Why Study Permit Applications Get Refused—Even When You Follow the IRCC Document Checklist
- Chisom N.
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
When applying for a Canadian study permit, many applicants rely solely on the IRCC document checklist, believing that submitting a bank statement, a sponsor letter, and proof of tuition will guarantee approval. However, the unfortunate reality is that many students still face refusals, even after meticulously following the guidelines outlined on the IRCC website. So, why does this happen?
What IRCC Says About Proof of Funds
According to the IRCC study permit checklist, applicants are required to demonstrate:
Proof of first-year tuition payment
A minimum of $20,635 CAD for living expenses (more if studying in Quebec or bringing family)
Acceptable documents include:
A recent bank statement
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
A letter from your sponsor
Proof of a student loan or scholarship
On paper, this checklist seems simple and straightforward. However, in practice, it’s not enough to ensure approval.
What Visa Officers Actually Look At
By reviewing GCMS (Global Case Management System) notes, we have compiled a list of common reasons for refusal related to proof of funds, which applicants often encounter despite submitting the required documents from the IRCC checklist.
Inadequate and Unverifiable Proof of Financial Support
The application was refused because the visa officer was not convinced that the applicant had reliable access to sufficient funds. These are the issues noted by the visa officer:
Unclear source of funds and lack of supporting documentation for sponsor's income and savings.
Large, unexplained deposits and inconsistent balances in the sponsor's bank statement raised doubts.
Applicant’s personal financial situation did not demonstrate sufficient independence or ability to cover study and living expenses.
2. Insufficient and Unsubstantiated Financial Documentation
Sponsor's bank statement lacked evidence of consistent income and included unexplained cash deposits.
No supporting documents were provided to verify the legitimacy and sustainability of the funds.
Applicant’s personal savings were insufficient to cover full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Insufficient Financial Evidence and Lack of Documented Relationship with the Sponsor
No documentation was provided to verify the familial relationship with the sponsor, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the support.
Financial resources presented were insufficient to cover tuition and living expenses in Canada. Lack of credible evidence led to doubts about the applicant’s ability to sustain themselves during their stay.
Refusals don't arise simply because financial documents were missing or applicants did not submit the required paperwork. However, visa officers look beyond the checklist for clear, credible explanations that align with each applicant’s unique financial circumstances. Drawing from our years of experience, we have developed a practical, streamlined guide that goes beyond the standard checklist to help you meet these expectations and improve your chances of a successful study permit application.
The Gap: IRCC Checklist vs. Officer Expectations
Let’s break it down:
What Most Applicants Submit | What Visa Officers Want to See |
A one-time bank statement | 6 months of consistent account activity |
A simple sponsor letter | Proof of the sponsor’s income and employment, pay slips, tax returns, and relationship evidence to confirm capacity and obligation |
A lump-sum transfer | Clear explanation of source and purpose of funds |
GIC or bank balance | Additional proof that funds are accessible and sufficient long-term |
It’s not just about the amount of money; it’s about the credibility of the financial situation.
Introducing: The Study Permit Proof of Funds Sponsorship Guide
To help students and sponsors avoid costly refusals, we created the Study Permit Proof of Funds Sponsorship Guide. Inside the guide, you will find:
Step-by-step instructions for presenting your proof of funds
Sponsor letter templates that have proven successful
Lists of required financial documents (with examples)
Pro tips drawn from our real case files and GCMS notes
Whether you are applying for the first time or trying again after a refusal, this guide will help you to build a strong, credible financial case.
👉 Click below to purchase the Sponsorship Guide Or Contact us today if you need one-on-one help with your study permit application.
Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance
Navigating the study permit application process can be daunting, especially when the stakes are high. Don’t let a simple oversight or misunderstanding lead to a refusal. Go beyond the checklist and ensure your application stands out.
📩 Email us ask@infoplacecanada.ca | 📞+1 306 585 6565 | 🔗 Follow us on Instagram for more tips
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