Recent Reports Shows Top Reasons Canada Refused Study Permits Last Year

That number might feel discouraging, but getting approved isn’t just about luck. Most refusals happen because of a few common mistakes. The good news is that these mistakes can be fixed. By understanding the main reasons applications are refused, you can give yourself a much stronger chance of success.

Top study permit refusal reasons in 2024 at a glance 

• 76% of refusals were due to officers being unconvinced that students would leave after completing their studies.
• Nearly 40% of refusals were due to financial concerns (tuition, living expenses, proof of funds).
• Doubts that the purpose of the visit matches a temporary stay were listed as a reason for almost half of all refusals. 
• Incomplete applications (missing financial docs, biometrics, letters, etc.) remain a largely preventable cause. 
• Misrepresentation or inauthentic documents affected more than 13,000 applicants.
• Weak ties outside of Canada, though less frequent, still trigger refusals. 

Let’s break down these most common reasons, why they matter, and how you can overcome them. For context, the data from this article is from the recently released Apply Board study refusals report unless otherwise noted. 

Permits refused due to doubts you will leave Canada after your studies

In 2024, the number one reason study permit applications were refused was that officers weren’t convinced students would leave Canada after their studies. This concern was behind 76% of refusals linked to limited travel history and 53.3% tied to financial assets. In other words, immigration officers may worry that you plan to stay in Canada permanently instead of returning home after graduation.

This can feel discouraging. After all, isn’t studying in Canada supposed to open doors to job opportunities and even permanent residency? The answer is yes—but timing matters. Canada has a formal “dual intent” policy, which means you’re allowed to study now while also thinking about permanent residency later. What matters is showing that your immediate goal is to study.

How to strengthen your study permit application

You can reduce the risk of refusal by showing strong ties to your home country. This helps demonstrate that you plan to return after your studies, even if you later decide to apply for permanent residency. Consider including evidence such as:

• Family ties – dependents, parents, or relatives who rely on you back home.
• Property or assets – ownership of land, a home, or investments in your country.
• Employment connections – a current job you plan to return to, or an offer of future employment.
• Financial stability – proof of savings or income sources in your home country.
  

By addressing these points in your application, you can give officers confidence in your intentions and improve your chances of approval.

Common Reason for refusal: Purpose of visit not consistent with a temporary stay

Another common reason for refusal is when your chosen study program doesn’t seem to match your past education or career path. In 2024, this concern—called purpose of visit not consistent with a temporary stay—accounted for 47.3% of refusals. Officers may assume that if your program doesn’t align with your background, you’re using study as a way to stay in Canada rather than as a genuine academic step.

The first step is choosing a program that clearly connects to your goals. After that, you need to explain your choice. If you don’t, officers may decide your intentions aren’t consistent with temporary study.

What you can do

Use your Statement of Purpose (SOP) to make your application stronger. Be sure to:

• Explain your choice of program – show how it builds on your past education or career experience.
• Highlight your choice of institution – explain why this school is the right fit for your academic or professional goals.
• Connect to your future plans – describe how the skills you gain will support your career once you return home.
• Show consistency – make sure your study plan tells a clear, logical story.
• Why Canada? – explain why you cannot study the same or a similar program in your home country. 

By connecting the dots for officers, you can reduce doubts about your purpose of study and improve your chances of approval.

Reason for refusal: Insufficient financial resources

Finances are another major reason applications are refused. In 2024, the Canadian government doubled the required proof of funds from $10,000 to $20,635 CAD. From September 2025, that amount increased by another $2,260, bringing the minimum required yearly funds to $22,895 for an individual (amounts increase if you bring a spouse or family members). Since tuition and living costs add up quickly, it’s no surprise that more than 18% of refusals were linked to financial resources.

Tips to avoid refusal

Make sure your proof of funds is detailed and reliable. Immigration officers want to see that you have stable, realistic financial support—not just a sudden transfer of money before you apply. Strong evidence can include:

• Six months of recent bank statements – showing steady balances and deposits.
• Proof of scholarships or student loans – official letters or agreements.
• Sponsor support documents – if a parent or relative is funding your studies, include their bank statements and a letter of support stating that the funds are available for you to use..
• Evidence of ongoing income – such as pay slips, contracts, or business ownership records.

