What to do if Canada student visa is rejected?

When you identify the reasons, address them properly, provide more proof to support your case, and reapply.

But, if you believe the decision was unfair, you can file an appeal or seek a judicial review.

When your Canada student visa is rejected, the immigration authorities always explain the reason for the rejection in the “rejection letter” you’ll get from them.

Upon getting the rejection letter, take these steps:

Read also: What happens if my Australian student visa expires?

1. Read the rejection notification and know why your visa was rejected

One positive thing about a Canadian student visa rejection is that you’ll always know the reason behind it.

Even though it might feel unfair, especially when you’ve done your best, the immigration officer made their decision for a reason.

When you receive the refusal letter, carefully read through it to understand the problem.

If the reason isn’t clear, you can request detailed notes from the Global Case Management System (GCMS), which will explain exactly why your application was rejected.

Why do most students get rejected for Canada student visas?

Your Canada student visa can be rejected for:

• Incomplete or incorrect application.
• Insufficient proof of funds or unclear funding sources.
• Lack of strong ties to your home country.
• Failure to show intent to return after your studies.
• Inadequate academic qualifications or unclear study plans.
• Inconsistent information in your application.
• Concerns about the authenticity of your document.
• Your past visa violations or immigration issues.
• Medical or security concerns.
• Not meeting language proficiency requirements.

2. Fix the reason for the rejection

When you know why your visa was rejected, focus on addressing that specific issue.

Let’s go through some common reasons for rejection and how to fix them:

• Incomplete application forms: You must fill out every section of the form completely.

Even small errors or missing details will lead to rejection.

• Insufficient proof of funds: You need to clearly show that you have enough money to sponsor yourself while in Canada.

You need money to cover your tuition, living expenses, and other costs – your proof of funds must show that you have these funds available.

Make your proof of funds clear and convincing.

• Lack of ties to your home country: The immigration authorities need to see that you plan to return home after your studies.

Even if you’ve plans to stay back, you don’t have to let them know.

You must first, convince them that you have no such plans (let them know that you’ll leave Canada after your studies).

When you get to Canada, you can do what’s best for yourself.

• Inadequate academic qualifications: Make sure your academic background meets the requirements of your chosen program in Canada.

If it doesn’t, your application will be rejected.

• Inconsistent information: Be consistent across all documents.

For example, your name and details should match both your visa application and your supporting documents.

Any inconsistency will raise doubts about your credibility.

• Concerns about document authenticity: Ensure all your documents are genuine.

If you submit false or altered documents, your application will be rejected.

• Previous visa violations: If you’ve broken immigration rules in the past, it will hurt your current application.

Resolve whatever issues you had in the past before submitting your application.

• Medical or security concerns: If there are concerns about your health or if you’re a security risk, your application will be refused.

If you have any concerning health issues, let the authorities know on time.

Read also: Can international students work more than 40 hours in Canada?

• Language proficiency requirements: If your program requires proof of language skills, submit valid test results like IELTS or TOEFL.

Any of these issues can be why your visa was rejected.

3. Strengthen your application

To increase your chances of getting approval, you “must” improve key parts of your application.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Rewrite your SOP to make it clearer and more convincing.

State your:

• • • • Academic goals
      • Career plans
      • And why you chose your course and institution.
      • Ensure that your SOP reflects your genuine intentions.
      • Your SOP should be clear and convincing.

• Check your documents: Go through all your documents, and ensure they’re complete and without errors.

Label them properly to avoid any confusion.

• • • In addition, check for any errors or missing information.
    • Review your supporting documents/application thoroughly, and ensure they meet the Canada student visa standard.

If the refusal is due to insufficient proof of funds, provide more documents to prove you have enough funds to sponsor yourself.

Read also: How to prepare for a UK student visa interview

If you are being sponsored by someone else, get more detailed financial documents from your sponsor.

Your proof of funds must show that there is enough money for you to sponsor yourself throughout your stay in Canada.

If the authorities are concerned that you won’t return after your studies, provide more evidence of your ties to your home country.

Always provide documents to back up your claims.

4. Reapply

After addressing the reason for your refusal, resubmit your application.

Reapplying with a stronger application will get you approval.

However, reapplying does not guarantee approval.

Your new application must be thorough, with all the required documents.

In addition, your information must be consistent.

Alternatively, if you believe the refusal was unjust, you can appeal the decision.

5. Appeal the decision

After reading the reason for the rejection, if you believe it was unfair or based on a misunderstanding, you can appeal the decision.

However, appeals are often difficult and rarely successful.

Read also: My Canadian student visa expired what should I do?

In addition, the process is time-consuming.

In most cases, it’s better to address the issue raised in the refusal letter and reapply than to appeal the decision.

If you appeal and the refusal is upheld, you can still address the problem and submit a new application.