Canada Student Visa Rejection

Indian students seeking study abroad options always prioritize Canada over all other Western countries. It provides numerous advantages to the students, like affordability, prestige, and global recognition. Thus, making it an ideal choice for Indian students. In inclusion to these academic benefits, it also offers easy visa processing through Study Direct Stream (SDS), introduced in 2018. 
 

However, recently high applications have led to delays and increased Canada student visa rejection rate. In 2022, 183,310 students from India applied for Canadian visas, and around 30% of them were rejected, causing distress among the applicants. In this blog, we’ve addressed the core issues leading to rejection and provided reliable solutions for students. 

Four Key Reasons for Increasing Canada Student Visa Rejection Rate

Many visa rejections occur before they reach the interview stage due to document processing issues. Students usually overlook minor details that later cause issues in the visa application. Here is a brief addressing every document problem leading to visa rejection.

1. Monetary Funds

During the time of the interview, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer asks for the monetary funds. Canada student visa rejection rates are approximately 80% due to monetary concerns. Let’s explore it in more detail. 
 

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  Students often lack a clear understanding of funds, leading to doubt. Therefore, you should have a clear understanding of your funds and avoid any kind of confusion. For example, if you arranged money from your family members as a formality of the visa process, you might lose a clear understanding of the funds. In these cases, your transactional history is checked, and if there is any doubt visa application is rejected.

• 
  There are two possibilities: First, you have the acknowledgment of the first-year fee and the rest of the fund is deposited in the form of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) which includes your one-year living expenses. Second, you have received a GIC for both. Whatever, the case depending on your university, make sure you carry original documents to the interview. Mostly, people arrange half the funds and get them converted into a GIC, which may help you get an admission yet, IRCC considers it as an inadequate monetary fund. 

2. Travel History

India falls under the list of countries from where people can apply for the SDS therefore, you need to show your identity proof to apply. At this time, of the interview following questions are put forth.

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  How often do you travel? A person with a lot of travel history without adequate reason is suspicious. Such people are often asked for police verification.

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  Recent travel to a city or country related to a riot can become a Canada student visa rejection reasons. Thus, make sure that you provide a correct travel history to avoid any kind of anomalies.

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  Previous history of overstaying on a student visa in Canada. For first-time applicants, this may not be a concern. 

3. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Before applying for the SDS or any other visa one needs to show a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). Along with the LOA, you need to apply for the visa in the stipulated time for which the document is valid. If you don’t have an LOA, you can’t even apply. How to get a LOA? First, get access to the following documents:

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  English Test: An English proficiency test that ensures that you can communicate and understand the language of natives. Usually, IELTS and CELPIP are required but, it may vary depending on the university you apply for. Check the different IELTS scores required for different Canadian universities here.

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  Statement of Purpose (SOP): SOP is an essay that you write explaining yourself. SOP contains the following information about yourself; introduction, achievements, inspiration, and the plan behind pursuing a course in that particular university. Want to write an impactful SOP? Click here to learn and impress the university authorities.

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  Letter of Recommendation (LOR): LOR is an essay where your teacher or someone in education or life related to you writes about your personality and achievement from an observer's point of view. Make sure that you ask someone intellectual and trustworthy, as LOR may affect your application. That’s why put your trust in someone reliable who aspires to contribute to your dream. 
   

When you have these documents, apply to the university and wait for their response. They will review your application and will send you a reply. If you get shortlisted you will receive an LOA, otherwise a mail to rectify the problems in your application.

The most common rejection reason is the SOP and students often receive a resubmission request. Thus, don’t panic. Take the following steps regarding the SOP for a Canada study visa after refusal, and rewrite it with better and more descriptive information.

Sometimes, the interviewer questions the authenticity of your documents thus, jeopardizing your chance to get your study visa. Thus, make sure to add a detailed description of yourself in your SOP and an attractive LOR. 

4. Academics

The interviewer generally puts forward questions regarding your academic plans. Here are three concerns that could lead to rejection.

