Main reasons for a student visa rejection for Canada: what are the preventive measures and tips to follow

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. To materialize your dream of studying in Canada, you need to get a study permit and a Canada student visa. However, getting a Canadian study permit to study in Canada can be challenging. Even after securing admission to the designated learning institute of Canada, you may need help getting a study permit or student visa. Many applicants face student visa rejection for various reasons, which can be frustrating and discouraging.

Every country welcomes international students as they add to the future workforce of a country, and the fee funds they bring boost the economy and help normalize domestic education costs. However, under certain circumstances, applicants face higher rejection rates. The increasing popularity of Canadian study programs results in a higher influx of visa applications, and the ongoing application backlog because of the pandemic is one of the many reasons for visa rejection. Besides these reasons, sometimes a simple mistake in the application or a weak application also increases the rejection rate. To avoid such a fate, we will discuss why the Canadian immigration authorities reject study permit applications and what you can do to avoid them.

Lack of financial proof

One of the significant reasons for Canada’s study permit rejection is the need for sufficient financial funds to show that you can support yourself while studying in Canada. You must show that you have enough money for the first year of your study to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, transportation, and other expenses. Tuition fees usually cost $15,000, so you must possess more than this to afford other expenses. It is best to show that you have a source of income or funds that will cover your expenses for the duration of your program. In case of having a scholarship program, you must attach related documents to support your claim. In 2021-22, IRCC refused 24% of the applications as their financial situation was not satisfactory to support their stay and study.

Suppose you apply for a study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). In that case, you must purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 and provide the relevant documentation with your study permit application.

Some of the documents that you can use as proof of financial support are:

• Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if you have transferred money to Canada
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
• Your bank statements for the past four months
• A letter from the person or school giving you money

Suppose you fail to provide adequate financial proof. In that case, the immigration officer may doubt your ability to afford your studies in Canada and may reject your application.

To avoid this, you should:

• Prepare your financial documents well in advance and make sure they are clear, accurate, and up-to-date
• Transfer enough money to your Canadian bank account before applying for your study permit, if possible
• Provide a detailed explanation of your source of funds and how they will cover your expenses
• Include a budget plan that shows how much money you will need and how you will spend it

Poor academic performance

Another reason for Canadian student visa rejection is poor academic performance. You must possess appropriate academic credentials from your previous educational institution to qualify for your chosen program in Canada. Your Canada visa approval decision also depends on your English language proficiency. To meet the criteria, you must get the required score in English language proficiency exams like TOEFL, IELTS and PTE. You must also fulfil the admission requirements of the designated learning institution (DLI) that has accepted you.

The visa officials screen your academic record before approval. Incomplete and inconsistent academic records can result in the refusal of your student visa application. If your academic record is not satisfactory, the immigration officer may doubt your ability to complete your education in Canada successfully and may reject your application.

To avoid this, you should:

• Submit your official transcripts and diplomas from your previous education
• Provide evidence of any additional qualifications or achievements that may enhance your academic profile
• Explain any gaps or discrepancies in your academic history

Lack of letter of acceptance

Another common reason for study permit rejection is the lack of a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI in Canada. You must submit your letter of acceptance from a DLI before applying for a Canada study permit. Your approval letter must contain all the information from a registered Canadian educational institution. The letter of acceptance must include information such as:

• The name of the institution and the program
• The start and end dates of the program
• The tuition fees and other costs
• The conditions of admission and enrollment

If you do not have a letter of acceptance, or if it is incomplete or expired, the immigration officer may doubt your intention to study in Canada and reject your application.

To avoid this, you should:

• Choose the institute from the list of designated learning institutions.
• Apply for admission to a DLI in Canada as early as possible.
• Ensure that the Canadian government approves your chosen DLI to host international students.
• Check that the acceptance letter contains all the required information and is valid for at least six months from the date of application.
• Keep a copy of the letter of acceptance for future reference.

Unclear purpose of study (Statement of purpose)

Another reason for Canada student visa rejection by visa officers is the lack of a clear and convincing statement of purpose. In 2021-2022, 77% of visa refusals were because of the unclear and unconvincing purpose of the study. In the statement of purpose, you need to explain why you want to study in Canada, how it relates to your future goals, and how it benefits you personally and professionally. You also need to convince the immigration officer that your main intent of coming to Canada is to study and not to work or immigrate.

Failing to provide a strong statement can make the immigration officer doubt your motivation and commitment to study in Canada and may reject your visa approval. Details provided in the visa application and statement of purpose should be accurate. Submitting false information or fraudulent documents can result in visa refusal. It can bar you from entering Canada in the future. So, you are advised to draft your statement of purpose very carefully.

