Although getting accepted into a Canadian university is unquestionably a success, obtaining a student visa is essential to realizing your overseas study goal!
Although the country agrees with many international students each year, the percentage of visa refusals in Canada is quickly increasing.
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To reduce the number of international students studying in Canada, the government has now established a nationwide cap on study permit applications, increasing difficulties for individuals who want to pursue international education.
A student visa for Canada may be rejected for several reasons! Keep reading as we review some of the latest reasons Canada is rejecting student visas in 2024 and answer essential frequently asked questions.
Overview
According to a recent examination of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada data, the number of study permits processed has significantly decreased just months after the country placed a temporary cap on international students.
The IRCC handled over 152,000 post-secondary study permits between January and April 2024, with over 76,000 of those applications being accepted.
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According to an ApplyBoard review of Q1 2024 data, March was the first month in 2024 that the total number of new student visas decreased year over year, processing only 33,000 compared to 70,000 in March 2023 — a decline of almost 52%.
After the cap was announced in January 2024, the IRCC gave a percentage of the restriction to each province and territory in Canada, with those regions having the option to divide the remainder among their educational institutions.
In addition, the provinces began their provincial attestation letter procedure on March 31, 2024, and the processing of study permits for specific programs has been suspended nationwide.
The IRCC data reflects the effects of these amended laws. Furthermore, the statistics showed a significant decline in accepted study permits between January and April 2024.
According to the ApplyBoard study, this represents an overall approval rate of 50%, which is eight percentage points lower than the average for 2023 and five percentage points lower than the average for 2022, which was 55%.
Longer processing times for study permits and the complete suspension of undergraduate and some postgraduate programs for at least a month are also to blame for the year-over-year decline in approved study permits.
As a result, fewer applications were processed this year than in previous years. In 2024, the average processing time for a Canadian study visa went from eight weeks in January to almost fifteen weeks in May, a considerable increase!
Why Canada is Refusing Student Visas
Financial Instability
Before granting you a student visa for Canada, the officers verify that you are financially independent and have the means to pay the tuition for the college you plan to attend for at least a year.
They will give you the visa if you can do it quickly. Successful applicants usually have financial records showing they can live in Canada for a predetermined period without a job.
Inadequate Travel Documents / Lack of Travel History
If you have a complete identity or travel documents, visa officers can only approve your application. If the visa officer thinks there are gaps in your travel history, they will review your records to identify problematic times.
In addition, if you have a medical condition or a criminal record, the visa authorities will use your papers to confirm your identity before determining whether or not you can enter the country.
Your application may also be rejected if you claim to have previous travel experience on your study permit application form but do not have the necessary paperwork to back up this claim.
This can include a previous passport with visas or entry and departure stamps from the countries you visited.
Poor Academic Performance
Visa officers examine academic consistency and educational records. They review the applicants’ entire academic records. Gaining acceptance requires more than just getting good marks.
The results of English language proficiency exams such as the TOEFL and IELTS largely determine eligibility for a visa. It will also be dubious if your academic records are inconsistent.
Counselors can help international students prepare by advising them on dealing with these discrepancies.
Lack of Intent to Return to Home Country
A student visa is temporary and has an expiration date. Therefore, visa officials want international students to return home upon course completion.
Due to a lack of prospects in their native country, international students may decide to settle in Canada after completing the course.
Inconsistent Study Program with Work Experience and Past Qualifications
The visa officers closely consider your past educational history (and work experience, if available) and how your chosen study program aligns with your future professional goals.
If they observe that you are abruptly altering your area of interest or course of study, they will raise the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new rules for Canadian student visas?
- Before relocating to Canada, students must have received a valid study permit.
- To study in Canada, international students must prove they can afford tuition and living expenses.
- To be qualified for a study permit, international students may need to complete additional language competence exams like the CELPIP or IELTS.
- International students need to have a current health insurance policy for their studies in Canada.
- Students are required to attend classes at their host university and stay enrolled until they graduate or finish their program of study.
- International students must complete an online application and provide the necessary paperwork to approve their study permission.
- The students must also meet the minimum language proficiency standards of CLB 5 or IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent).
- In addition, international students need to note that certain visas are only valid for specific reasons.
What is the success rate of Canada student visas in 2024?
The success rate of student visas to Canada in 2024 is not yet known because it depends on several variables, including the volume of applications received, the length of time it takes to process them, and other outside circumstances that may impact the process.
On the other hand, according to StatsCan data, 121,540 international students were admitted to study in Canada in 2020–21, up 5.8% from the year before.
This implies that 2024 the success rate for student visa applications to Canada will probably stay high. Prospective students should also know that strong ties to their home country and accurate and comprehensive documentation are crucial when applying for a visa.
What is Canada’s refusal rate for student visas in 2024?
In 2024, Canada won’t turn away study visa requests, yet the government has put in place more conditions for international students who want to enroll in courses there.
These include proving you have enough money for living and tuition costs, satisfying language competency standards, having health insurance that is up to date, and filling out an online application with all required paperwork.
Additionally, Canada is taking action to ensure that international students use their student visas properly and study there for academic objectives. If they meet these criteria, a student visa application may be approved.
It is essential to discuss any questions or concerns with an experienced immigration lawyer who can help ensure that all documents are completed accurately and ultimately to maximize the chance of success.
Is visa rejection high in Canada?
In Canada, the rate of visa denial is regarded as low. According to StatsCan data, approximately 121,540 international students were accepted to study in Canada in 2020–21, with a mere 4.7% rejected.
This implies that most applications are received, and the Canadian government is committed to giving international students access to high-quality education.
However, to submit a successful application, candidates must ensure that all supporting documentation is accurate and comprehensive and that they fulfill all other prerequisites.
This may include passing language proficiency exams, having sufficient cash, having health insurance, etc.
What can I do if my Canadian student visa is refused?
If your application for a Canadian student visa is denied, you can file a new application or an appeal.
Before submitting a new application, determine the reasons behind the previous one’s denial and ensure that all required paperwork is correct, comprehensive, and error-free.
To appeal a decision, you must compile the necessary information and send a formal request to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with the required supporting documentation.
After reviewing the case, the IRCC will render a verdict. It is crucial to remember that the IRCC retains the last say over whether to rule in favor of the applicant; they cannot promise it.
Therefore, prospective students must ensure their applications are as strong as possible. All the best!