A student visa is an immigration document issued by a host country to international students that enables them to study in that country for a particular time. They are mostly issued to students who want to study in colleges or universities. International students who desire to study abroad need to apply for a student visa. If not they will be unable to live and study in the country. Oftentimes, student visas are considered non-immigrant visas. This means that students who are issued these visas are to abide by the given rules to retain their status in the country. Additionally, student visas do not necessarily guarantee the same privileges as citizens of that country, an example is voting.
Some of the reasons why student visas get rejected are listed below:
1. Financial Instability
This is one of the things that will be examined as you apply for a student visa. Your financial independence and your ability to pay at least one year’s tuition at the college you are enrolling in without depriving yourself of the basic amenities will be checked by the officers who are to issue the visa. If you are financially independent, then your student visa will be granted.
Typically, in Canadian universities, the tuition fees start from CAD 15,000. The government expects international students should be financially stable enough to foot their schooling expenses like the tuition fee. Also, enough evidence will have to be provided to prove it. It is beneficial when you provide proof of adequate finances for more than one year and then include additional financial documentation with your application for a study permit in Canada. Although it is possible to study and work in Canada, it is important to get the right documents to prove your financial stability before you are granted a student visa.
2. Incomplete Documents
When applying for a student visa, you must submit the right documents. This includes the right travel document so that you do not get rejected. The officers will examine your travel documents to check for any loopholes in your travel history. Additionally, the authorities will also verify your identification through your documentation. If you happen to have prior travel experience and do not have proper documentation for it, it can ruin your chances. It is therefore advisable to provide sufficient documentation that captures your travel history. Your identification documents should also be uncomplicated and easy to read to avoid ambiguity. It is also important to arrange your documents chronologically to make them presentable.
3. Intent to Return to Home Country
There is always an expiration date on student visas. This is the reason why visa officials always confirm first if international students want to return to their home country after the completion of their studies. International students on the other hand can have the intention of staying back to work and earning money after the completion of their studies and this is one of the reasons why their student visa might not be approved. When the intention and enthusiasm of international students to come back to their home country is low, their visas might get rejected. It is therefore advisable for international students to talk enthusiastically about the opportunities present in their home country and how they can also contribute positively, rather than wanting to use studying abroad as a pass to just get out of their home country.
4. Poor Academic Performance
The overall academic records of international students are also screened by the visa officers. Students must have good grades. However, it does not end there. Students are also to have a high score on English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL as it is very important. Moreover, students should produce clear and straightforward academic records because if there are inconsistencies in the academic records, they will be questioned. If they are not properly handled, they can affect the chances of not getting the visa.
5. Inconsistency in professional experience and proposed course of study.
The student visa for an international student might be denied if there are inconsistencies in the past course of study, professional experience, and the proposed course of study. Your selected area of specialization should tally with your past qualifications and work experience. If they are not the same, you must be able to convincingly explain why you want to change your career path. Also, note that anything included in your application must have valid evidence or proof.
6. Acceptance Letter
A letter of acceptance is issued to every student by the Designated Learning Institute (DLI) when they get admitted into the school. International students are therefore supposed to submit their acceptance letters to the visa officials. Any student who does not submit any acceptance letter will be rejected. International students should therefore not that they are to bring a copy of their letter of acceptance alongside the minimum eligibility criteria proof as instructed by the Canadian government. In addition to the letter of acceptance, any supporting personal document or statement can also be attached to the application.
7. Choice of program
The officials at the visa office often pay very close attention to the choice of program international students are applying for. The choice of program, previous educational background, and professional experience must tally. Some of the academic-related reasons for visa rejection in Canada include:
- Career Gap
- Applying for PG Diploma after Masters
- Applying for PG Diploma with very high GPA in Bachelors
- Second Masters (non-MBA)
- Program inconsistent with prior education like applying for an engineering program with a nursing degree.
International students need to have a strong personal statement and other relevant records that are in line with their previous educational background.
Important Tips to Note to Avoid Canada Student Visa Rejection
Having highlighted some of the reasons why Canada student visas get rejected, below are some of the important tips to help improve your chances:
- Research and find out the necessary documents you need to submit to obtain the visa. You can find helpful information on the website of the Government of Canada.
- Fill out the visa form carefully with accurate information. Also, do not leave any blank spaces.
- After this, students will need to upload a copy of the offer letter they have received from a recognized university or college in Canada.
- Salary slips or bank statements are to be submitted as proof is the applicant has work experience.
- Do not forget to mention all travel histories. Additionally, include any visa rejections if there are any.
- Also, answer the questions you will be asked on the CIC website while you are applying online.
- Those applying under SPP (Student Partners Program) should show proof of finances. Also, they should obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate by transferring CAD 10, 200 to Scotia Bank.
- While writing the statement of intent, it is important to mention your academic achievements and your intention to study in Canada. Be authentic, truthful, and convincing.
What to do if your Canada student visa gets rejected?
If your student visa gets rejected, you can re-apply but it is important to take note so that you do not make the same mistakes again. Below are some tips that can help:
1. Identify the reason for the rejection
There are different reasons why your student Canada student visa gets rejected. The first step is to identify the reason before you can work on the correction. Examine the reasons above to determine why your student visa got rejected.
2. Correct the problem
Once you can identify the problem, it’s now time to work on a possible solution. Below are some of the problems you can face and how they can be corrected:
| S/N | Mistake | Correction |
| 1 | Insufficient funds | Make sure you have sufficient funds to sponsor your education in Canada. |
| 2 | Incorrect information | Ensure that you have the correct information and documents before applying again |
| 3 | Inability to properly explain your reason for choosing a university or country. | Ensure you have correct information about the course, university, and country you intend to study in. Also, properly articulate your thoughts and express them |
| 4 | Inability to convince the visa officials | Be convinced about your decisions, be confident, and articulate your thoughts in a convincing manner. |
| 5 | Inability to properly state your intention for visiting the country. | Make sure you make a good and reliable impression on the visa officials as it increases your chances. |
3. Try applying again
It is possible to re-apply for a student visa in the same country you got rejected in. However, if you have gotten multiple rejections before, you can apply in other countries.
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This post was last modified on August 29, 2023 1:13 pm