent who will obtain the notes for you. The duration of this process could reach 60 days.
Once you have received and studied the notes, you should be able to determine whether your study permit was denied for a valid reason. If the visa officer’s decision is valid, you have three options:
1. Resubmit an application for a study permit
The study permit can always be resubmitted. If there were legitimate reasons for its denial, such as insufficient financial support or incomplete paperwork. To increase your chances of receiving a student visa in Canada, delay your studies by one semester if possible. Don’t make the same errors or gaps in your updated study permit application as in your original application. It might be a good idea to hire a RISIA if you aren’t sure how to make your application better.
2. Submit your application decision for judicial review
Reconsidering the decision on your study permit does not have a formal appeals mechanism. But if you’re certain that your application for a study visa was wrongfully denied. You can ask the Federal Court to examine the judgment and assess if it was reasonable. You will require the advice of a knowledgeable Canadian immigration lawyer in order to accomplish this. Additionally, this strategy should only be utilized as a last resort because the Federal Court does not evaluate all cases.
3. University or college rescinds your acceptance
Alternatively, you may receive a valid reason for denying your study permit, but you are unable to correct the error. The funds you need to study in Canada might not be available to you. Also, you might not have your academic credentials with you. When such a situation arises, you have no other option but to deny admission to the school and receive a refund. Please inform the DLI if an administration fee will be deducted before refunding your money. Applicants who acquired a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for their application will also need to request a refund.
