Did you know that in the past year, almost a third of all student visa applications for Canada were rejected? That’s a lot of people! If you’re one of those people who have had their application denied, don’t worry — you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll go over the five most common reasons for rejection, and what you can do to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more!
Reason 1: Financial insufficiency
One of the most common reasons for Canadian student visa rejection is that applicants do not have enough money to support themselves during their studies.
The government needs to be confident that you can afford your tuition, living expenses, and return transportation before they will approve your application.
There are a few things that can lead to a finding of financial insufficiency, such as not having enough money in the bank, not having a job, or not having access to enough financial aid.
If you are found to be financially insufficient, there are a few things that you can do to improve your chances of being approved for a student visa:
- First, make sure you have a well-rounded financial plan that includes not only your tuition but also your living expenses and return transportation.
- Second, be prepared to show evidence of your finances, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters.
- Finally, make sure you apply for scholarships and other forms of financial aid — this will show the government that you are serious about your studies and are taking steps to reduce your financial burden.
Reason 2: Letter of acceptance
A letter of acceptance is an official document from a school that indicates that you have been accepted to their program and meet all the requirements for admission.
There are several reasons why your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) can be rejected:
- The LOA was not issued by the educational institution in a timely manner.
- The LOA may not be valid for the entire period of study. (Many LOAs are only valid for one academic term or semester. If an applicant intends to study for a longer period of time, they may need to obtain a new LOA from their educational institution.)
- The LOA may not be endorsed by a designated learning institution (DLI). In order to be valid, an LOA must be endorsed by a DLI.
Note: A DLI is an organization that has been approved by the Canadian government to provide educational programs that lead to a Canadian credential. If an LOA is not endorsed by a DLI, it may be considered invalid and the visa application may be rejected.
Here are a few tips to make sure you get your Letter Of Acceptance:
- Do your research and make sure you are applying to a school that is designated by the government.
- Make sure you meet all the requirements for admission, such as language proficiency and academic qualifications.
- Apply for your visa well in advance of your intended date of travel.
- Make sure your LOA is valid for the entire period of your studies.
- Ensure that your LOA is endorsed by a DLI.
By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of having your visa application approved.
Reason 3: English language proficiency
Another common reason for Canadian student visa rejection is that applicants do not meet the minimum English language requirements.
To be eligible for a study permit, international students must prove their English language proficiency by taking an approved language test and achieving the required score.
The Canadian government has approved several different English language tests, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
In general, most international students who are applying for a study permit will need to achieve a score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS, 80 on the TOEFL, or 70 on the CAEL to be eligible for a study permit.
However, it is important to note that these are just general guidelines and that the actual score requirements may vary depending on the specific program of study.
If you are not sure if you meet the minimum requirements, there are a few things you can do:
- If you are not a native English speaker, you can take steps to improve your language skills before you apply. For example, you can take an English language course at a language school or institute or practice your English language skills daily by reading, writing, and speaking in English as much as possible.
- Apply for a student visa through another country that has lower English language requirements.
- Apply for a student visa through a Canadian institution that offers conditional admission to students who do not meet the required English language proficiency score.
Reason 4: Intent to return to home country
Another common reason for Canadian student visa rejection is that the applicant does not have strong ties to their home country.
There are a few reasons why the visa officer may come to this conclusion. For example, if the applicant has a criminal record or is suspected of being involved in terrorist activities, they will likely be refused a visa.
Other reasons include having a family member who is already living in Canada or having strong ties to the country (such as owning a business).
The government needs to be confident that you will return to your home country after you finish your studies, so they will look at factors such as your family, employment, and financial situation.
There are a few things you can do to show the government that you will return to your home country.
- First, make sure you have a detailed plan for after you finish your studies, such as employment or further education.
- Second, include ties to your home country in your application, such as family or financial obligations.
- Third, provide evidence of your ties to your home country, such as work contracts or property ownership.
- Finally, be prepared to explain your reasons for wanting to return to your home country during your interview.
Reason 5: The program you chose
The program you choose is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not you will be approved for a Canadian student visa.
Unfortunately, many students choose programs that are either too difficult to get into or that are not well-suited to their needs and goals. As a result, their applications are often rejected.
There are several reasons why your program choice may be the visa rejection reason.
- First and foremost, you may have chosen a program that doesn’t match your skills and qualifications. It’s important to make sure that you choose a program that is within your realm of capability so that you don’t get overwhelmed and discouraged during the application process.
- Additionally, some programs are simply more competitive than others. If you’re applying to a highly competitive program, your chances of getting accepted are much lower than if you were to apply to a less competitive program. Make sure to do your research and choose a program that suits your qualifications and that you have a good chance of getting into.
- Finally, you may have chosen a program that is not recognized by the Canadian government. While there are many great programs available in Canada, not all of them are officially recognized by the government. If your program is not recognized, you will likely be rejected for a student visa. So, make sure to check that your program is recognized before you apply.
Get started on your Canadian Student Visa today!
If you’re currently preparing your application or considering applying or reapplying soon, it’s important to be aware of these potential pitfalls and take steps to avoid them. By understanding the potential roadblocks, you can put yourself in a better position for a successful application.
At Express Entry PR, we provide expert advice and support throughout the entire Canadian Student Visa process. We can help you every step of the way, from choosing the right program to submitting your application.
To learn more about applying for a Canadian Student Visa or to seek support completing your application, reach out to us at Express Entry PR today!