Over the years Canada has become one of the most sought-after study destinations for students. Each year, thousands of students apply to study in their institutions. However, not all of them are able to scale through or secure a visa to study in Canada.
This is owing to the fact that some of these applicants make mistakes that would have been avoided if they had prior knowledge of them. In this article, we will be discussing common mistakes that applicants need to avoid in order to obtain their study visas for Canada.
What is a Study Visa?
A study visa is a legal immigration document issued to an International student or students of another country. The government issues this visa to enable students to study in their country for a specified period.
Applicants are expected to apply for and obtain their student visa before resuming school in their host country.
What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for a Study Abroad Visa in Canada?
Applying for and getting a Canadian study visa can be tedious. To increase your chances of success, there are common mistakes you should avoid. We have carefully listed out and explained these common mistakes you should avoid while applying for a study abroad visa in Canada.
Here are the common mistakes you should avoid;
- Inadequate Research for the Application Process
The majority of the mistakes International Students make while applying for Canadian Study visas boil down to inadequate research.
Most students fail to understand the importance of research. They fail to follow every instruction to the letter. This often hinders them from securing their study visa. If you choose not to get professional help, you can independently conduct your research. This may prove hectic and time-consuming.
You will need to research your location. This includes the best university for you, course of study, cost of living including the application process and timeline.
While this process may be exhausting, if you are meticulous, you will be able to successfully carry it out and begin your application process.
- Not Selecting the best suited University and Program to Study in Canada
This can be a Herculean task and quite tricky as well. Selecting the program that best fits your prior academic background and the university to carry out your study is an important aspect of your application.
Completely changing your subject may seem suspicious and can cost you your study visa. This is unless you can adequately convince the authorities.
- Failing to Provide Necessary Documentation Throughout the Study Permit Process
This can reduce your chance of securing your Canadian Study Visa. To avoid this ugly occurrence, do the following;
- Ensure that all your documents are intact and up-to-date.
- Attach all supporting documents.
- Ensure that your signature is clearly signed, not scribbled.
- Make sure that all photocopied documents are clear and legible, not blurry.
- Double-check every form and document. Present your answers with precision.
- Only provide genuine documents. Avoid falsification.
- Check the official immigration document checklist for any special guidelines that may apply to your country and kind of application.
- Adhere to all instructions.
Some of the documents the IRCC website stipulates that you will need include:
- Proof of Acceptance: The school you have applied to makes this letter available to you. The original or electronic copy of your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or Proof of Acceptance should be attached to your Study Permit Application.
- Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter: this includes proof of identity and proof of financial support. You need the provincial attestation letter in your application.
You may also need the following
- Letter of Explanation
- Medical Exam
- Custodian Declaration (for minors only)
- Other essential documents
- Failing to Prove Sufficient Funds
Failure to prove to the authorities that you have sufficient funds to cater to your school needs is one major reason applicants are denied study visas.
You must show that you are not a freeloader and have sufficient means to cater to your needs.
According to IRCC, you can prove that you have sufficient funds through the following ways:
- Your bank statements for the past four months.
- A Canadian bank account in your name, if you have transferred funds to Canada.
- Proof of a student or education loan in your name.
- A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars.
- Proof that you paid tuition and accommodation fees.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
- A letter from the person or school giving you money.
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program.
- Proof of a student or education loan from a bank.
To learn more about how to prove you have sufficient funds for your study, click here.
- Inability to prove that you will return to your country after your studies
When we explained what the study visa is earlier, we did mention that it is valid for a specified number of years. This explains why it is necessary for you to return to your home country once your learning period is over.
All applicants must convince the authorities that they intend to return to their own country after their studies. Without this, you will be denied the Study Visa.
Some ways to prove to the authorities that you are willing to return home upon completing your program are;
- Provide a letter of reference from prior employers to demonstrate that you are linked to your professional network. This proves that you can easily seek employment in your home country once your program is over.
- Display the pages of your passport with trip stamps and visas to show that you respect other nations’ immigration procedures and will return home.
- Not Appropriately Highlighting Your Accomplishments
The SOP, Statement of Purpose is one of the most vital documents you will submit for your application.
It is a concise essay that highlights your strengths and successes and helps your school of choice decide if you are an eligible candidate.
It is advised that you elaborate on your achievements and please the authorities by letting them know how well you have fared in both curricular and extracurricular activities. With this, you help them see why they should choose you.
As you highlight your accomplishments, ensure that you are not exaggerating or lying about your accomplishments. Stick with the truth.
While applying for Study visas seems to be hectic, if done correctly, it will land you the opportunity to study in your dream country. One way to get it done right is by following the above steps and ensuring that you pay attention to every detail in your application process.
Also, ensure that you begin your application process on time. Avoid rush hour. Do not start processing your application when the deadline is close as this will put pressure on you and could lead to mistakes.
Finally, be confident and positive. Do the needful and trust for positive outcomes.
We are cheering you on!!!