The curious case of student visa rejections & tips to avoid them!

Student visa rejections can be heartbreaking! It’s hard to accept and might make you feel low after all the expectations and toiling around finding your dream university abroad. All in a wink you may feel like the earth has stopped rotating. But it isn’t the end of your dream!

There are ways in which you can resume your dream and successfully get that rejected student visa to make it yours. In this blog, you will read about how you can avoid student visa rejections and what to do after rejections. This is going to be great! You’re ready? Dive in!

Why do student visas get rejected?

While moving abroad for higher studies, a student visa is a mandatory entry ticket. It’s all about satisfying the visa officers on your ‘purpose and passion’ to study in the country. When you don’t meet certain visa requirements, you are inclined to get rejected. But wait! Here are a few factors that decide your possibility of getting a student visa.

1. Proof of funds

Proof of funds (POF) is the amount of money you need to demonstrate to the visa officers. This is to prove to them that you have just enough funds to take care of the expense of you and your family (if they accompany you) throughout the stay. POF includes funds such as living expenses, academic expenses such as tuition fees.

Make sure you have more than the POF so that it will help you in case of an emergency. You must demonstrate funds while obtaining a study permit and getting admitted into the university. After which you can work part-time to look after all your expenses.

2. Cross major study program

When you choose a study program irrelevant to your academic qualifications, you are considering selecting a cross-major study program. Visa officers do not encourage such decisions and might reject your student visa.

Make sure you select a program that is either a specialization or is aligned with your academics. For example, if you’ve completed a Bachelor’s in Civil engineering, you must not choose a program such as Psychology. Even if you wish to study psychology, you shall explain it in your Statement of Purpose (SOP).

3. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Letter of Acceptance is a formal proof of acceptance from the college/university you applied for. Without an LOA you cannot apply for a student visa or obtain a study permit. LOA is called Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) in the UK and Letter of Acceptance (LOA) in Canada and at times commonly called the Acceptance letter.

Make sure to obtain a letter of acceptance (LOA) before applying for the student visa. Only with an LOA, you will be given a Study permit by the border officers.

Note: In the case of Canada, make sure you apply and get LOA from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Only then you will obtain a Study Permit in Canada.

4. English language proficiency tests

International students who wish to study in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, etc. must prove their proficiency English language by taking tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. Failing to score the necessary mark on the test will make you ineligible for obtaining a student visa.

Make sure you research well on the necessary Language proficiency scores to get admission into the university and get a student visa.

Note: Many universities in the UK waive off IELTS if you meet certain requirements such as studying school education in English medium, good academic marks, personal interview, etc.

5. Stay back after studying

Visa officers look for your intent to study abroad and return to your home country for employment. Even though your intent to study abroad is to earn a Permanent Residency after your studies, you must prove to the visa officers that you won’t stay back. You must explain in your Statement of Purpose (SOP) that, you have good employment opportunities in your country.

Make sure you mention that you are passionate about studying and have great employment opportunities.

Note: Write a strong SOP! This is a great chance to score well in obtaining a student visa.

6. Biometric and vaccinations

While applying for a student visa, you must take biometrics where you must provide your photo and your fingerprints. You must be vaccinated with vaccines that are accepted by the Canadian government.

Make sure to take the biometrics and give the necessary vaccine shots to avoid student visa rejections.

7. Supporting documents and information

Ensure you are providing all the necessary documents and information in the application form. If you feel it is quite cumbersome, get the help of an overseas education consultant to apply for a student visa.

What’s after a student visa rejection?

Come on! It’s not the end of the world. Here are two ways to do after a student visa rejection:

• Re-apply

Once your student visa gets rejected, don’t give up! Re-apply and ensure to be careful while applying and avoid the mistake if any

• Apply for a different country

This must be your second priority. If you feel like the country is not issuing a student visa, it’s high time you look for another country! You can choose between countries Canada, Australia, and the UK. This is because of fact that these 3 countries are welcoming more international students and encouraging with many student benefits.

How to apply for a student visa abroad?

1. Decide on your study program

Make sure you choose a study program that is relevant to your academics. Do not choose a random program. Select a program that interests you!

2. Choose the country

This could be tricky! Different countries have their own pros and cons. In case your passion is only to study abroad in a reputed college and return home, you may choose Australia and the UK.

If you would like to stay back after your studies and aim for permanent residency status, then you may choose Canada.

3. Shortlist the best universities

Universities play a major role in your academic life. Shortlist 2 or 3 universities that have facilities such as accommodation, gyms, playgrounds, library, recreational areas, and technological facilities. In the case of Canada, make sure it’s a DLI.

4. Take the language proficiency tests

Take the language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc. before applying since almost all universities ask for your language proficiency score (except for the UK where many universities waive off IELTS)

5. Apply to the universities

Start applying for the shortlisted universities and wait for the acceptance letter from the universities.

6. Apply for a student visa

Once you receive the acceptance letter from the university/college, start the student visa. Now that you’ve learned the key factors that determine student visa approvals and how to avoid them from this blog, start your journey now!

Conclusion

You read the 7 key factors that determine your student visa acceptance abroad. Make sure you give high importance to all the 7 factors and apply for a student visa with utmost care.

In case you’re stumbling upon the student visa application with less clarity, get the assistance of an Overseas Education Consultant to make it hassle-free! Contact CanApprove to fuel up your overseas education dreams! From choosing courses & universities to getting student visa & post-departure assisatnce, CanApprove has got you covered! Now is the time, begin now!