To avoid this, you should:

• Write a detailed and persuasive statement of purpose that outlines your reasons for choosing Canada as your study destination, your chosen program and institution, your academic and career objectives, and how studying in Canada will help you achieve them
• Provide supporting documents demonstrating your interest and aptitude for your field of study, such as letters of recommendation, awards, publications, etc.
• Show evidence of ties to your home country that will compel you to return after completing your studies, such as family, property, job, etc.

Incomplete or incorrect application

Incomplete or incorrect application can be a reason for rejection. You must fill out all the required forms and answer all the questions truthfully and accurately. Complete all your paperwork before submitting your Canada student visa application to ensure you get everything. Then, attach all the required documents carefully and pay the application fees. You should also look for any additional paperwork needed for your country. It is recommended to take the services of a professional study abroad consultant. Submit an incomplete or incorrect application. The immigration officer may be unable to process your application and reject it.

To avoid this, you should:

• Follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the Canadian immigration authorities.
• Make a list of all the required documents.
• Review your application carefully and make sure there are no errors or omissions.
• Pay the correct amount of fees and keep the receipt.

Choice of Program

Students can face study permit rejection if their chosen study program does not match their previous education and work experience. The visa officers can question students about their choice of program. Suppose the explanation regarding the change in the field of study cannot convince the authorities. In that case, it can result in the rejection of your visa application. The officers will raise an issue about sudden changes in the stream of study, future professional aspirations, or a career gap. Suppose there’s no direct correlation between your selected program and career path. In that case, you should explain how the skills acquired through this program will help grow your career.

A few reasons related to academics for Canada student visa rejection are as follows,

• Career gap
• Second Masters (Non-MBA)
• Applying for PG diploma after Masters
• Improper selection of program (for example, applying for health sciences programs with an engineering degree)
• Applying for a PG diploma with an excellent GPA score in Bachelors

If you face one of the above situations, explain in detail through a personal statement and other records referring to your academic background.

Insufficient Identity or Travel Documents

Students wishing to study in Canada should have proper documentation. There are high chances of visa denial if the documents are faulty or insufficient. Visa officers will also examine your travel history and look for the gaps and problematic periods in your travel record. Your application might be denied if you claim travel experience but lack supporting documents like passports with visa stamps of countries’ entry and exit.

The Canadian embassy can reject student visa applications if they fail to upload any biometric requirements or have improper scans. Hence, students are advised to give biometrics properly that will stay valid for 10 years, even if their permit or visa application is refused or has expired.

• Make sure that all the documents are easy to read
• Your identity documents are valid and accurate
• Provide any additional supporting documents that you can.

Also, your study permit will likely be refused if your medical exam reports are not clear. Past criminal activity can also result in entry denial. However, your study permit might still be approved if you were a minor (under 18) when the crime occurred.

Intent to Return to Home Country

A Study visa is temporary with an expiration date and a validity period. So, you must intend to leave the country upon your completion of study. You can convince the visa officer about your intent through necessary documents like proof of family ties in your home country or property papers. Lack of proper, valid documentation can result in the rejection of a student visa. There are options to extend your permit or apply for permanent residency through the proper channel. This condition aims to ensure that you will not stay in the country illegally after you are out of status. Usually, this is a problem if you don’t demonstrate that you have good reasons to want to return home like:

• Having strong family ties in Canada
• Lack of job opportunities in the home country
• Lack of family ties in your country
• Lack of financial assets in your country (property)

It is essential that your application highlights

• Your plan to return home after your studies
• Your career objectives in your home country
• Your work prospects at home
• Your financial and emotional ties in your country

So, avoid mentioning the possibility of extending your stay in Canada after graduation to increase your chances of success.

Low employment chances in the home country

The lack of job opportunities in the candidate’s home country indicates that he/she might not be willing to return and is presumed to have the intention to stay permanently in Canada. It might result in the rejection of a student visa. So international students should express convincing statements about their intent to return to their home country after their visa expires and demonstrate the scope of job opportunities in their home country.

Tips to reduce the chances of Canada Student Visa Rejection

• Create a list of all the important documents you need to apply for a Canadian visa as given on the official website of the Government of Canada.
• Fill out the application form carefully and provide all the necessary information, error-free.
• Your Statement of Purpose should be brief and well-written to increase your chances of visa approval.
• Attach a copy of your acceptance letter received from a Designated Learning Institution. You should start your visa application immediately after you receive this letter.
• Bank statements should be collected to ensure you have a sufficient bank balance.
• Specify all your foreign travel history. And also undertake the required medical exams.

 

Getting a study permit to study in Canada can be challenging, but it is possible. By understanding the common reasons for study permit rejection and taking preventive measures and tips to avoid them, you can increase your chances of getting approved. Prepare your application carefully, provide complete and accurate information, and submit all the required documents. You might need professional assistance with your study permit application. In that case, you can consult a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you overcome any obstacles. HSA Consultants are the best consultants to guide you through the process and make it error-free.