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The process of obtaining a student visa for Canada looks quite simple, but it can sometimes be a challenge. While many students think obtaining an acceptance letter is the toughest part of the pre-study abroad process, it can be even more difficult to obtain a student visa. With Canada being such a popular study destination, many students dream to study in this country. However, the popularity of Canada makes it harder to get a visa because of the high volume of applicants. This article presents you with the reasons for visa rejection to avoid any mistakes. 

 

Canada Student Visa Rejection: Reasons and appeals

 

Canada Student Visa Rejection Reasons

As per CIC, Canada student visa rejection rate is an average of 30% of the total student visa applications. There are various reasons why a Canadian study visa application may be rejected. These reasons will be mentioned in the refusal letter issued by visa authorities Below are the most common student visa rejection reasons for Canada :

1. Not enough Proof of Financial Support

When you submit a visa application, you need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Canada. Immigration Authorities require that all international students should prove they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees for the first year of study and the living cost for themselves. Your application will be refused if you are unable to prove the ability to financially support yourself.

2. Doubt on Intention to Leave the Country 

A study visa is a temporary visa, which means that it has a validity period and expiration date. In your visa application, you need to convince the visa officer that you will leave the country when your study permit expires. The visa officer must be convinced that you will not stay in Canada illegally when your visa expires. You should have good reasons to want to return back to your home country. The best way to address this concern is through your statement of purpose.

3. Wrong Choice of Study Program

Visa applications are sometimes rejected if the visa officer doesn’t understand the reason for choosing your study program or level of study. If the chosen program in Canada doesn’t seem to line up with the applicant’s educational background or employment history, the visa application can be rejected. For example, someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and 4 years of working experience as a nurse wants to study hotel management in Canada, which could bring doubt, and hence visa application is rejected. If your study program seems odd, based on your past education you need to clearly explain why you want to study it in your statement of purpose. 

4. Incomplete Your Travel or Identity Documents

If you don’t have a complete record of your travel history, or if your identity documents are unclear, visa officers may refuse your visa application. If the visa officer thinks there are blank spaces in your travel history, they will review your travel documents and the visa officer’s notes to find which periods are problematic. Visa authorities will verify your identity through the documents to determine whether you are medically or criminally can be accepted to Canada or not.

5. Poor Academic Performance

Visa officers give importance to stability across the previous academic performance. But while good grades are vital in visa approval, it also extends to your English language ability. With a combination of uneven grades and a low score, a visa officer may doubt your ability to cope with the current education system in Canada. This is one of the reasons for rejection of student visa Canada.

6. Incomplete application form

The most important document for the students applying for the Student Visa is the Canadian Student Visa Application Form. A lot of times,  students provide inaccurate information which becomes one of the student visa rejection reasons for Canada. Many times students may be tempted to misinterpret questions in the application form. Consequently, the chances of making mistakes are very high and should be avoided in all circumstances.

What to do if Your Application is Refused

When a student visa application is rejected, it will be informed in a letter issued by the visa officer to the applicant. Within this letter, the visa officer will mention the reason(s) for rejection. There are two options for addressing the refusal:

  • Appeal the decision: If the student believes that their visa application is complete and fulfilled all requirements and the study visa was refused incorrectly or unfairly, he or she can appeal the decision. Applicant should request to reconsider the application.
  • Submit a new application: If the student believes that the reasons for visa rejection are valid, then then they have only one option. They will have to submit a new application. Applicants should be very careful this time with their application as it is their second chance. 

Both the appeal process and the resubmission process may take some time. The applicant should therefore be prepared to contact their university to request a modification to their planned start date if they will not be able to obtain a visa in time to start their study program on the originally planned date. 

Tips to Decrease the Chances of Student Visa Rejection for Canada 

Now that the main reasons for visa refusal are known, here are a few valuable tips you should follow to avoid the refusal of student visas: 

  • Make a list of the documents required for the visa application process. The complete list can be found on the official website of the Government of Canada. 
  • Carefully and completely fill each detail on the visa application form. Ensure that no response box is left blank. 
  • Make sure to upload a copy of the offer letter that you have received from the university in Canada. 
  • You must show enough evidence of finance to support your stay during your studies in Canada.
  • If you have work experience, salary slips or bank statements are to be submitted to prove it. 
  • You should mention all travel histories and visa rejections (if any) in the visa file. 
  • Do not leave any questions unanswered on the CIC website while applying online. 
  • The statement of intent is vital which will introduce your profile to the visa officer. Mention the academic achievements and the purpose to study in Canada. This statement of purpose is crucial for the visa application.  

You should also read the following articles

Education Loan to Study in Canada
Accommodation in Canada for International Students
Checklist Before Going to Study in Canada

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why is Canada student visa rejected?

Canadian student visa applications are often refused for some reason such as failure to prove adequate financial resources, proof of intent to leave after the program ends, questionable travel, identity documentation, etc. 

2. Can I get Canada study visa after refusal?

If a student visa for Canada application is refused, you can apply again at any time, unless your decision letter says you can't. If you file properly and with a complete document set, the chances of obtaining visa approval are high. 

3. Can my student visa get rejected?

If you don’t file a proper and complete visa application, there are high chances that your student visa can be rejected. However, there are various other reasons such as poor academic performance, lack of English language proficiency, failure to provide enough financial capabilities, etc. can lead to visa rejection.

4. Why is my Canada student visa taking so long?

After applying for your Canadian study permit, the processing time may take up to 90 days, but it's usually faster. Depending on the situation in your home country, the visa processing time can vary. Currently, visa processing timing has been affected by the burst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to several restrictions, many visa applications were delayed.

5. Do I get a refund if my student visa is refused Canada?

If your visa application gets rejected then the embassy is not liable to refund any fee in any circumstances. The embassy charges a fee as a cost to recover their expenses on the process only. 

6. What can I do if my Canadian student visa is refused?

When a Canadian student visa is refused, you have two courses of action depending on the reasons for rejection. You can appeal for reconsideration if you feel the decision was incorrect. You can re-apply if you have missed out on any step in the first visa application process. 

7. What are the chances of getting Canada student visa?

While a significant proportion of applicants are successful in obtaining the student visa for Canada, yet a 27-28% rejection rate means near 100,000 students are denied to study in Canada. Make sure you fulfill all the requirements. Check this: Student Visa for Canada`

Categories: Canada

Tags: Study Abroad

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