How to Increase Your Chances of Getting A Student Visa for Canada?

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Aarushi Jain
Updated on Apr 04, 2023 03:14 PM IST

A Canada student visa processing time may take up to 12 weeks or more. Nevertheless, it may take considerably longer because of the huge number of applications being handled by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you wish to know about the top reasons for rejection and how to increase your chances of Canada student visa approval, then this article will be your one-stop guide!

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting A Student Visa for Canada?

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Student Visa for Canada: Canada is one of the most desired study abroad destinations for international students as it houses some of the world’s best universities and colleges. On average, over 400,000 international students apply for a Canada student visa to study in Canada each year. Moreover, studying at a Canadian university is often a dream come true for many students living outside of Canada who aspire to quality education and career. 

Having said that, post-Covid-19, applying for a Canada student visa is becoming more and more competitive. Moreover, numerous aspiring international students are also facing refusals and rejections. Hence, in this article, we will be diving deep into some of the most common reasons for the rejection of a Canada student visa and also how to improve your chances of Canada student visa approval! 

Canada Student Visa Rejection and Approval - A Brief Overview

The table highlighted below will help you to quickly have a brief overview of the common reasons for the rejection of a Canada student visa and tips to get it approved:

Reasons for the Rejection of the Canada Student Visa

No Letter of Acceptance from a DLI University or College

Inadequate Proof of Leaving Canada after your studies

Unclear Purpose or Intention of Visit

Lack of Proper Finances and Funds

Incomplete or Shady Academic Records 

Wrong Choice of Study Programme 

Unexplained Educational Gaps

Low Scores in English Proficiency Exams 

Incomplete Documentation

False Information in Your Student Visa Application 

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Canada Student Visa Approval

Make a Proper Document Checklist 

Only Apply to Must be a DLI University or College

Choose Your Course or Programme Wisely!

Provide the Necessary Financial Proof of Funds

Include a Proper Statement of Purpose

Submit the Required Language Proficiency Test Scores

Explain Your Intention of Returning to Your Home Country

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Let us closely evaluate the above-mentioned reasons for the rejection of the Canada study permit and some of the most important tips that can increase your chances of getting it approved!

Planning to Study Your Dream Course at a Canadian University?

Reasons for the Rejection of Canada Student Visa

The first step in avoiding a student visa rejection is understanding what the IRCC looks for in study permit applications and why they are rejected. Before we get into how to increase our chances for Canada student visa approval, let us have a look at some of the most common reasons why IRCC refuses or rejects Canada student visas for international students:

No Letter of Acceptance from a DLI

This is one of the most common reasons for the rejection of Canad student visa applications for international students. A study visa is only available if you have been accepted into a Canada Designated Learning Institution (DLI).  If accepted by a DLI, your institution will issue you a letter of acceptance (LOA), which you must include with your application. Your student visa application will be rejected if you submit it without a letter of acceptance, or if your LOA is not from an authorised DLI in Canada.

Inadequate Proof of Leaving Canada After Your Studies

Visa inspectors want to know if you plan to leave Canada after completing your education. One of the terms of your study permit as an international student will be that you cannot stay in Canada unlawfully after your study permit expires. Although you may be eligible to seek a study permit extension or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation, stressing your plan to stay in Canada beyond your studies may result in your student visa application being rejected.

Unclear Purpose or Intention of Visit

If the visa officer is not satisfied that your intention to study in Canada is genuine, your Canada student visa application will be rejected. This is possible if you do not include a statement of purpose that clearly states why you want to study in Canada and how this specific study programme will help you accomplish your professional objectives. In this instance, the visa officer may believe you are not a genuine student but rather want to work illegally in Canada.

Lack of Proper Finances and Funds

Your student visa application needs to demonstrate that you have sufficient cash to cover the expense of your studies in Canada. If you fail to present adequate or necessary documents and paperwork demonstrating that you have paid or have adequate financial funds to pay your tuition fee for the first year, as well as your cost of living during your studies, your Canada student visa will be denied. 

You should also be able to demonstrate where the finances came from, such as savings, a bank loan, a scholarship, and so on. If you are applying for a Canada student visa through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you must secure a CAD 10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), or CAD 11,000 if studying in Quebec and include it with your study permit application. Please keep in mind that the funds you put into this GIC will be returned to you to help pay some of your living expenses while you are studying.

