Study Permits in Canada: How to avoid rejection and maximize your chances of approval

As an international student, embarking on this adventure can be both exciting and challenging. Obtaining a student visa or study permit is one of the most important, yet most tedious, aspects of studying abroad. The complex visa application process can be overwhelming but, worry not!

IDP is here to guide you every step of the way. With our expertise and extensive partnership with authorized immigration services firms in Canada, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey for students like you, making your dreams of studying in Canada a reality.

What are student visas (study permits)?

Are you considering studying in Canada? If so, you’ll need to obtain a student permit. In Canada, a study permit is the equivalent of a student visa. When you apply for a study permit, if your application is approved, you will be granted a student visa. This visa is an endorsement by the immigration authorities on your passport, indicating that you are permitted to enter and stay in Canada for a specified period to pursue your studies.

Reasons for student visa rejection

To increase your chances of a successful student visa outcome, it's crucial to understand the common reasons for visa rejections. If you're planning to study abroad, being aware of these factors is essential. Some key reasons for visa rejections in Canada include:

1. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation and inadequate academic preparation

Your visa application may be rejected if your provided documents are incomplete, inaccurate, or if your academic preparation is deemed inadequate for your intended course of study.

2. Insufficient financial resources

It's crucial to have enough financial resources to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs related to your stay in Canada. Insufficient funds can result in visa rejection.

When applying to study in Canada, maintaining a consistent balance and transaction history in your bank account is crucial. For instance, if your account suddenly shows a balance of 2 million, but over the past six months, your average balance was only 100,000, it can raise red flags for the immigration officials. Such discrepancies can suggest that the funds were deposited just to meet the application requirements, rather than being a true reflection of your financial stability.

A stable and consistent financial history demonstrates your ability to support yourself while studying in Canada, making it an essential part of a successful study permit application.

3. Lack of genuine intent

If the immigration officer suspects that your intent indicated in your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and your goals on why you want to stud y are not genuine, it can lead to visa rejection.

4. Failure to meet health and security requirements

Meeting the health and security requirements set by the Canadian government is essential. Failing to meet these requirements can result in visa rejection.

5. Mismatch in your chosen field or level of study

One common reason study permits for Canada get denied is if the student's chosen program or level of study doesn't seem to fit their past education, job experience, or future plans. If there's a big difference, like someone who's worked in engineering for years suddenly wanting to study art, it might look suspicious and may end up to a study permit refusal.

Understanding these factors and taking the necessary steps to address them can increase your chances of a successful student visa application. Carefully reviewing the visa requirements and guidelines specific to your chosen study-abroad destination is essential as the reasons for visa rejections may vary.

So, seek guidance from IDP Education Counselors as you embark on your study abroad journey. IDP is also partnered with authorized immigration services firms in Canada to help address any concerns you may have. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance!

Tips to avoid student visa rejection

Securing a student visa is an essential step. To ensure a smooth and successful application, it's crucial to be aware of the key tips to avoid student visa rejection. Here are the key tips to avoid student visa rejection:

1. Submit your application on time and organize your documents

It is crucial to submit your application before the deadline and ensure that all required documents are accurately filled out and provided. This includes your application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents. It’s best to organize your documents and make sure they’re arranged in order, having a table of contents is helpful. Your IDP Education Counselor will help you prepare these things to ensure a smooth journey.

2. Demonstrate sufficient funding for tuition and living expenses

Canadian institutions require students to prove that they have enough financial resources to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs during their stay in Canada. Prepare the necessary financial documents, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters, to demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially. It is also essential to take note that everything is aligned in your SOP.

For international students applying through the regular stream, you must provide 6 months of bank statements. Meanwhile for students applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), make sure to provide sufficient funds in your Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). If you have a sponsor, ensure that you provide sufficient proof of relationship with your sponsor as well.

