More and more people have been reaching out for advice after their study permit applications for studying in Canada were refused. To reduce the risk of visa refusal, it is crucial to clearly demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria, make your case understandable to the visa officer, and submit well-organized supporting documents.

Here, we explain the top 5 main reasons why study permits are refused and provide tips on how to avoid them.

1. Insufficient or Inadequate Proof of Funds

If you lack the required funds or fail to provide adequate documentation to prove your financial situation, your application will be rejected.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requests that study permit applicants prove the following funds:

• Travel expenses
• Tuition fees
• Living expenses during the stay

For example, a single applicant studying outside of Quebec in 2024 will need funds amounting to CAD 20,635, in addition to travel and tuition expenses. The required amount varies depending on the number of family members. These figures are raised annually.

To meet the financial requirements, it is essential to submit documents such as “bank statements” or “proof of the source of funds” that accurately show your financial ability.

2. Lack of Ties to Home Country

If you fail to provide sufficient proof or intent to return to your home country after studying in Canada, the visa officer may reject your application.

Study permit applicants must convince the officer that they will “return home after their stay.” The following factors are important:

• Economic ties: e.g., purchase of a return ticket or bank statement
• Family and professional ties: proof that you have reasons to return
• Legal capacity: submission of valid passports or travel documents

Demonstrating strong ties to your home country and addressing any concerns the officer might have is key.

3. Weak or Missing Letter of Explanation

If the purpose and motivation for your study are unclear, the officer may reject your application.

While a Letter of Explanation is optional, submitting one can clearly convey your reasons for studying in Canada. A well-written letter helps the immigration officer better understand your motivations and aspirations. Your letter should include:

• Personal information, educational background, and work experience
• Reasons for choosing the school/program
• Career plans and future goals

While there is no one-size-fits-all format for the Letter of Explanation, it is a crucial element in the success of your student visa application.

4. Incomplete Application Documents

If your application documents are incomplete, the immigration officer will not process your application and will return it to you.

Some common issues that can lead to rejection include:

• Missing required documents or not responding to document requests
• Failure to pay the application fee

Moreover, if the immigration office requests additional documents, failing to respond within the deadline will lead to rejection. It is vital to prepare your documents carefully and thoroughly.

5. School Has Not Validated the Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Starting from December 1, 2023, international students must ensure that their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) validates the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the study permit application.

This process takes place after the applicant has submitted their visa application. The DLI must validate the LOA on the IRCC’s online portal within 10 days.

• Deadline: The validation status will appear on the school’s online portal for each applicant.
• If not validated: If the LOA is not validated by the deadline, the application will be deemed incomplete and returned with the fee.

It is essential to confirm that the school has completed this process before applying.

Visa applications require precise document preparation and proper explanations. Recently, with the apparent trend of IRCC reducing the number of study permit approvals, the number of inquiries about “study permit refusals” has been increasing. This suggests that visa scrutiny has become more stringent. Once rejected, reapplying often involves even stricter scrutiny, leading to significant time and financial costs. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to seek professional support from the start.

At Visa JP Canada, experienced immigration consultants who have successfully handled numerous study permit applications provide the following services:

• Proposing the best application strategy tailored to your situation
• Assisting with the preparation of error-free documents and an effective Letter of Explanation
• Providing full agency services for the entire application process

Especially for those applying for a visa for the first time, using professional support can significantly reduce the risk of rejection and help you prepare with peace of mind. Please contact us, and we will do our best to support you in achieving your goals!