Canada continues to be one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students. The nation offers a high-quality education system, diverse culture, and a welcoming society that hosts a huge number of students from abroad every year. It also offers numerous opportunities for students to work while they study and after they graduate, making it a desirable destination for many. For instance, in 2021 alone, Canada welcomed close to 450,000 new international students.
While Canada does host many international students annually, there are also those who receive refusals of their study permit applications. To increase the chances of success of the application, there are several key eligibility criteria that should be observed. First, on application, international students seeking to study in Canada should be ready acceptance to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); a DLI is an institution that is authorized by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Equally important, one should be a law-abiding citizen, with no criminal record, and not a risk to the security of Canada. A police clearance certificate(s) may be required as well. Last but not least, potential students should be in good health and willing to complete a medical exam if needed.
Reasons for Refusal of a Study Permit Application
There are a number of reasons why an application to study in Canada can fail to make a cut. This underscores the importance of carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria and requirements before applying for a study permit in Canada to increase your chances of approval. It is also, important to understand that acceptance or refusal of a study permit application is influenced by the discretion of the reviewing immigration officer. Giving immigration officers as much assurance as possible that an applicant can satisfy the terms of their stay as a student, can be pivotal to success.
However, there are two recurring themes as to why applications get refused; mainly around individuals failing to convince immigration officers that the actual purpose of their visit to Canada is to study. Records show that between 2019 and 2021, 77% of study permit refusals were due to IRCC not being satisfied that the purpose of the applicant’s visit was to study. Over the same time period, 26% of refusals of study permit applications were due to IRCC not being satisfied that applicants would leave Canada based on their personal assets and financial status. Failure to convince the IRCC that the applicant will leave Canada at the end of their study, therefore, forms another reason for a refusal.
