September 24, 2024
Overcoming Rejection: How a Toronto Immigration Lawyer Can Help International Students Re-Apply Successfully
Navigating Canada’s study permit process has always been complex, and recent policy changes have made it even more challenging. On 18 September 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a 10% reduction in study permit intake for 2025, cutting the target from 485,000 to 437,000 students. This, along with previous cuts, has increased the likelihood of refusals. However, a rejection does not mean the end—many applicants successfully reapply by addressing the reasons behind their refusal.
Study permit refusals often arise from concerns regarding the applicant’s intent to study or doubts about their ties to their home country. Other common reasons include financial insufficiency, gaps in education, or failure to meet language requirements.
When reapplying, an applicant should take a strategic approach by carefully reviewing the refusal letter to address the specific reasons for rejection. This will inform what the reapplication should include, whether it is a more detailed academic plan, more proof of financial stability, language proficiency, explanations for education gaps, and all required documents, such as a letter of acceptance, proof of identity, financial statements, and any necessary medical exams.
A knowledgeable immigration lawyer can significantly improve an applicant’s chances of success when reapplying for a study permit. Not only will they review the original application to address gaps or weaknesses and help gather stronger evidence, but if they believe there was an error or unfair judgment, they can assist in pursuing a judicial review through the Federal Court of Canada to correct any mistakes in the original assessment.
By thoroughly addressing the reasons for refusal and seeking expert legal advice, many international students successfully reapply and achieve their goal of studying in Canada.
Hannah Cho
Hannah graduated from the J.D. program at Western Law in 2023. While in law school, Hannah was the Vice-President of the Western Law Charter Society, where she organized and moderated panel discussions on pressing legal issues concerning the Canadian Constitution and Charter rights. She also volunteered as a Student Clinician at the Law Student Legal Advice Program in British Columbia, where she gained experience handling a wide range of legal matters, including residential tenancy, employment and human rights law Before law school, Hannah received her B.A. (Hons.) with distinction from the University of Toronto, St. George, in Criminology and Book and Media Studies.
Prior to joining Bellissimo Law Group PC, Hannah worked as a student-at-law at a private immigration law firm, where she gained experience in Canadian immigration law by working on a range of matters including temporary residency applications, work permit applications, applications for permanent residence based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and she has also co-written several articles on immigration law for platforms such as Law360 and International Law News.