REASONS STUDY PERMIT MAY BE REJECTED
Immigration law
27 Nov
Study permit refusals have been on the rise this year, so if you want to avoid getting caught in that rejection pile, it’s important to make sure your application ticks all the right boxes. A well-prepared application can be the game-changer between getting a "yes" from the officer or being sent a polite but firm "no thanks." So, take your time, follow the guidelines, and give that application the attention it deserves-after all, a little effort upfront can save you a lot of disappointment later.
Factors contributing to this rise include stricter visa policies, heightened scrutiny of applicants' finances (because apparently, your bank account is now an open book), and concerns over the authenticity of study intentions - because who doesn't want to study in a foreign country and secretly become a professional tourist?
There can be several reasons why study permit applications to Canada may be refused. Some common ones include:
Lack of sufficient or proper evidence of financial resources: Your study permit application could be rejected if you don’t have enough funds, or if you have the funds but fail to show proof of them. Because, apparently, Canadian immigration wants to make sure you’re not planning to study with an imaginary bank balance.
IRCC requires applicants to prove they can financially support themselves in Canada, covering living expenses, travel, and tuition. For 2024, a single applicant (studying outside of Quebec) needs to show $20,635 CAD in addition to tuition and travel costs-about 75% of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). And just to keep you on your toes, these funds will increase every year, so it’s not just your tuition that’s going up.
For international students intending to study in Quebec in 2024, the required funds required on top of tuition fees are $15,078CAD.
You must show the immigration officer evidence that you have these funds available.
Lack of ties to the home country: You’ll also need to convince the immigration officer that you have every intention of leaving Canada once your studies are done (no overstaying your welcome!). Typically, this means proving that you have strong ties to your home country, such as family, a job waiting for you, or a house you actually plan to return to.
The officer will assess your connections to both Canada and your home country, along with broader economic and political factors that might affect your decision to return. They'll be looking at your financial capacity (like enough money for a plane ticket) and your legal ability (passport, visa, and the like) to get back home without any complications.
Lackluster or missing letter of explanation: You can add a letter of explanation as part of your study permit application-think of it as your chance to show off your best elevator pitch.
In this letter, you can share why you chose your specific school and program, and why Canada is your destination of choice (because who wouldn’t want to study in the land of poutine and maple syrup, right?). While it’s not mandatory, IRCC strongly recommends including it, because a well-written letter helps the immigration officer understand your goals and motivations, making them more likely to give your application a thumbs up.
Missing paperwork or Incomplete application: If your application is incomplete, IRCC officials won’t even look at it. They will just send it back to you with a note asking for the missing pieces (like a puzzle that’s just a few pieces short). But keep in mind that depending on your specific situation, they might ask for a few extra items to complete the picture.
If you forget to pay the required fees, your application will be immediately rejected and sent back to you, no questions asked. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions or free passes when it comes to paying fees—IRCC expects all payments to be made upfront to process your application.
A carefully prepared application can be the deciding factor in whether an officer approves or rejects your study permit request. Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand the most common reasons why study permit applications are denied. By being aware of these issues and taking steps to avoid them, you can increase your chances of having a successful application.