Incomplete or Shady Academic Records 

Prior education qualifications, academic transcripts, and marksheets must be submitted with your student visa application. Your academic records serve to demonstrate two things: the authenticity of your previous degrees or certifications, as well as your track record as a good student. If your documentation is missing or your academic achievement in the past is inconsistent, the visa officer may reject your application.

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Wrong Choice of Study Programme 

Many students are unaware that the study course they select has a significant influence on whether or not their Canada student visa application will be accepted. If your study programme is not related to your intended job path, prior schooling, or recent work experience, the visa officer may be sceptical that your primary reason for coming to Canada is for education. If your study programme is not a logical next step after your previous education, make sure your statement of purpose explains why you chose that programme or course and how it will benefit your career or future goals.

Unexplained Educational Gaps

It is important to maintain consistency in your education and employment background. If you had a gap year while at school or were unemployed for a time before applying for a study visa, your application may be denied. But, if you have a legitimate cause for a gap in your academic or professional background, you must explain it in your statement of purpose.

Low Scores in English Proficiency Exams 

Proficiency in English or French (only if studying in Quebec or enrolling in a French-language programme) is a mandatory eligibility and qualifying requirement for a study visa in Canada. Poor or low results on an authorised language exam, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada, would almost certainly result in the denial of your student visa.

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Incomplete Documentation

The absence of any required documents, submitting incomplete forms, failure to provide an adequate explanation for the purpose of your visit, or any gaps in your application may result in the denial of your Canada student visa. You should submit a statement of purpose and a Quebec Selection Certificate in addition to your LOA, proof of financial support, and proof of identification. Examine the document checklist provided by your regional visa office carefully, since applicants from specific countries may be required to submit additional documentation.

False Information in Your Student Visa Application 

Any discrepancy, error, or exaggeration in your Canada student visa application might result in its rejection. Immigration officials typically verify the information you provide and carefully review your documents. Make sure the information in your statement of purpose and application is correct. Providing false or misleading documents is a criminal offence that will not only result in the rejection of your student visa but will also ban you from entering Canada in the future.

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7 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Canada Student Visa Approval

When submitting your Canada student visa application, make sure it is full, correctly filled out, and makes a strong argument for why you should be permitted to study in Canada.

Now that you are quite familiar with the most common reasons for the rejection of a Canada student visa application for international students from the above section of this article, here are some tips to learn how to increase your chances of a Canada student visa approval.

Make a Proper Document Checklist 

Depending on the country's regulations, documentation requirements for student visa applications will vary. Thus, applicants need to ensure that they include all the necessary and mandatory documents stated in your document checklist. Also, do not be afraid to provide additional papers that were not expressly required if you believe it will increase your chances of Canada student visa approval.

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Apply to a DLI-listed University or College Only

Check the government's Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list before applying to a university or college in Canada to increase your chances of Canada student visa approval. Only Canada DLIs can accept international students, and admission to a school that is not a DLI will not qualify you for a study permit.

Choose Your Course or Programme Wisely!

Your study programme in Canada should be relevant to your past education or professional experience to increase your chances of Canada student visa approval. If there is no clear link between your programme and your current work path, you should be able to describe how the skills you learn in this programme will help you advance in your profession. For example, if you studied marketing Finance in your home country and want to study a degree in Data Analytics in Canada, you should emphasise how this knowledge will lend a hand to your prior knowledge in future.   

Provide the Necessary Financial Proof of Funds

As previously stated, if you are applying for a Canada student visa or permit via the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you must have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least CAD 10,000 or CAD 11,000 to study in Quebec. Banking institutions may take a processing or administrative fee from your deposit, so make sure to include that amount in your GIC payment. You will also need to show proof of payment for the first year's tuition and accommodation fees to increase your chances of Canada student visa approval. 

In other words, the more funds you show, the more likely your student visa will be approved.

Impressive Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Although having a statement of purpose or letter of explanation is not necessarily required, it can be highly helpful in increasing your chances of Canada student visa approval. A statement of purpose explains why you want to study in Canada, why you choose a certain study programme, and what your professional goals are. You should also explain any gaps in your education and experience, as well as any inconsistent academic performance.

