When you have been refused a study permit, visitor visa, work permit, permanent residence, or any other type of application, you receive a refusal letter from IRCC with the officer’s reasons for refusal of the application.
The officer’s notes about the grounds for refusal highlight the problems in the application, which can help you understand why the application was refused and what changes can be made while re-applying.
Study Permit Visa Refusal
Nearly all refusals for Canadian study permit applications are based on the provision under section 216 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which states as follows:
216 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), an officer shall issue a study permit to a foreign national if it is ascertained, after an examination, that the foreign national (a) applied for it in accordance with this Part; (b) will depart Canada by the end of the period allowed for their stay under Division 2 of Part 9; (c) meets the requirements of this Part; (d) meets the requirements of subsections 30(2) and (3), if they are required to submit to a medical examination.
Study Permit Refusal: Reasons
1. Refusal based on the purpose of the visit
A study permit refusal based on the “purpose of your visit” is frequently related to the statement of purpose (also known as the study plan or SOP). For example, if the study plan was vague and general, this might lead to a refusal. On the other hand, if the visit’s purpose is unclear, the officer may believe that the applicant intends to enter the labor market in Canada and he is not a genuine student.
For instance, “I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as stated in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR, based on the purpose of your visit.” This is a coded message that the officer does not believe the purpose of your study is genuine.
2. Financial Instability: Refusal based on personal assets and financial status of the applicant
Students applying for a study visa in Canada have to meet a minimum financial requirement to manage the expenses of the course. Therefore, one of the essential parts of the study permit application is showing financial ability to pay for your studies in Canada. If the applicant fails to submit enough documentation or does not submit enough information explaining where the finances have come from, the application is almost certainly going to be refused. Therefore, to reduce the chances of rejection, the applicant should attach valid financial proof to the application form.
3. Family Ties in Canada
Family Ties in Canada and country of residence is a widespread reasons for refusing a study permit or visa application. While applying for a study permit or temporary residence in Canada, the officer must be satisfied that you will leave Canada once your study permit expires. If you have family members who already live in Canada, the immigration officer will fail to believe that you will leave the country as you intend to live with your family. Also, if you do not have family in your country of residence, the officer will believe that you are less likely to return to your country of residence.
“I am not convinced that, based on your familial links in Canada and your country of residency, you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as stated in paragraph 216(1) of the IRPR,” for example.
4. Lack of employment opportunities in the home country: Current employment situation
This reason for refusal comes up when the student applying for a study permit is mature or older to be in school or anyone who is going back to school after having been out of the institute for a long period. In such a situation, the immigration officer believes that you are expected to be working, and if you aren’t, then this can be a reason for the refusal of your application.
“I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as specified in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR, based on your existing job status, ” for example.
5. Refusal based on Qualifications: Previous Studies, Academic Records, Lack of complete educational certificates, mark sheets, Language abilities
If you were an average or below average student or per your educational records, this could be used as around for refusal of the study permit application. Low marks or language scores can lead the officer to believe that you are not likely to succeed in any educational program in Canada, which defeats the purpose of approving your study permit and can lead to contravening the conditions of your entry to Canada.
6. Refusal Based on Travel History
When the applicant has never left their country of residence before and has never left their home country before, this can be used as a ground for refusal of the study permit or visa application. Even when there is a history that the applicant has overstayed on a visa in Canada or another country, this can be used as a reason for refusal.
“I am not satisfied that based on your travel history, you will leave Canada as stipulated in section 216(1) of the IRPR.”
7. Refusal Based on Lack of Study Plan
Without a detailed or concrete study plan, the officer will not grant the application for a study permit and will not be convinced the primary purpose of coming to Canada is to study. The choice of program applying for in Canada must make sense for the student as per his previous educational achievements or history. In addition, there must be a logical progression in the educational cycle; however, if the officer is not convinced about the study plan, the study permit will not be granted.
8. Refusal Based on Immigration Status in the Country of Residence
When the applicant is applying to come to Canada, they must have permission to be in the country where they are living at the time of applying. If the applicant applies to a country other than their nationality, they must submit proof that they can legally do so. If such evidence is unavailable, this can be the reason for the refusal of the study permit application.
“I am not satisfied that, based on your current job status, you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as mentioned in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR,” for example.
9. Other Reasons for refusal that apply to all visitors in Canada
- Criminality- Having previous criminal charges.
- Misrepresentation-having misrepresented information to Canada Immigration previously and having received a ban.
- Previous Deportation- If the applicant has received a deportation order previously, a visa application will be refused for illegal visits or overstaying.
- Medical Inadmissibility- having a contagious disease that can cause a threat to the residents of the country, e.g. Covid patient
- Human Rights Violations- previously served in the military for a country that has been deemed to have participated in a war crime. Such individuals will be refused to enter Canada.
