Common grounds for visa refusal in Canada (Student Visa)

PART 6: TOP REASONS FOR REFUSALS – we have a lot of approvals lately, but this is a constant question I get most of the time. Let’s face it, it is always a 50-50 chance to be approved in our SP journey. So it is also fair we discuss this so it can be avoided early on.

1. Insufficient Family Ties to the Home Country

Absence of adequate ties to the home country can impact chances adversely as this may raise doubts on the applicant’s intent to return home after completing his or her studies. Normally, having a family established in the home country with ownership of properties and other assets may be enough to prove family ties.

2. No Job Prospects in the Home Country

A letter from the current employer indicating that the applicant is assured of a job in the home country after completing his or her education ought to be adequate to prove employment prospects. Applicants without a job in hand can submit proof that the study course they intend to join will help them qualify for jobs in the home country. Else, the immigration officer may conclude that the study permit is intended to help the applicant settle permanently in Canada.

3. Financial Insufficiency

The Program Delivery Instructions clearly states that the applicant is required to provide proof of adequate finances only for the first year of the course. Yet, applications often get rejected because the immigration officer suspected financial insufficiency. Hence, merely focusing on the first year may not suffice. Ideally, you can minimize chances of rejection by showing proof of adequate finances for more than 1-year, even though this is expressly indicated as not being required for acceptance.

Mas okay na ang sobra kesa kulang, Sa safe side tayo lagi. This includes the authenticity of your proof of funds. It is not always the amount that matters. How you acquired that amount is another story. We always say that it is very much discouraged to borrow or loan money for your proof of funds, we already know why. This will always spark doubts from the officer and will cause refusal. This has been discussed previously several times.

4. 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.

This includes your CHOICE OF STUDY. What to take or study will always be your choice, but be sure to address the progression of your career. Make certain points in the statement of purpose that it is an UPGRADE of your skill and would help you in your career in the future.

5. Travel History

Having a travel history is not a requirement but it will always add additional points to consider for the officer to approve your application. If you have applied to other countries and have been refused, you have overstayed to one country or have been refused in Canada before; these instances can bring your application down and give a negative impact to your application. How you were in other countries will give them an idea how you treat other countries’ policies. Bottom line, you should show the officer that you will be a law abider and not be a nuisance in Canada should you be approved.

6. Any forms of misrepresentation

- Documents that do not appear authentic. – NEVER ever attempt to use falsified documents in your application, this will not only cause refusal but you can be banned from applying ever again.

- Undeclared criminal offense – there are questions regarding this in some IMM forms which is answerable by a yes or no. ALWAYS BE HONEST in your application. We already know what is an offense or not and this includes overstaying in any country. I have been asked several times regarding this and in my opinion, this is always an offense we should NOT hide from the VO, otherwise, we already know what’s going to happen if they find out.

SAD TRUTH: What complicates the process of applying for a study permit is that applications can be rejected on grounds or reasons not listed or identified in the guide. The evaluating officer may choose to reject your application without seeking any additional documents, information, or clarifications. Further, complying with the guide and the Delivery Instructions too does not guarantee approval.

In other words, subject to the officer po talaga ang approval at refusal ng application natin. Even if we find it unfair that we are rejected, that officer may find some loop holes in the applications. NOT ALL OFFICERS ARE THE SAME. Kaya we are always free to reapply to defend our application and show the officer they were wrong. But generally, these are the top reasons why we are rejected.

 

WHAT TO NEXT WHEN REFUSED? Best to apply for GCMS notes so we can actually see the officer’s notes why or how were you refused. The complete details of the application evaluation are also included there. So we will find out what to do the next time we plan to reapply. I am not connected in any way with this website but I find it very convenient for us DIYers in the group. This is a very straight forward website where you can apply for your GCMS. Getgcms.com ($20). Similarly, if you have a representative, they can apply for you in the CIC website with a cheaper cost ($5 only – representative’s fees not included).

TIP: DO NOT REAPPLY WHEN YOU ARE MAD. I have received messages from our members who are mad and furious for being refused. Saying it is unfair this and that. I am sorry po and I totally understand where the feelings are coming from, but it’s not the right way to address the concerns. The feeling is normal but we have to compose ourselves and see what has happened to have a clear and open mind when we lodge again. Otherwise, we will end up being rejected again.

So yun po, these are all compiled from all the refusals cases we have had here in the group and were taken from continuous research po. Again, while we are always posting helpful contents here, it is always helpful to widen our research. Check CIC website often and Google is always your friend. Godbless po sa lahat ng mga applications natin! :)

Original post from : Leah Zen Eslava-Cabusao

Facebook group : Pinoy Canada Student Pathway