The most common reasons for student visa rejection in Canada
Student visa is an immigration document issued by the Canadian government for foreign students, allowing them to study in Canada for a specified period.
Student visas are not considered immigration visas; this means that students obtaining these visas must adhere to specific rules to maintain their status in the country. Additionally, student visas do not necessarily guarantee the same privileges enjoyed by citizens, such as voting.
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- The 7 Reasons Behind Student Visa Rejections in Canada
1 - Financial instability
Your financial independence and ability to pay tuition fees for at least one year at the college you are enrolling in will be verified. If you are financially independent, you will be granted a student visa.
Typically, in Canadian universities, tuition fees start from 15,000 Canadian dollars. The government expects international students to have sufficient financial stability to cover their educational expenses, including tuition fees. It is necessary to provide ample evidence to prove this, and it is advisable to submit proof of financial resources that cover more than one year. Additionally, including additional financial documents with your application is beneficial for obtaining a study permit in Canada.
2 - Incomplete Documentation
When applying for a student visa, you must submit the correct documents, including a valid passport, to avoid rejection. Officers will examine your travel documents to check for any gaps in your travel history. Additionally, authorities will verify your identity through your submitted documents.
3 - Intention to Return Home
There is always an expiration date on student visas, and this is why visa officers consistently inquire whether international students intend to return to their home country upon completion of their studies. On the other hand, international students may have the intention to work and earn money after finishing their studies, which is one of the reasons for the denial of their student visas. When international students show a low intention and enthusiasm to return to their home country, their visas may be rejected.
4 - Academic Underperformance
The academic records of foreign students are also scrutinized by visa officers. Students must achieve good grades, and they are required to score high on English proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. Additionally, students should provide clear and direct academic records because any inconsistencies in academic records may lead to further questioning, potentially impacting their chances of obtaining a visa.
5 - Inconsistency in Professional Experience and Proposed Course of Study
A student visa may be rejected if there are inconsistencies in the previous academic course, professional experience, and the proposed course of study. The chosen field of specialization should align with your previous qualifications and work experience. If they do not match, you must be able to explain convincingly why you wish to change your career path. Also, note that anything listed in your application should have valid evidence or proof.
6 - Letter of Acceptance
A letter of acceptance is issued to each student by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) upon acceptance into the school or college. Foreign students are expected to submit their letters of acceptance to visa officials, and any student who does not provide a letter of acceptance will be rejected. Therefore, foreign students should not bring a 'copy' of their acceptance letter, attached to the minimum eligibility criteria as per the Canadian government instructions. In addition to the letter of acceptance, any personal document or supporting statement can also be attached to the application.
7 - Program Choice
Visa officials often pay close attention to the program choice made by foreign students. The selected program should align with the student's educational background and professional experience. Some academic reasons for visa rejection in Canada include:
- Professional Gap (Time Spent Away from Employment).
- Applying for a Postgraduate Diploma after a Master's Degree.
- Applying for a Postgraduate Diploma with a very high cumulative GPA in the Bachelor's degree.
- Second Master's degree (other than an MBA).
- Program incongruence with previous education, such as applying for an Engineering program with a Nursing degree.
- Foreign students need to obtain a strong personal statement and other relevant records that align with their previous educational background.
Important Tips to Consider to Avoid Rejection of the Canadian Student Visa:
- Search and discover the necessary documents that you need to submit to obtain the visa.
- Fill out the visa application form carefully with accurate information, and do not leave any spaces blank.
- After that, students will need to upload a copy of the offer letter they receive from a recognized university or college in Canada.
- Salary slips or bank statements must be submitted as evidence that the applicant has work experience.
- Do not forget to mention all travel dates and include any instances of visa refusal if applicable.
- Also, answer the questions that will be asked on the Canadian immigration and citizenship (CIC) website during the online application.
- Applicants under the Student Partners Program (SPP) must provide proof of financial resources, and they must obtain a guaranteed investment certificate by transferring 10,200 Canadian dollars to Scotia Bank.
- When writing the statement of intent, it is important to mention your academic achievements and your intention to study in Canada.
- What to do when applying again
Important Tips to Consider to Avoid Rejection of Canadian Student Visa:
Early Planning:
Submit your visa application well in advance of the academic semester and ensure all documents are complete.
Fulfilling Requirements:
Check and fulfill all required documents, making sure to submit them fully and accurately.
Accuracy in Form Completion:
Fill out the visa application form accurately, leaving no spaces blank.
Submission of Acceptance Letter:
Provide a copy of the acceptance letter from the recognized university or college in Canada.
Presenting Proof of Work Experience:
Submit salary slips or bank statements to illustrate your work experience.
Confirming Intent to Return:
Demonstrate your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies.
Communication with Authorities:
In case of any inquiries, communicate with the Canadian embassy or consulate.
Adhering to Dates:
Clarify all travel dates and do not conceal any information.
Answering Online Questions:
Respond to all required questions on the Canadian immigration and citizenship website during online application.
Positive Interaction with Embassy Interview:
If there is a personal interview, be prepared and interact positively.
Carefully Drafting the Statement of Intent:
Write the statement of intent carefully, highlighting your academic achievements and goals in studying in Canada.
Consulting Official Resources:
Inquire from official websites or seek assistance through available official resources.