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  If you are applying for a Canada student visa, after a gap in education then it might lead to some concerns. However, 1-2 years of gap is considered but more than that would need an appropriate explanation like financial crises, medical issues (might need a medical certificate in this case), or any other. If it is related to a lawsuit and you still have a complaint against you, it could lead to rejection. However, all other concerns can be resolved by showing proof.

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  Lack of understanding about the course or opted for a course that has no relevance to the past experience. This can raise a concern about your plans and make the interviewer suspicious. Ensure to address the right reasons (in case of career change) and outcome of your course.

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  Indian students mostly go abroad to get settled there. But, showing this in the interview can lead to rejection. When the interviewer asks about the return plans, say that you are planning the complete your course from XYZ University and will return thus, have no plan to stay.

Tips to Avoid Visa Rejection 

Now you know the common reasons for rejection, still you can miss out on some key points, causing financial and mental distress. To avoid visa rejection, follow these key points to ensure seamless visa processing.

Before applying for a visa make sure you have access to the following documents.
 

1. 
   Indian Passport with all correct information like Name, Surname, Date of birth, Photograph, and address. 
2. 
   Aadhar Card and 12th Marksheet with the same details as in your passport.
3. 
   Acknowledgment letter from the institute if you have already paid the fee for the first year.
4. 
   A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is also considered a monetary fund that helps you access your money once you arrive in Canada.
5. 
   LOA from the university you’ve applied to. Are you still exploring options? Explore here, along with scholarship opportunities for financial aid.
6. 
   English Test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TOFEL) scores depending on the university you choose.

2. Research

Make the checklist then let’s proceed with the procedure to get the desired document in the stipulated time for early application. Put a little extra effort into this step to avoid any kind of fraud. 

1. 
   First, shortlist the courses that you want to pursue abroad and shortlist suitable universities. 
2. 
   Ensure that the universities consider similar English proficiency tests to avoid additional costs.
3. 
   Prepare the required documents and ensure that those universities are listed in the DLI.
4. 
   Read student reviews and speak with alumni about the course and potential challenges.
5. 
   Check the local area and demographics as it may help in finding nearby accommodation.
6. 
   Review SOPs from students who were admitted to get insight into the content.
7. 
   Consult a certified and experienced immigration consultant for accurate guidance and seamless processing.

3. Interview Preparation

The last important step is to appear before an interviewer and present yourself confidently. Both above-mentioned steps are passive however, this step requires active participation. 
 

1. 
   Speak confidently and explain your interests and hobbies to the interviewer.
2. 
   Have appropriate reasons to explain your gap year and financial situation.
3. 
   Provide accurate information and avoid any kind of misinformation that can lead to visa cancellation.
4. 
   If you have no immediate family members in India or have a close relative in Canada, present your situation smartly to avoid any doubts. 

What to do after your Visa Application got Rejected? 

If you’ve taken all the precautions measures and still got your visa rejected, consider the following steps. 

Reapply for the Visa

Sometimes a document error or lack of information may lead to visa rejection. Reapply, but this time ensure you amend the mistakes mentioned in the rejection notice. Financial concerns are major reasons for visa rejections. Start the application from scratch using the same documents.

File a Judicial Review

If you are confident about your visa application and feel that your visa was wrongly disapproved. File a Canada student visa rejection appeal using the following methods:
 

1. 
   Order a Global Canada Management System (GCMS) note to understand the reason for rejection.
2. 
   Request a Reconsideration from the IRCC and get your file reviewed.
3. 
   If reconsideration is denied, file a written complaint with the federal court and request a review. 
    

All three steps are time-consuming and may add extra cost to your budget. Ensure you are mindful of the admission timeline while applying these steps.

Decline your University Offer

If you are unable to obtain the visa and might miss out on the admission date, decline the university offer and seek a refund. Universities may deduct administration fees, and if you have a GIC, ensure you get a refund for that as well.

Frequently Asked Questions