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Sample Statement of Purpose for UG Courses - SOP for Bachelors Abroad

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Always Submit the Required Language Proficiency Test Scores 

It is not always possible to ace a language test on the first attempt. If your initial score is low, be prepared to retake the test to improve your scores and then submit it with your student visa application to increase your chances of Canada student visa approval. You will have to pay the language test fee again, but a good score will increase your chances of getting accepted to a Canadian university or college and obtaining your student visa.

Explain Your Intention of Returning to Your Home Country

Make sure your application and statement of purpose clearly explain your intention to return to your home country following your studies to increase your chances of Canada student visa approval. Immigration agents want to make sure you understand your obligations as an international student, the most crucial of which is to leave Canada when your study permit expires. 

You can clarify this by mentioning your career goals in your home country and how your Canadian education will help you advance in your home country. Your future intentions will be undetermined at this point, at least until you have lived in Canada as a student. So it is best to avoid mentioning the possibility of extending your stay in Canada after graduation. It is important to not sound like a potential immigrant.

What Should You Do if Your Canada Student Visa is Rejected?

The rejection of your Canada student visa application does not mean that your ambitions of studying in Canada are over. When your study permit application is denied or rejected, you have the option of requesting the visa officer's notes on your application. These notes are referred to as the Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes. 

These remarks will help you understand why your Canada student visa application was denied in the first place. Foreign residents, on the other hand, cannot seek GCMS notes directly. Instead, you must employ a Canadian citizen or permanent resident immigration counsellor or advocate and permit them to get the notes on your behalf. Remember that this procedure might take up to 60 days.

If your study permit was denied for the reasons stated above, you can always reapply with additional documentation and complete transparency to increase your chances of Canada student visa approval. Defer your studies in Canada by a semester if feasible so you have enough time to reapply and obtain your Canada student visa. Be certain that your new study permit application is more detailed and does not have the same mistakes or gaps as your original application.

Hope that you now have learnt the various ways to increase your chances of Canada student visa approval. Given the normal processing time for study permits online, it is usually a good idea to apply for Canada as soon as possible, and at least 6-8 months before your classes begin.

For more information and queries about Canada study permit, you can always contact our experts at abroad@collegedekho.com. 

Get Expert Advice on Working as an International Student in Canada!

FAQs

Can I request a judicial review of my rejected Canada student visa application?

There is no official appeal mechanism for having your study permit decision reconsidered. If you believe your study permission was wrongfully denied, you can ask the Federal Court to examine the decision and assess if it was reasonable. To accomplish this, you will need the assistance of an immigration lawyer who is permitted to practice law in Canada.

Is it important to hire an authorised RISIA to increase the chances of Canada student visa approval?

If you want to appoint an immigration consultant to assist you with your student visa application, make certain that they are a certified Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) linked with the university to which you are applying. RISIAs are permitted to give help and advice on student visa applications, but they are not permitted to submit applications on your behalf.

What happens if you hire an unlicensed immigration consultant to study in Canada?

If you appoint an immigration or educational consultant to assist you with your study visa application, ensure sure they are authorised by Canada's College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). If you request support from unauthorised immigration or education consultants who guarantee admission to a Canadian university or advise you to provide false information on your application, your student visa application will most likely be rejected.

Can my Canada student visa application be rejected on medical or criminal grounds?

Yes of course! If you do not pass your medical exam, your Canada study permit or visa will most likely be rejected. You may also be denied entrance into Canada if you have previously committed or been convicted of a crime. However, if you were a juvenile (under the age of 18) at the time of the offence, your Canada study visa may still be issued.

Can family ties in Canada work against my Canada student visa approval?

Yes, as shocking as it may appear, it is true. Strong family ties in Canada can sometimes work against you when applying for a study permit. If you have siblings in Canada, mentioning them in your application may lead the visa officer to believe you will not return home after graduating. Similarly, if you mention that you don't have any direct family in your home country, the visa officer may believe you don't have a compelling reason to leave Canada after finishing your studies.

What important documents are required for the Canada student visa?

International students must submit the following documents to apply and increase their chances of Canada student visa approval:

  • Letter of Acceptance

  • Proof of Identity

  • Passport-size Photographs

  • English Language Proficiency Exam Scores

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Proof of Financial Support and Minimum Funds 

  • Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

  • Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ)

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