Three Key Reasons Your Canadian Study Permit Could Be Refused in 2025 - and How to Avoid Them
Canada’s international student landscape has become increasingly competitive, with study permit approval rates dropping to approximately 50% in 2024—a significant decline from previous years. This heightened scrutiny means that even minor oversights can lead to refusals. Here are three common reasons for study permit refusals and strategies to strengthen your application
1. Insufficient or Illogical Proof of Financial Support
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires applicants to demonstrate they have adequate funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation. For 2025, the minimum funds for a single applicant studying outside Quebec is $20,635 CAD, excluding tuition and travel costs.
Common Mistakes
- Providing bank statements with large, unexplained deposits. IRCC will suspect that these funds do not belong to you or your familyl
- Submitting outdated or random financial documents.
- Relying only on assets that are not easily liquidated, like property, fixed deposits or other funds that are not accessible.
How to Fix them
- Include recent bank statements showing consistent balances and explain any missing statements or inconsistencies.
- Explain any significant deposits and provide supporting documentation for the source of these funds, such as transfers from other accounts, repayments of loans, employment bonuses or others.
- If relying on someone else or invited by someone in Canada who will support you. include a notarized declaration or affidavit of support and include the supporter’s employment, tax and financial documents.
Remember: if there are any issues with your documents, we can help you address them!
2. Lack of Ties to Your Home Country
IRCC assesses whether applicants are likely to return to their home country after studies. If an officer thinks you lack ties or a plan to go back home after studies, they can refuse you.
Common Mistakes
- Not providing evidence of ties to your home country, such as future employment, family members, community involvement, assets, investments or obligations in your home country.
- Failing to explain gaps in your education or career.
How to Fix Them
- Submit proof of family ties, and include testimonials
- If employed, obtain an employment letter stating your position and that your employer has approved your leave from employment to study in Canada for a temporary period.
- Provide property deeds, lease agreements, investment certificates, or proof of other assets.
- Provide explanations for any gaps in your Personal Statement.
We will carefully review your documents and guide you to prepare the best application possible!
3. Failing to Demonstrate Your Intentions
You should write a detailed Letter of Explanation (sometimes referred to as a “Study Plan”) to allow the visa officer to understand why you want to study in Canada. Failing to provide a clear, logical explanation can result in a refusal.
Common Mistakes
- Providing a poorly written Letter of Explanation.
- Failing to demonstrate an intention to go back, supported by a logical pathway to do so.
- Failing to explain how your chosen program matches your career goals, your past education or previous work experience.
How to Fix Them
- Include a detailed personal statement explaining your intent to return home and how the Canadian education will benefit your career there.
- Clearly articulate why you chose the specific program and institution and why you chose not to pursue a similar program in your home country.
- Explain how the program aligns with your career goals in your home country.
We Can Help
