In the past few years, institutions in Canada have recruited a significant number of international students from other countries. As a result, the number of international students in Canada has increased. To cater to the needs of these students in terms of providing suitable housing and healthcare benefits as well as other services, IRCC announced on January 22 a cap on international student applications for two years.

Those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees are not included in this cap, and current study permit holders will not be affected by this decision.

This number will be divided between all provinces and territories, depending on their population. What this means is that there might be a higher chance that your student visa application might get rejected. There are many steps that you can undertake to avoid rejection, as well as steps that you can take to improve your chances of getting a Canadian student visa.

How to improve your chances

There are, of course, steps that you can undertake to improve your chances for the Canadian student visa application.

A document checklist

Having a checklist for all the required paperwork would be a helpful way for you to keep track of all the important information that you need to submit with your application. At each step of the process, you can refer back to this checklist to see if you are missing any paperwork or require any additional documents to be submitted with your application.

Proof of Financial Status

You must provide adequate proof of your financial status with your student visa application. If applying through the general study permit stream, you can provide bank statements, proof of student loans, and any scholarships you may have. If applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you must submit proof of your Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) in the amount required by the respective province or territory.

Academic Consistency

You should ensure consistency in your academic record, such as clear progression in studies, and provide strong reasons for any gaps in study. Additionally, choose the right programme to study in Canada based on your previous education and work experience.

Statement of Purpose

Having a statement of purpose that clearly states your intention to return home after completing your studies will be a strong addition to your visa application. This statement would be an excellent way for you to explain why studying a particular course in Canada is important to you. You can also use this statement to explain any gaps in your education.

Language requirements

You must ensure that you meet any language requirements (English/French, depending on the province). Achieving a high score in standardised language exams will be advantageous for your application.

You can always include any additional documents that you think will aid the immigration officer in reviewing your application.

Reasons for Rejection

Firstly, it is important to understand why your application could be rejected. It's crucial to note that your visa is granted at the discretion of the reviewing immigration officer. The reasons for a student visa rejection include:

No letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)

You should have been accepted to study at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). In Canada, a DLI is an institution authorised by the government to accept international students for study. Forgetting to attach this letter of acceptance or applying to a non-DLI institution will result in your application being rejected.

Unclear intention to leave Canada after study

When you apply for a student visa, it is important to clearly express your intention to leave Canada after your studies. Even if you plan to explore post-graduate work opportunities, indicating an intention to stay in Canada after your studies can lead to the rejection of your visa application.

Purpose of the visit is not clear

If you forget to include a statement of purpose confirming the exact purpose of your visa, i.e., study, and how this particular course, degree, or programme would benefit you. In that case, the reviewing officer may have grounds to reject your application, as they might suspect you are visiting Canada intending to work.

Financial Status

Having proof that you can cover the cost of your studies as well as living expenses is essential for your student visa application. Failure to provide this proof may result in the rejection of your visa application. Additionally, if you are applying for a student visa through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you will need to purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and submit it with your application. A GIC is another way to cover your living expenses for your studies.

Academic Inconsistency in Records

With your student visa application, you must submit your previous academic records, such as transcripts, degree certificates, and mark sheets. These documents are essential to proving the validity of your past study experience. Any inconsistencies may lead to the rejection of your student visa application.

Prior criminal records

If you have a prior criminal record and have been convicted or committed a crime in the past, your student visa application is highly likely to be rejected. However, if you were a minor (under 18) when the offence was committed, you may still have a chance with your student visa application.

Conclusion

Canada continues to be one of the most in-demand destinations for students studying abroad. Every year, the country hosts a large number of students. With the introduction of the visa cap, the Canadian government aims to control the amount of immigration coming into the country and stabilise the system for the future. By implementing measures such as this cap, genuine students with the intention to study will have a good chance of obtaining visas.

While there is a higher chance of rejection from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) due to this cap, there are also many steps you can take to avoid rejection of your Canadian student visa application from India. So, don’t hesitate, and go ahead and submit your application for your study permit now!

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