Five reasons behind study permit refusals and how to avoid them
Canada’s study permit refusal rate has risen significantly in 2025, affecting thousands of prospective students.
Many of these refusals result from common mistakes that can easily be prevented or addressed prior to application submission.
In this article, we explore five frequent causes of study permit refusals and provide guidance on how to strengthen your application to ensure it’s in the best shape possible.
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1. Insufficient funds
To be eligible for a study permit, you must be able to show immigration officers that you have the financial resources to cover:
Your tuition fees;
Living expenses for you and any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada; and
Transportation costs to and from Canada, for yourself and any accompanying family members.
If you do not have the sufficient finances, or you do but do not provide adequate proof attesting to that fact, an immigration officer may refuse or reject your Canadian study permit application.
On September 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased the proof of funds requirement for international students. These amounts are updated annually.
The following table shows the proof of funds requirements (per year) currently in place for all provinces and territories except Quebec, based on the size of your family:
Number of family membersAmount
1$22,895
2$28,502
3$35,040
4$42,543
5$48,252
6$54,420
7$60,589
If more than 7 people, each additional family member$6,170
The amounts do not include your tuition and transportation costs.
Quebec has different fund requirements; if you are intending to study in Quebec*, you must have the following funds based on age and number of people included in an application:
Number of family membersAmount until December 31, 2025Amount as of January 1, 2026
One person under 18 years of age$7,756$24,617
One person aged 18 and over$15,508$24,617
Two people aged 18 and over$22,745$34,814
Two people aged 18 and over, one person under 18$25,479$42,638
Two people aged 18 and over, two people under 18$27,499$49,234
Quebec also has a $500 settlement fee for your first year in Canada.
*To study in Quebec, you must first obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.
Further, foreign nationals wishing to study in Canada are required to obtain health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Canada.
Whether or not you have provided sufficient proof of funds is ultimately at the discretion of the immigration officer, but you can aid your chances of success by anticipating potential concerns and ensuring the proof you provide addresses them.
Potential concern of officerHow to address potential concern(s)
Doubts on the possibility of future fundingInclude supplementary financial information, for example:
– Parent’s employment details / pay-slips;
– Bank account history spanning a relevant period of time; and/or
– Current or past employment details.
Insufficient funds to live and study in CanadaConsider providing IRCC more than one of the following:
– Proof of a Canadian bank account;
– A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution;
– Proof of a student/education loan from a bank; and/or
– Bank statements covering the last few months.
Funds held in a foreign currencyInclude one (or more) of the following with the application:
– A letter from a Canadian or international financial institution stating that the necessary funds are in deposit under the applicant’s name (especially relevant to currencies that can fluctuate regularly, relative to the Canadian dollar);
– A bank draft in a convertible currency for an amount equal to the funds required for the upcoming academic year; and/or
– Written testament from the applicant’s bank that the required funds are on deposit, and from the financial control authorities that the applicant will be allowed to export a sum adequate for “maintenance costs” (living expenses) in Canada.
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2. Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation is a common reason why study permits get refused, as it is considered a common form of fraud by immigration authorities.
Misrepresentation occurs when an applicant submits false or misleading information to IRCC as part of their application.
It’s important to note, however, that unintentional mistakes or errors—even if they are done by a representative—can also been classified as misrepresentation by IRCC. This can include things such as accidentally filling out an application form incorrectly or forgetting to input all previous travel history to Canada (including short trips).
IRCC may determine that you have misrepresented yourself in your application on the basis of deliberate acts such as:
Providing false, fraudulent, or altered documentation, such as a forged Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or incorrect bank statements;
Omitting or withholding important information, such as having a criminal record or minimizing your ties to Canada; or
Providing inconsistent or contradictory information.
Misrepresentation can have serious consequences beyond your study permit application being refused, including
Receiving a permanent record of fraud with IRCC;
Being charged with committing a criminal offence;
Having your temporary resident status stripped;
Being removed from Canada; and/or
Being banned from entering Canada for a minimum of five years.
To avoid misrepresentation in your study permit application, always be honest and transparent with your answers. Double-check all dates, documents, and personal information to ensure consistency and accuracy.
If you’re unsure about anything, especially past visa refusals or financial details, disclose it and provide an explanation. And if you realize an error after submission, correct it immediately through the IRCC webform to show good faith.
3. Failure to demonstrate genuine temporary resident intent
Yet another common reason study permits are refused is due to failure to prove temporary resident intent.
One of the key eligibility requirements associated with obtaining a study permit is proving to an immigration officer that you will leave Canada once your study permit expires.
If an immigration officer believes you have not demonstrated a genuine temporary resident intent, it can lead to the outright refusal of your study permit application.
