Many international students consider studying in Canada a dream come true, but obtaining a Canadian study permit can be a challenge. Despite receiving an acceptance letter from a Canadian school, the reality is that a large number of study permit applications are refused. In fact, IRCC reports that approximately 30% of all study permit applications are denied, leaving tens of thousands of prospective students in limbo. If you find yourself in this situation, The New Beginnings Immigration Team’s educational counsellor, offers some helpful advice on how to overcome your study permit refusal.
What Can I Do If My Study Permit Application Is Refused?
In the event that your study permit application is rejected by IRCC, you have two options:
- Challenge the decision by filing an appeal.
- Address the grounds for refusal in a new application.
To increase your chances of success, it is essential to comprehend why your initial application was turned down. Typically, the primary reason for denial is specified in the rejection letter sent to you. You may also obtain access to the notes made by the visa officer who reviewed your application to gain a clearer understanding of how to tackle the issues raised.
1. IRCC questions your ability to financially support yourself
To apply for a study permit, you must prove your financial ability to cover your travel expenses, tuition fees, and living expenses for yourself and any dependents accompanying you during your studies. This is commonly known as “show money”. Typically, the government requires six months of bank statements as evidence of sufficient funds. Failure to meet the financial requirements may result in your application being rejected by the authorities.
How to address a problem with show money:
In case your application is rejected by IRCC due to doubts about your financial capability to sustain yourself, it is advisable to thoroughly assess the financial papers you presented during the application process. It is essential to address the issues raised by the visa officer and include supplementary documents to establish that you fulfill the show money criteria. The amount required as show money may seem daunting to applicants who may be reluctant to spend such a considerable sum. However, it is crucial to note that the show money need not be spent; it is merely a way of demonstrating to the Canadian government that the funds are available if needed.
2. IRCC questions whether you will leave the country after your studies
A study permit is a type of temporary visa that has a set validity period and expiration date. To obtain one, you must convince the visa officer that you intend to leave Canada when your permit expires.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t apply to extend your study permit or pursue permanent residency. The Canadian government offers various programs to help students transition to these statuses.
The main concern of the visa officer is ensuring that you don’t overstay your permit and remain in Canada illegally. Therefore, it’s important to demonstrate that you have legitimate reasons for returning to your home country after completing your studies. Failure to do so could result in a refusal of your study permit application.
How to address a problem of intent:
When applying for a study permit, convincing the visa officer that you intend to leave Canada after your permit expires is crucial. This can be addressed in your personal statement, which should directly respond to any concerns raised by the officer.
However, some applicants have dual intent, which means they intend to come to Canada temporarily as a student or worker, while also planning to stay permanently. In such cases, a convincing narrative is especially important.
To increase your chances of success, it’s important to have an in-depth understanding of the types of concerns that visa officers may have, and how to address them effectively. While this can be challenging, it’s essential for obtaining a study permit and pursuing your academic goals in Canada.
3. IRCC questions your choice of program
If the visa officer doesn’t comprehend the reasoning behind your program choice, your study permit application may be declined. For instance, an individual with a nursing degree and nursing experience who wishes to study hotel management may be scrutinized. The visa officer may question the alignment of the program with the applicant’s education and work experience.
How to address a problem with program choice:
To justify your selection of an unconventional program, you should provide a clear explanation in your personal statement. It can be helpful to review the notes of the visa officer in this regard.
Applicants usually have good reasons for their program choice, even if it’s not obvious. For instance, the nurse who wants to study hotel management may do so to assist their uncle in managing a newly purchased hotel. But it’s important to communicate this clearly to the visa officer.
4. IRCC questions your letter of acceptance
To apply for a study permit, you must first obtain a letter of acceptance from a registered Canadian educational institution, and meet all program requirements. If the visa officer questions the authenticity of your letter or doubts that you meet the requirements, your application may be refused. It is important to ensure that all information provided in your application is accurate and verifiable.
Dealing with Problems in Your Letter of Acceptance
Check your submitted school documents, ensuring they are readable and complete, and provide any extra supporting documents available.
5. IRCC questions your travel or identity documents
Your study permit application may be refused by IRCC if your travel history is incomplete or if your identity documents are not clear. IRCC needs to determine whether you are medically or criminally inadmissible to Canada. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your documents are complete and your identity is clear.
Dealing with travel or identity document issues in your study permit application
If you’re concerned about your study permit application being rejected due to incomplete travel history or unclear identity documents, there are steps you can take to address these issues. Firstly, review the documents you submitted and the visa officer’s notes to determine the problematic time periods or unclear information. Make sure to include additional supporting evidence for those periods or re-submit clearer identity documents in your application.
To simplify the application process and ensure all concerns are addressed beforehand, consider seeking professional help from an immigration attorney or New Beginnings Immigration. They can assist in preparing a complete study permit application that meets all requirements and addresses any potential issues.