Rejection of Student Visas to Canada: For international students, studying in Canada is one of their top choices. It is one of the most popular study abroad locations in the world because of its top-notch education, liberal immigration and visa policies, and greater future opportunities.
The volume of applications for student visas makes it more challenging to obtain one. Because of the huge demand for it, obtaining a visa is quite difficult. The rejection rate for student visas to Canada has increased to 40–50% following COVID-19.
The refusal rate for student visas to Canada was close to 15-20% before COVID-19. We’ll explain the causes of Canada student visa rejection in this post, along with steps you may take to prevent it.
According to IRCC, there are expected to be 6, 21,565 international students in Canada in 2023 with student visas. Approximately 2, 30,000 applications from Nigeria and India were received in 2023 for study permits in Canada.
The difference processing in applicant screening and acceptance rates of foreign students in Quebec and rest of Canada is the title of a report that the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration presented to the Canadian House of Commons in May.
The information states that 2, 25,402 applications for study permits from Nigeria and India were approved in 2023, while 91,439 applications were denied. Refusal rates typically range from 30% to 41%, so this one was higher.
Canada Student Visa Rejection Reasons
Some typical reasons for rejecting student visas to Canada are listed below.
- Financial stability: You might not be able to sustain yourself while studying in Canada if the authorities find that you are not financially stable. You have to show that you have sufficient money set aside for the duration of your stay.
- School status: In order to be approved for a student visa, you must meet the requirements set down by both the Canadian government and your college or university in terms of academic credits or scores.
- Letter of acceptance: You must provide documentation indicating you have been accepted into an accredited Canadian college or university in order to be eligible to apply for a study visa.
- IELTS or TOEFL Result: For proof of language proficiency, you must obtain the required minimum score from either exam, regardless of whether you are applying for the SDS, PNP, or SPP programs.
To be eligible for a student visa, the applicant must obtain a minimum score on the IELTS or TOEFL as specified by these programs. In order to study in Canada, students must also be aware of the SPP and non-SPP visa requirements. - No infinite stay: A study permit is a transitory visa with a set expiry date. The embassy representative has to be convinced that, upon graduation, you will be going back home.
Your student visa may be denied if the immigration officer is unsatisfied and believes you have an intention to immigrate. It does not imply that It does not imply that students’ visas cannot be extended.
Canada is well-known for its rules which allow students from abroad obtaining visas. Following the right steps will allow you to extend your visa. You still need to convince the immigration officer during the interview that you will not be staying there permanently. - Choosing a study program that is at opportunities with your former studies: You may be questioned about this if the study program you have chosen does not correspond with your previous academic or professional experience. You ought to be able to justify your decision about changing your course of study in this situation.
- Incomplete paperwork: This is a list of the documentation needed to obtain a student visa for Canada. When it comes to the visa interview, make sure you have all of the required documentation with you. It’s also a good idea to bring everything properly and in order so the officer can quickly review it.
- Returning home: A study permit has a set duration of validity. The candidates have to show that, after completing their education, they intend to return home. This does not prevent someone from obtaining a permanent resident (PR) or extending their study visa, though. It is necessary to show that the student intends to leave Canada after their study permit expires.
- Other Reasons: An increase in the number of applications could be another factor contributing to the rejection of a Canada student visa. In the scenario that more people apply to Canada, it beyond the control of a student. Hence, it is advised that a student must focus on the factors that he/she can control.
Reapplying for a Student Visa after Rejection
After been rejected once before, candidates are eligible to reapply for a Canadian student visa. Before anything else still, consider the reasons behind the previous rejection of your application and ensure that you won’t make the same error again.
The processing period for a Canada student visa may take up to 45 business days, under the updated SDS Program guidelines.
Also, you need to know what to do in scenario when your student visa is denied.
Find out the Exact Reasons for Canada Student Visa Rejection: Finding out why your application was turned down is important Students are not given a detailed explanation for the rejection of their visa when they receive a refusal letter.
Students must use the GCMS or CAIPS notes as a resource. All visa applications are processed by Citizenship & Immigration Canada’s abroad offices using the Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System, or CAIPS. The CAIPS system has now been replaced by the GCMS computer, or Global Case Management System.
Students who are not nationals or permanent residents of Canada can apply for the GCMS or CAIPS notes with the assistance of different experts. In addition, students may choose a representative who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada to request the information on their behalf.
The IRCC in Ottawa, Canada will handle your file request after you have submitted an application. Your notes ought to arrive in about five weeks, or 35–40 days.
How to Reduce Canada Student Visa Rejection Chances?
Students must take all precaution to prevent having their student visa rejected. While there are some circumstances that are out of your control, you should absolutely consider adopting some safety precautions.
To reduce the possibility that your Canada student visa will be denied, consider the tips that follow:
- A completed application together with all required supporting documents is required to be considered for a Canadian student visa. It is important to ensure that all the information in your application is accurate and complete, and make every effort to prevent any mistakes or errors.
- Don’t forget to include documentation showing your ability to maintain your financial stability while studying in Canada.
Make sure you have yourself ready to address any more questions the visa officer could ask you such as why you wish to study in Canada. Make sure that your statement of purpose is well drafted.
SDS Student Direct Stream Canada
Launched in 2018, SDS Canada, also known as Student Direct Stream, is a student visa scheme for Canada. The SDS Canada visa is available to students from the following countries:
Nigeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, Senegal, and Vietnam.
Students need to know that their student visa will be processed in 20 working days if they apply using the SDS channel.
One important benefit of applying for a Canada SDS visa is requiring less documentation. Thus, students might apply through the SDS method to speed up the process of acquiring a Canada student visa.