By showing clear, consistent financial documentation, you can prove that you’re prepared for the costs of studying and living in Canada.

Your application is incomplete or missing documents

Another preventable reason for refusal is missing or incomplete documents. Thousands of applications are refused each year because something important was left out – such as a letter of acceptance, biometrics, proof of funds, or a medical exam. If even one required document is missing, IRCC officers can’t fully assess your application, no matter how strong the rest of it may be. This can feel especially frustrating because it’s usually avoidable.

How to avoid this refusal reason

Give yourself enough time to gather and review all the required documents. A careful approach can save you from simple mistakes. Consider:

• Starting early – collect documents well before the time you apply. 
• Using a checklist – track every requirement carefully so nothing is overlooked.
• Getting a second review – ask a trusted friend, mentor, or professional consultant to look over your file.
• Confirming IRCC requirements – double-check official instructions for your specific application stream. It can be helpful to re-download the checklist just before you apply if it has taken some time to gather the documents, since requirements can (and regularly do) change. 

Concerns about authenticity or misrepresentation

Nearly 13,000 applicants were refused because of misrepresentation or suspected of withholding information. In most cases, this wasn’t outright fraud – but even small inconsistencies or missing context can raise red flags. Immigration officers take authenticity very seriously, and if details don’t line up, they may see it as a sign of dishonesty.

How to protect your application:
The best way to avoid this refusal reason is to be completely open and accurate. Make sure to:

• Be honest and transparent – never exaggerate or alter your information.
• Submit genuine, verifiable documents – avoid unofficial or unverified records.
• Explain gaps or irregularities – for example, breaks in education, employment, or unusual financial activity.
• Double-check consistency – ensure all details match across your forms and supporting documents.

By showing honesty and clarity, you build trust with officers and reduce the risk of refusal.

Other/unspecified refusal reasons

Unspecified reasons made up about 14.9% of refusals in 2024. This happens when officers decide not to classify a refusal under a set category, but instead provide additional explanation. In some cases, refusal letters even include officer decision notes, which can give you valuable insight into the exact concerns that affected your application.

Next steps if this happens

Review your refusal letter closely and pay attention to any notes included. Use this feedback to identify weak points and make clear improvements before submitting a new application. You should also consider applying for the full government notes on your file. This can add extra narrative to the way your application was processed, allowing you to make sure all concerns are addressed. 

Study permit refusals for limited family or home country ties 

Lastly, about 7.3% of refusals in 2024 were linked to weak ties to an applicant’s home country. While this reason is less common, it can still be critical, since it often overlaps with doubts about whether you will leave Canada at the end of your studies, the most common reason for refusal. If you can’t show meaningful connections, officers may assume you have little incentive to return after your studies. These ties can take many forms – family commitments, a job, property ownership, or even community involvement. While not every applicant will have all of these, showing a few strong examples can make a real difference.

Show your connections

In your study plan, clearly highlight the ties that anchor you to your home country and back them up with documents. These could include:

• Family responsibilities – dependents, parents, or relatives who rely on you.
• Employment commitments – a current job you’ll return to, an employer’s letter of support, or a contract for future work.
• Property or financial assets – ownership of land, a home, or investments.
• Educational ties – plans to continue your studies at home after Canada.
• Community involvement – volunteer work, religious or cultural organizations, or leadership roles.
• Long-term goals – business plans, professional licenses, or career paths that require you to return home.

By showing a combination of personal, professional, and community connections, you make it clear to officers that you have strong reasons to return home after completing your studies.

So, what does this mean for you?

Every Canadian study permit application begins with meeting eligibility requirements and providing the right documents. Each one of these refusal reasons points to something that can strengthen your application, and knowing these trends can help support you. Whether that means gathering the required documents, reinforcing ties at home, or simply crafting a stronger study plan. And if you’re a consultant, these are the red flags you will want to address with your clients. With foresight and the right preparation, students can shift the odds in their favour.

Refusals happen — and while they are disappointing, it’s not always the end of the road. Canada recently introduced a streamlined judicial review process for study permit refusals, offering some applicants a quicker way to appeal.