Top Canada Student Visa Rejection Reasons

Getting rejected is such a buzzkill. Be it a student visa, the course, or the university of your choice - getting rejected puts a wrench in your heart and is something you're entitled to know the reason for.

So you've had Canada in mind for a long time and have done everything required to put your study-abroad plans in motion. As you're expecting your visa approval email anytime now, you're shocked to see the email scream the words "Rejected". While it is a nasty blow, it is not an uncommon one.

We are here to tell you not to be disappointed that your study-abroad plans are down the drain. It could still very much happen. In this blog, we'll take you through the main reasons behind the visa rejection and what you need to focus on when you reapply. 

Canada Student Visa Rejection - What Went Wrong There?

While the email from the immigration office might not specify the reasons for denial, you can still find out the reasons through the Global Case Management System or GCMS (erstwhile known as Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System or CAIPS).

After applying through the GCMS, the IRCC in Ottawa, Canada, will process your request for visa rejection reasons. After application, in around five weeks (35-40 days), you'll receive a response for the same.

Facts About Canadian Job Market You Need to Know

• There are more than a million job opportunities in Canada.
• Canada continues to have the lowest unemployment rate at a historically low 4.9%, as of June 2022.
• Canada plans to welcome more than 1.3 million immigrant workers in 2022-2024. 

So, Why Was Your Visa Rejected?

From not fulfilling mandatory requirements to poor scanning - there are several reasons behind visa rejection, which are rectifiable. Let's take a look at the most common reasons for visa rejection.

1. Financial Instability

The minimum requirement to study in Canada is financial stability with the proof of funds to cover your entire first year of studies. If the immigration officer believes that you're financially insufficient to meet the minimum requirements, that's a solid reason to reject your visa.

What can you do? Ensure to submit proof of funds for more than a year along with sufficient evidence to support the availability of funds.

2. Choice of Programme

Let's say you're a big hitter in science, and you've applied for interior designing. In this instance, the course selected doesn't align with your area of expertise or specialisation.

If you have sufficient experience or interest in the particular program, the immigration officer would consider your application. On the other hand, in the absence of sufficient proof of expertise, if the immigration officer doubts your eligibility, that's another valid reason to reject your visa application.

What can you do? In case your choice of program doesn't align with your academic expertise or employment history, you can support your application by including a detailed personal statement explaining your choice.

But, if it aligns with your educational background, including the academic certificates or work history would be sufficient proof to establish your eligibility for the program.

3. English Language Proficiency 

For non-native speakers, proof of English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement. If you're applying through the Student Direct Stream or the Student Partnership Program, you should submit your IELTS or TOEFL score.

Non-submission of test results will tantamount to ineligibility even when you meet the minimum requirements.

What can you do? Find out the minimum English language proficiency score accepted by Canadian universities and ensure to attach proof of the same while applying for your Canada visa.

4. Incomplete Identity Documentation

If there's no sufficient or clear proof to back up your travel history or identity proof, that's another reason for visa rejection. For instance, a poorly scanned identity document or a mismatch in any of the submitted proofs increases the chances of visa rejection.

5. Lack of Intent to Return to Home Country

On processing your application, if the immigration officer feels that you might overstay in the country because of a lack of intent to return to your home country post education, he can reject your application on these grounds.

What can you do? A Canadian study visa is a temporary study permit with an expiry date. While applying for your Canada visa, you need to let the immigration officer know that you're planning to return to your home country post-education. However, this doesn't mean you're ineligible to apply for a PR or work visa in Canada later on.

Post completing higher education, you can still apply for a Canada visa extension or work visa to work in Canada.

While these are the most common 'Canada student visa rejection reasons', they're avoidable with a few quick tips.

Quick Tips to Decrease the Chances of Canada Student Visa Rejection

Here's what the Canadian Government expects from international students when applying for a student visa/study permit:

• Prepare a checklist of the mandatory documents required to apply for a Canadian visa as mentioned on the official website of the Government of Canada.
• Carefully fill out the application form by satisfying all the requirements.
• Make your statement of intent as attractive and brief as possible, because a well-written Statement of Intent has the potential to enhance your chances of admission into the university of your choice.
• Ensure to upload a copy of the acceptance letter received from a Designated Learning Institution.
• Obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate by depositing a minimum of CAD 10,000 with a participating Canadian financial institution.
• Bank Statements for the last four months, along with the Canadian bank account details if the applicant has transferred money to Canada.
• Mention all travel histories and visa rejections (if any) in the visa file.
• Undertake the medical exams.
• Schedule a biometric appointment and interview.
• Ensure to start your visa application process as soon as you receive the acceptance letter from a Canadian DLI. 

When's the right time to apply for a Canada visa?

• Allow plenty of time for your student visa to be processed and accepted.
• The optimal time to apply for your Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada Visa is three months before the intake session for which you are applying. This is because a Canadian Student Visa application, on average, can take up to 12 weeks or 90 days to be processed.

What do you do if your visa gets rejected? 

• Understand the reasons behind the visa rejection to assess where you need to focus better on.
• Find out what the Canada visa rejection reason could be by applying through the GCMS and work on improving your eligibility.
• If your visa has been rejected for the first time, you can reapply with complete documentation and better supporting documents to ensure there is no scope for rejection the second time.
• If there is a gap in your education background or work experience, mention the reasons for the same in the statement of intent or compensate for those breaks by pursuing a short-term course or internship to add more value to your application.
• If you're choosing to wait a year before reapplying, ensure to improve your prospects by having work experience or pursuing an additional course to lend more credibility to your visa.

Canada is one of the most student-friendly international destinations in the world, with nearly 600K students as of December 2021. 

How Does AECC Global Help? 

Documents? Check. Identity Proofs? Check. Bank Statements? Check. Statement of Intent? Check. So, what might be the reason for your visa rejection then? Maybe you lacked timely guidance.

AECC Global helps aspiring international students by helping with their study-abroad plans, including visa applications and career counselling, ensuring to leave no stones unturned in helping them achieve their academic goals.

Contact our expert counsellors today for a hassle-free study-abroad experience!

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