Individuals who have applied for, but been refused, a Canadian Study Permit may be able to appeal.
Prospective students in Canada who have been refused a Canadian study permit may find themselves in a frustrating position. Having already been accepted into a Canadian school (university, college, or other designated institution) and prepared an application for a Study Permit, these individuals may face the prospect of missing the beginning of their study program in Canada.
There may, however, be a solution.
Depending on the context and reasoning behind the decision for the refusal, applicants may be able to:
- appeal the decision; or
- take into account the stated reasons for the refusal and prepare a new application.
Study Permit Eligibility Criteria
If and when an application for a Study Permit is refused, the first thing to review should be the eligibility criteria. In order to be eligible to study in Canada on a study permit, prospective international students must:
- have been accepted by adesignated learning institution in Canada;
- prove that they have enough money to pay for:
- tuition fees,
- living expenses for themselves and any family members who come with them to Canada, and
- return transportation for themselves and any family members who come with them to Canada;
- be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. A police certificate (or certificates) may be required;
- be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary; and
- satisfy an immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay.
Exceptions to the above criteria may be made for foreign representatives to Canada and their family members, members of foreign armed forces from certain countries, foreign nationals with Registered Indian status, and individuals who wish to undertake a short-term study program in Canada (less than six months).
Appealing a decision to refuse an application for a Canadian Study Permit
Refusals for a Study Permit are typically a result of the applicant failing to satisfy one or more of the eligibility criteria. If an applicant can prove that he or she in fact does satisfy the criteria, he or she may have grounds for appeal.
If the applicant is not in a position to satisfy the Visa Officer that he or she fulfills the eligibility criteria, he or she may have time to make arrangements so that ultimately the criteria is fulfilled before submitting a new application.