To prove that you will not remain in Canada once you’ve completed your studies, you usually must show that you have strong ties to your home country.
To ascertain your intent, an immigration officer will assess your ties to Canada and your ties to your home country.
There are several ways you can demonstrate strong ties to your home country to reduce the chance of a refusal, including (but not limited to):
Having immediate family members in your home country, such as children, dependent parents, or a spouse;
Owning property in your home country—like a home or real estate properties;
Having a stable job in your home country or an offer of employment that corresponds with the end of your study period in Canada;
Owning a business in your home country; and/or
Having strong social or community connections in your home country (involvement with local organizations, religious groups, or schools).
Officers will also consider the broader economic and political conditions in your home country, as instability can raise concerns about your likelihood of returning.
Notably, it is legitimate for an international student to intend to eventually apply for permanent residence—this is called dual intent.
While IRCC officers are instructed not to reject an application due to dual intent, it is important to understand that even under this rule, a study permit applicant must show their intention to leave Canada at the end of their approved stay, even as they express their intent to permanently settle in the country.
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4. Missing documentation
A complete study permit must include all necessary primary documentation, as well as any secondary supporting documentation that may be required due to your personal circumstances.
Failure to submit the required documentation for your study permit application may result in your study permit application being viewed as incomplete and lead to a rejection.
IRCC deems certain kinds of documents as “always required” for every study permit application, while others are designated as “needed in most cases,” “recommended,” or “check if needed,” based on an applicant’s situation.
Below are the documents falling under each category; reviewing what you need to include can help you avoid a study permit refusal based on missing documentation:
Always required
LOA from your designated learning institution (DLI);
If your DLI fails to validate your LOA in time, your application will be returned.
Family members of someone who has a study or work permit application that’s been approved in writing before they come to Canada don’t need a LOA.
Proof of identity for yourself and each accompanying family member;
A copy of a valid passport or travel document.
Two photos (passport size) with name and date of birth written on the back of each.
Proof of funds, which can include (but is not limited to) the following.
Proof that your tuition and housing fees have been paid;
Bank statements for the past four months;
Proof of a Canadian bank account (if you’ve transferred funds to Canada);
A letter from the person or institution giving you money.
Needed in most cases
Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from your DLI. Graduate students are exempt from this requirement.
Recommended
A letter of explanation, clearly detailing why you wish to study in Canada, and that you fully comprehend your responsibilities as an international student.
Check if needed
Medical exam (you’re given an Information Sheet by the physician that serves as proof of completion);
An exam is needed if you:
will stay in Canada for more than six months;
have recently spent time in select countries; or
plan to work in a role where public health must be protected.
Police certificate;
Proof of care;
For children under 18 coming to Canada without a parent/legal guardian.
Other country-dependent documents specific to your local visa office.
Go to the “How to apply” page, select “Outside Canada” and then “Apply online,” and finally select your country or territory.
After paying your study permit fee ($155 per person); you must also attach a copy of your receipt(s) as proof of payment. Failure to pay your fees—in full and on time— or provide proof of payment may result in processing delays or refusal.
IRCC may also reach out to you and request additional documentation beyond those mentioned here, based on your unique circumstances, if necessary. Providing a prompt response helps reduce the likelihood of processing delays or refusal.
5. Unclear purpose of visit
When applying for a study permit, one of the key factors immigration officers assess is whether your primary purpose is genuinely to study in Canada.
While it’s perfectly acceptable to express your long-term interest in working in Canada after graduation, your academic objectives should always be your main focus. This means that if your application gives the impression that your primary motivation for coming to Canada is to work (for example), your study permit application could be refused.
Visa officers are trained to scrutinize not only your academic background but also your career trajectory and how your chosen program aligns with your past experiences.
Common reasons an officer may consider your purpose of visit to be unclear include:
1. Mismatch between your background and chosen program: If your program seems unrelated to your past studies or career, it can raise questions. For example, applying for a fine arts program after studying engineering may appear inconsistent. Ensure your Statement of Purpose (SOP)* explains why this field aligns with your long-term goals.
2. Higher qualifications than the program you’re applying for: Applying for a lower-level program than your current qualifications (e.g., a bachelor’s after a master’s) can be problematic. You need to explain why this program is necessary for your career progression and how it fills a gap in your skills or knowledge.
3. Lack of career benefit: If the program doesn’t seem to directly benefit your career, the officer may question your intentions. Highlight how this program will improve your employability and advance your career.
*While not mandatory, providing an SOP with your study permit application can be beneficial for your chances of approval, as it provides the immigration officer reviewing your application with additional context.
An SOP is essentially a succinct personal essay that highlights your academic history, motivations, and career goals, and the reasons behind your decision to study in Canada. Include any information that you think will help your cause, especially if you are changing your career path.
