Canada Students Visa Rejection Reason
Canada is one of the most well-known destinations for international students to study. World-class education, favourable visa and immigration regulations, and a better outlook on life make it one of the world's most desirable studies abroad destinations. International students wishing to study in Canada will need a study permit and an entry visa. The process of applying for and obtaining a Canadian student visa or permit begins after admission to the Specialized Study Institute (DLI). According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), over 350,000 international students hold Canadian student visas, which is increasing yearly. Getting a visa becomes difficult as many people apply for a student visa. Due to its vast popularity, it follows a strict visa process.
Canada Study Permit Approval Rate
Although the rejection rate is expected to drop sharply, several other applicants will apply for a study permit. Although the number of applications for admission is not limited, the rejection rate will remain high. The following table compares study permit approval rates of Canada in 2021 and 2022:
Parameters |
Statistics for 2021 |
Statistics for 2022 (April 30) |
Student Visa Applications |
670,000 |
90,000 |
Study Permit Approved |
450,000 |
65,000 |
Canada Study Approval Rate |
68% |
72 |
Increase in Students visa Permit |
112.3% |
32% |
Canada Student Visa Rejection Rate 2022
In 2020-2021, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Canada closed its borders to international students, and even after these restrictions were lifted, the eligibility criteria were stringent. Subsequently, the rejection rate of Canadian student visas in 2021 was more than 32%. In 2022, the failure rate decreased compared to 2021. The enrollment rate was significantly higher in the first few months alone than in the previous year.
Parameters |
Statistics for 2021 |
Statistics for 2022 |
Students Visa Application |
670,000 |
90,000 |
Study Permit Rejected |
220,000 |
25,000 |
Canada Study Permit Rejection Rate |
32% |
27% |
Decrease in Rejection Rate |
19.4% |
55% |
List of Top Canada Student Visa Rejection Reasons
International students who wish to obtain a Canadian visa that meets the minimum eligibility criteria are generally optimistic about this decision. However, it should be noted that a study permit may be denied even if the applicant meets the academic and admission requirements of the institution. There are specific reasons why Canadian authorities may reject certain applications for a study permit upon review of the application and documentation. The most common reasons that can lead to failure are described below.
- The incompetence of the English Language
International students whose first language is not English must provide proof of language proficiency. Applicants must achieve a minimum English Language Proficiency Test (TOEFL/IELTS) score when applying for the SDS or SPP program. A Canadian student visa may be denied if the applicant does not meet the program's requirements, even if he or she meets the Intermediate English Proficiency Level (DLI) criteria of the designated institution.
- Insufficient Fund
The minimum requirement to study in Canada proves that you have sufficient financial resources for your first year of study. However, a Canadian student visa may be denied if immigration officials find financial difficulties. Applicants can overcome these difficulties by not focusing only on the minimum required amount. Proof of sufficient funding and additional funding for one year or longer may be submitted with the application.
- No permanent
Since the study permit is a temporary visa, it has a fixed validity period. Applicants must provide sufficient documentation to prove their intention to return to their country. This does not prevent applicants from renewing their study permit or obtaining a residence permit. To ensure that the application does not remain in Canada after the expiration of the study visa, the applicant must provide documentation of their intention to return. Failure to do so may result in denying a Canadian student visa.
- Choice of Programs
This is undoubtedly the biggest problem. Immigration authorities (professional experience, if applicable) consider that the chosen course is compatible with your future professional goals or previous education. They will complain if they notice that you have suddenly changed direction or area of interest.
The most common reasons for denial of a Canadian student visa due to study are:
- Applying for a PG diploma with a great GPA in my four-year college education.
- Apply for PG Diploma after completing your master's degree.
- Career Gap
- Acceptance Letter
A confirmation letter from DLI Canada is required to apply for a study permit. If an applicant's admission letter is questioned, his/her application for a Canadian student visa may be rejected. In addition to a letter of acceptance, applicants must meet the minimum admission criteria for a particular school. If the visa officer is concerned about whether your application meets the basic requirements, this may be a reason to deny a Canadian student visa. Applicants can avoid this problem by ensuring the institution receiving the acceptance letter is licensed.
- Insufficient Documentation
Students worldwide want to study in Canada, but most of them are rejected due to inaccurate or insufficient documents. The most crucial aspect of applying for a visa is ensuring the documents' quality and reliability. Since most visa options are documentation-dependent, it is essential to provide reliable documentation. Make your documents meaningful, factual, and reliable so you will not be denied a Canadian student visa.
- Lack of Employment Opportunities
The lack of employment opportunities in your home country indicates a desire to return to your home country. Applicants who do not have a job offer or do not have a clear career path in their home country may assume that they intend to stay full-time. This may result in your Canadian student visa being denied.
Valuable Tips to Decrease the Chances of Canadian Student Visa Rejection
Now that some of the most common reasons for visa rejection are known, here are some helpful tips to avoid being denied a student visa in the first place.
- Make a checklist of the required documents you will need to provide to obtain a study visa. This list can be found on the official website of the Government of Canada.
- Please fill out the visa form wholly and carefully. Make sure the empty column is not empty.
- Students must also upload a copy of the proposal received from an accredited university in Canada.
- If the applicant has work experience, a pay stub or bank statement is provided as proof.
- Please include all travel history and visa denials (if any) in your visa file.
- Answer all questions asked on the CIC website when applying online.
- The letter of intent is the essential record the applicant submits to the visa officer. Please indicate your academic achievements and your intention to study in Canada. This will statement can create or break a file.
Chances of Getting a Canadian Student Visa after Refusal
We are human and make mistakes, but we must learn from them. Moreover, if you make a mistake when applying for a Canadian student visa, that mistake can cost you dearly. Therefore, your chances of getting a Canadian student visa depending on the reason for the visa being denied. If you do not provide documentation, if something is missing in your SOP, or if your financial records are insufficient, you will need to make changes to meet your requirements, which will improve your chances of obtaining a Canadian student visa after being rejected.
Getting a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university can be even more difficult than getting a study permit. Whether you are applying for the first time or re-applying, the process can be very tedious. Therefore, consulting a specialist at your nearest AECC office is suggested. Our resident experts help and guide you through the Canadian Student Permit application process.