Canada
has been getting a lot of attention recently from foreign students around
the world. It has become a major destination not just for foreign
students but economic migrants and investors as well.
Canada
can only admit a limited number of people so they have to do their best
to make sure they weed out applicants with undefined intentions for
Canada.
In this regard they have been some unfortunate cases of visa refusal for prospective international students who intend to study in Canada.
In the past one year I have compiled cases a few refusal cases and also came up with three major reasons for visa refusal.
I wouldn't depend on other people's stories to define my destination so take these tips seriously and avoid the rumors.
***This topic have received quite a bit of attention. I will be updating it as I get more information.
1 Financial Grounds
Before you present your bank statement consider the following;
- make sure to show proof that your sponsor has been taking care of you in the past and plans to do so while you study in Canada. This could be a problem especially in the case where a distant relative has to sponsor your education abroad. What is the proof that they won't leave you stranded? Parents do take care of their kids by the way.
- consider the specified time frame of your intended program because a lot of things can influence the length of your program. For example, failed courses, sickness, hike in living expenses, tuition fees and study materials, etc. These are quite common unforeseen circumstances.
- consider return airfare
- you will not be relying on a job in Canada because that is not a guarantee. So consider what you have in the bank quite seriously to sustain yourself.
- have you considered the cost of living expenses?
Your bank statement should prove that you can take care yourself during your studies as well as any unplanned event that may arise.
2 Unsatisfied Intent
You are not trying to get a visa but you need a visa to study in Canada so make sure to provide proper documentation that declares your intent.
Your visa officer will be looking for answers to "why are you going to Canada?" in your application.
Do you have your; first year tuition receipt? admission letter? proof of accommodation? academic transcripts? language test scores (if applicable)? ,etc.
Your letter of intent should reflect the following;
Describe your academic background briefly.
Why you choose Canada, the school, and the program of choice.
What you intend to achieve at the end of the program and how it might benefit you in the future.
Everything should point to 'studying in Canada' not working or visiting friends and family in Canada.
If you are going for a second diploma, undergraduate, masters or PhD program make sure you have concrete reasons for it. Your visa officer might get the wrong impression for a second program especially if the course is the same.
Are your sponsors from your home-country or abroad?
They might get the impression that you will follow the foot steps of your sponsors not to return if they live abroad.
You are not going to live and work but to study and return upon the completion of your studies.
Focus more on your intended program of study. For example, If you are going for an undergraduate program and have intentions for a masters in the future, you should really leave the masters program out of your current application until when you are ready for a masters program.
Show solid proof that you will be returning home upon graduation. Perhaps your family business solely rest on you as the next heir or you have a secured job offer. What you can present on paper will go a long way.
Other Reasons**:
You may have not satisfied your visa officer that you:
- have submitted written documentation from your school saying that you have been accepted to study at their institution.
- don't intend to work in Canada and pay your tuition for the duration of your program.
- don't intend to work in Canada and take care of your personal expenses as well as that of your family for the duration of your program.
- don't intend to work in Canada and raise money for transportation to and from Canada.
Your visa officer is not convinced that you will leave Canada (after your studies) after evaluating the following:
- Travel history
- Immigration status in country of residence
- Family ties in Canada and in country of residence
- Length of proposed stay in Canada
- Purpose of visit
- Employment prospects in country of residence
- Current employment situation
- Personal assets and financial status
- History of having violated the conditions of admission on a previous stay in Canada
- Insufficient evidence provided to show relationship between you and your sponsor.
Hopefully, I can come back and explain each point as I get more information
...to be continued...
