Obtaining a student visa is one of the most critical steps of becoming an international student. If you’ve been accepted to a Canadian institution, securing your study permit is the final key to unlocking your education in Canada. Unfortunately, study permit refusals are a reality for many aspiring international students. Canada’s popularity and recent policy changes can make it harder to get a visa. Canadian study visa rejection reasons range from the applicant’s finances to academic performance, missing documentation, and more.

To ensure your Canadian visa application gets approved, it’s helpful to understand why Canadian student visa applications are rejected. Below, we’ve highlighted five of the most common Canada visa rejection reasons.

2. Not Including a Letter of Acceptance or Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)

Before you apply for a visa, you must obtain a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian institution on the designated learning institutions (DLI) list. When you’re accepted to the institution, they will issue you a letter of acceptance. Most students will also receive a Provincial (or Territorial) Attestation Letter. The PAL or TAL certifies you’ve been assigned one of the available spaces to study in that province or territory.

Both of these documents need to be included in your study permit application (unless you’re PAL-exempt). If you don’t include these documents, the visa officer will reject your application.

3. Misrepresentation or Document Issues

Submitting authentic and accurate documents is vital. Documents with incorrect or fraudulent information can lead to an immediate Canadian visa rejection and a ban from reapplying for another one for up to five years. Even forgetting to fill in a question or two can mean you’ll have to resubmit your application.

Common issues include:

• Providing fraudulent or fake documents: This includes any letters, certificates, or financial statements.
• Not fully completing all required forms: Ensure all forms are completed in their entirety before you submit your application.
• Providing information that is inconsistent with the documents you have submitted.

The visa officer will use the documents you submitted to determine whether you are admissible to Canada. If they determine that any of the documents are inauthentic or inaccurate, they can refuse your student visa application. If you haven’t filled out a form completely, you may have the opportunity to resubmit your application, but this can still delay your study timeline.

4. Unclear Purpose of Visit

Visa officers will review your application to ensure they are confident that the main reason you are applying for a study permit is to study in Canada. While you are allowed to express a desire to work in Canada after you graduate, your studies need to be your primary goal! Immigration officials will look at your academic background and work experience to ensure your chosen program of study is a logical and natural progression for you.

For example, an officer may question your study purpose if:

• Your chosen program is not related to your previous studies.
• You already have a higher qualification than the program you are applying for (for example, you are applying for a bachelor’s degree but already have a master’s degree).
• The program does not seem to offer a clear benefit to your future career prospects.

Your statement of purpose (SOP) and personal circumstances must clearly show that your main purpose for coming to Canada is to study.

5. Uncertain Post-Study Plans

Similar to establishing your purpose of visit, visa officers need to understand what your plans are after you graduate. Your application should make your post-study career goals clear, and it should explain how your Canadian education will benefit your future.

In your study plan, outline the field you want to work in once your studies are complete and what kind of role you plan to find. Even if you’re considering trying to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduating, detail how your chosen program can help you get a job in your home country. Provide information about your family and economic ties back home, and also be sure to highlight any prior travel history that shows you’ve left and returned to your home country in the past.

How to Build A Strong Study Permit Application

To minimize the risk of a study permit refusal, you must present a compelling and cohesive application package. Here are three things that can help build a strong student visa application:

• Write a clear Statement of Purpose: Clearly outline your motivation for studying in Canada, why you chose your specific program and institution, and how this will help you achieve your career goals in your home country.
• Show your financial readiness: Provide clear and verifiable proof of funds. Include supporting documents to back up your statement.
• Only Submit Authentic Documents: Ensure all forms and supporting documents are accurate, complete, and authentic.

In 2024, the Canadian study permit acceptance rate was 48% for all applicants. This means more than half of all students who applied were rejected. But, students who worked with ApplyBoard had a much higher approval rate: In 2024, ApplyBoard students had an 82% visa acceptance rate!

That’s because ApplyBoard—and our global network of recruitment partners—help students submit strong student visa applications. While getting a Canadian visa can be complex, these guidelines—and a little help—can improve your application process. Best of luck!