Visa Refusal

Student Visas get refused often when individuals apply on their own.   There are many possible reasons for refusal which are detailed below.

​Citizens from Non visa-exempt countries must ensure a strong application is prepared in order to convince the visa officer they are a good candidate for a Student Visa.  Non visa-exempt countries have been flagged by Canadian Immigration, and citizens from these countries must go through a much more rigorous screening process than citizens from visa-exempt counties.  Every Student, Worker, or Visitor from a non visa-exempt country requires a TRV visa in their passport  (travel authorization) before they are allowed to board a plane and travel to Canada.  When a candidate applies for a Student Visa, they will be automatically issued a TRV visa as well.

​The Student Visa application process is a lengthy one.  The application requires detailed personal and family information.   In addition, many documents must be provided to strengthen and support the application.  Unlike US visas that have an interview, Canada’s screening process is only done by a paper application with no interview.  It is extremely important to prepare a strong application as the visa officer will make a decision solely based on the information provided in the application; they will not request any additional information.

​Many individuals do not understand the process and there is a high rate of refusal when an individual applies on their own.  After receiving a refusal, the individual has been flagged and any subsequent application must be as strong as possible in order to have any chance of approval. We at RICC can help you re-apply.

Reasons for Refusal:

• Study Plan: Without a detailed and logical study plan, the officer will not be convinced the main purpose of coming to Canada is to study.  There must be a logical progression of studying if a person already has previous post-graduate education or work experience.  The choice of program in Canada must make sense for the student, or a proper explanation must be given how their diploma in Canada will help them when they return to their home country.  This is the most common reason for refusal.

• Lack of Travel History: If a person has not travelled anywhere outside of their home country before, they will be refused a visa if they apply on their own.  Our firm can overcome this reason by making legal arguments and referencing a Federal Court Case in the application.

• Strong Family Ties to Canada:surprisingly, having family members in Canada can be a reason for refusal, and individuals applying on their own can be refused.  Our firm can overcome this reason by making legal arguments and referencing a Federal Court Case in the application.

Other reasons may include:

• Proof of Finances
• Lack of evidentiary documents
• ​Illegal Status in Country of Residence
• ​Lack of Employment Prospects in Home Country:  if student is older
• ​Current Employment Situation: if student is older
• ​Personal Assets
• ​Documents that do not appear authentic
• ​History of overstaying status on a previous visit to Canada

If you have been refused a Student Visa or wish to apply for a Student Visa, please contact our firm to get Professional Help.  We can provide assistance and prepare a strong application.