A study permit, also known as Study Visa, is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. International students willing to pursue education in Canada must have a study permit and an entry visa to enter and study in Canada. The entry visa can be a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Before applying for a Canadian study visa/permit, a student needs to enroll in a Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. The next step is to provide all the required information and documents in the application.
According to IRCC, international students holding a Canadian student visa increases every year, and there is also a significant rise in the number of study visa application cancellations with this constant rise. According to CIC, IRCC rejects around 30% of applications every year because of some common errors committed by the applicant.
Factors leading to rejection of a Study Visa
An applicant needs to meet several requirements while applying for a study visa. But there is still the possibility of an application getting rejected by IRCC, even after the candidate has provided all the documents and fulfilled the minimum eligibility criteria. Some of the major factors leading to rejection are:
1. Insufficient Funds
Candidates must show adequate funds for the first year of their study program/course and stay in Canada. However, the immigration officer can reject a study visa application if any financial insufficiency is found.
Hence, a candidate needs to show financial stability and support to cover their entire stay in Canada. Proof of adequate finances for the first year and more than that can be useful in this regard. Additional documents can be included with the application to express that candidate can support themselves while studying in Canada.
2. Program Chosen
A candidate is required to choose a program related to their previous academic profile. A visa officer can reject an application if a candidates’ academic or employment background does not align with their chosen program.
This situation can be avoided by providing a detailed personal statement explaining why the candidate wishes to pursue a program that is different from their regular field. Applicants whose program choice aligns with their academic background can attach a detailed history of education or work along with their application.
3. Letter of Acceptance
A candidate must have a “Letter of Acceptance” from a Canadian DLI to apply for the study permit. Along with the Letter of Acceptance, the applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements set by the specific institution. If the visa officer questions the acceptance letter or doubts the fulfilment of minimum requirements of the institution by the applicant, the study visa may be rejected.
Applicants must ensure that they receive an acceptance letter from a registered DLI. Applicants must also attach sufficient documents as proof of minimum requirements fulfilment with additional supporting documents if available.
4. English Language Proficiency
International students must submit proof of language proficiency if they are from a Non-native English-speaking country. Applicants must have the minimum set language test scores in TOEFL/IELTS exam. Along with a minimum score meeting the DLI ELP requirements, it is essential to meet the program requirements; otherwise, the student visa application can be rejected.
5. Incomplete Documents
In cases where the travel history shows too many unjustified blank spaces or the identity documents are incomplete or not easy to read, the chances of Canadian study visa rejection are accelerated.
Applicants must provide sufficient evidence and documents for their travel history justification. Also, the identity documents provided must be clear and easily readable to avoid rejection.
6. The intent of Return to Home Country
The study permit is a temporary visa and has a validity period. The applicants must submit proof of intent to return to their home country. It is mandatory to provide this proof to ensure that the applicant will not stay in Canada after the study permit expires. However, this does not imply that the applicant cannot extend their study visa or obtain a PR
Applicants can provide a detailed personal statement, which should also address the dual intent concept. Dual intent explains an applicant’s intent to initially want a Temporary Visit to Canada (on a work or study visa) and later become a permanent resident.
What to do after refusal of Study Visa?
Candidates whose study visa gets rejected can:
1. Re-apply for a study permit
If an applicant wishes to re-apply for a study permit in Canada, they must ensure that all the reasons behind the earlier refusal are identified and rectified.
2. Appeal against the refusal
There are three ways to proceed with appealing against visa refusal. These are
- requesting re-evaluation,
- appealing against the visa refusal in federal court, and
- submission of a new application.
Though filing a judicial appeal is an impartial assessment, it can be a costly approach. Students prefer filing a new application for a study permit, and one can also speak to an immigration lawyer to explore other options.
Some tips to decrease the chances of rejection
- Mark out the mandatory documents required to submit on the checklist to obtain a study visa which is also given on the official website of the Government of Canada.
- Fill out the visa form wholly and carefully. Make sure that there is no blank column left.
- Upload a copy of the offer letter received from a DLI university in Canada.
- Mention travel history and visa rejections (if any) in the visa application file.
- Respond to all the questions asked by the IRCC while applying online.
- The Statement of Purpose is the most crucial write-up, introducing the applicant to the immigration officer which can break or make the file. Applicant must mention their achievements in academics and their intent to study in Canada.
- If an applicant is applying for a Canadian study visa for the first time, it is advised to consult a well-experienced visa counsellor.