3. Follow guidelines for the Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) or visa letter is an important document that showcases your motivation, goals, and reasons for choosing Canada as your study destination. It is important to be honest, confident, and articulate in your SOP and that you provide important details about your intent to study in Canada. Keep your SOP concise, short, and simple. Two (2) pages maximum is the ideal length. You must also remember that you should not put unnecessary information as too many details will sometimes cause you a refusal.

IDP holds free SOP writing workshops for our students to ensure that your statement is well-written, concise, and highlights your genuine intent to study in Canada. Talk to an IDP Education Counselor to find out how.

4. Choose a program that matches your educational background and study plans

The immigration officers want to make sure people are really coming to study and that their chosen program makes sense for their career path. So, it's important to pick a field of study that matches your background and goals to avoid issues with your application. Your IDP Education Counselor can help you choose the right course, program, and level of study for you.

5. Seek guidance from the experts of IDP Education

The process of studying in Canada can be long, tedious, and daunting. But you don’t have to go through this on your own! Your IDP Education Counselor will help you throughout every step of the way, from choosing the right course and school, submitting you school application, providing you with visa application guidance, up to pre-departure and onshore activities. And the best part? IDP will help you for free!

IRCC Updates in 2024

As of January 2024, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced some changes to the study permit process. These changes aim to streamline the application process and provide more flexibility for international students.

Here’s an overview of changes impacting international students planning to study in Canada:
1. Updated cost-of-living requirements: Starting from January 1, 2024, international  students will need to demonstrate they have at least $20,635 (previously $10,000) to cover their living expenses (requirements may vary for students moving to Quebec).
2. Temporary cap on international student intake: The number of study permits approved in 2024 is expected to decrease by 35% compared to 2023, reducing the number of international students to be accepted to only 360,000 for 2024. The cap will last for two (2) years and will intensify competition among aspiring international student applicants.
3. Changes to Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria: Starting May 15, 2024 , international students enrolling in private colleges delivering public-private partnerships (PPP) will no longer be eligible for PGWPs. 
PGWP remains to be offered for all institutions not part of the PPP. It’s best to consult with an IDP Education Counselors to know if the school you are applying for offers PGWP.
Meanwhile, graduates of master’s degree programs in Canada will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit. 
4. New Study Permit Requirement: Effective January 22, 2024, study permit applications submitted to IRCC will now require a Provincial Attestation  Letter (PAL) from the student's intended province or territory of study. This requirement applies to students pursuing bachelor's degrees, certificate and diploma programs, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in Canada.  
5. Changes to Spousal Open Work Permit eligibility: Effective March 19, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made new eligibility requirements for the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). The eligibility for a SOWP now falls into three categories:

• Applications After March 19, 2024: Spouses or common-law partners of international students can apply if the student is enrolled in a professional degree program (like master's or doctorate, or equivalent) at a university or polytechnic institution. Applicants must prove their relationship and the student’s enrollment in an eligible program.
• Applications Before March 19, 2024: If the application was submitted before March 19, 2024, the spouse or common-law partner may be eligible if the student has a valid study permit, is in a PGWP-eligible program, and is attending a recognized institution (public post-secondary, private college-level in Quebec, or a Canadian private institution authorized to award degrees).
• Extensions for Current Open Work Permit Holders: Eligibility for extensions is similar to new applications post-March 19, focusing on the student having a valid study permit, being in a PGWP-eligible program, and attending a recognized educational institution.

Whether you're looking for study permit guidance or want to understand the study in Canada process, seek help from IDP and avail of our free study abroad services from course search up to pre-departure and onshore activities. Consult an IDP Education Counselor for free.

Get Ready to Study in Canada with IDP

By following these tips, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a study permit in Canada. However, we understand that the study permit application process can be complex and overwhelming.

To avoid student visa rejection and maximize your chances of a successful application, take advantage of IDP's free study abroad services. With IDP’s free expert assistance and study abroad tools for aspiring international students, we provide expert guidance and support throughout your journey, helping you navigate the complex process of securing a study permit in Canada.

Book a free appointment with IDP today and let us help you achieve your study in Canada dream - every step of the way!