I will share the refusal reasons usually mentioned by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and then insights based my practical experience. Then finally some pro tips to avoid the refusals.  

Usual causes of refusal

The applicants usually receive a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) explaining the reasons for the rejection, usually under subsection 216(1) of the IRPR (*). The following are some typical reasons mentioned by IRCC when they reject a study permit application:

• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as stipulated in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR, based on the purpose of your visit.
• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as stipulated in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR, based on your current employment situation.
• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as stipulated in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR, based on your travel history.
•  I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as stipulated in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR, based on your immigration status.
• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as stipulated in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR, based on your personal assets and financial status.
• I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, as stipulated in subsection 216(1) of the IRPR, based on your family ties in Canada and in your country of residence.

(Here, the “I” refers to the decision-making officer of IRCC.)

Insights into the refusal based on my practical experience. Common RED flags.

Out of my practical experience, I think below are the RED flags in any profile which may cause refusal.

• Insufficient Funds and/or source of fund is unclear.
• Insufficient family ties in your home country
• Strong family ties in Canada
• No employment prospects in your home country
• Poor academic result 
• Low Language score
• Health issues
• Criminal background
• Program does not align with academic or employment background.
• Unexplained gaps in education or experience
• Prior refusal in Canada / any other country

How to avoid refusal?

The answer is not simple but straightforward. Please look at the points I mentioned above and try to minimize as many of those points as possible. If there is one or more points you really cannot minimize, please try to come up with a profound explanation and provide evidence to support your statement wherever possible.

My best advice: If you want to apply the application by yourself, please try to read all the policies and rules from direct IRCC’s website (**) and submit accordingly. If you decide to take professional help, then please seek legal advice from a licensed Canada Immigration practitioner. Taking assistance from an unauthorized / local agent will not only increase the chance of your refusal, many of the times that also results ban for 05 years as they often misrepresent or take fraudulent ways. You must also be careful while watching videos / reading contents from social media unless that’s created by a licensed practitioner. Many a times, the content creators come up with sugar coated contents just to increase their views. They are absolutely under no obligation to say/present things according to IRCC’s guidance, but you are fully obligated to submit the application according to IRCC’s guidance.

Disclaimer: The above writing is not intended to be a source of legal advice. Please seek legal advice and use your own good judgement before choosing to act on any information provided above. If you choose to rely on this article, you do so entirely at your own risk.    

subsection 216(1) of the IRPR (*): 

Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002-227)

IRCC’s website (**)