Canada attracts thousands of international students each year, but not everyone’s study permit application gets approved. Rejections are often due to small oversights or weak justifications, not because the student isn’t capable. Here are five common reasons Canadian student visas get rejected, explained in detail with tips to help you strengthen your application.

1. Uncertain Post-Study Plans:

Visa officers want to see that you’ve thought about your long-term career journey, not just your time in Canada. If your application seems vague about what you’ll do after graduation, it raises red flags that you might intend to overstay.

How to avoid this?

• Clearly explain your career goals back home.
• Show how your chosen program bridges the gap between your current education/experience and your future role.
• Mention potential employers, industries, or even family business plans that tie you back to your country.

2. Weak Academic or Career Alignment:

If your chosen program doesn’t make sense compared to your past studies or career track, officers may doubt your intentions. For example, switching fields drastically without justification often leads to rejections.

How to avoid this?

• Build a logical story: how your past + this course = your future career.
• If switching fields, explain why, and how your new direction is still meaningful.
• Back it with examples like prior internships, certifications, or interests that connect you to the new field.

3. Financial Insufficiency:

The government must be confident that you can afford tuition and living expenses. If your proof of funds looks incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent, rejection is almost guaranteed.

How to avoid this?

• Provide recent bank statements (usually covering at least 6 months).
• Include sponsor details with clear proof of income.
• Showing funds above the minimum requirement reflects stability.

4. Missing Letter of Acceptance or Attestation Letter:

Every application must include a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a recognized Canadian institution. For certain provinces, you also need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter. Missing either document means your application won’t even be considered.

How to avoid this?

• Double-check that your LOA is official, signed, and issued by a DLI (Designated Learning Institution).
• If your province requires an attestation letter, don’t submit until you have it.
• Upload documents in the right format and ensure clarity.

5. Poorly Written Statement of Purpose (SOP):

Your SOP is more than an essay, it’s the heart of your visa application. A generic, copy-pasted, or unclear SOP often causes refusals.

How to avoid this?

• Personalize your SOP. Talk about your journey, not generic reasons like “Canada has good education.”
• Explain why this program, why Canada, and why now.
• End with strong future plans showing that you’ll return home.

At Entri Fly, we guide students step by step through the process, from selecting the right course and writing a compelling SOP to ensuring all documents are in place. Our goal is simple: help you avoid common pitfalls and secure your study permit with confidence. If you’re planning to study in Canada (or any other country of your choice), feel free to connect with us or drop a message. Let’s make your study abroad journey smoother together.