Study Permit Refusal
While a study permit application refusal can be discouraging, viable pathways for reapplication may still exist. You can choose one of the following options to reapply.
Estimated Review Times refer only to document preparation or support timelines and do not include the actual IRCC processing time.
Use BorderPass for Re-Application Support
Estimated Review Time: ~2 weeks
Fees: Government of Canada application fee ($150)
(The University pays the BorderPass service fee for eligible students)
Steps:
- Sign in to your existing BorderPass account or sign up here
- Complete your application through the BorderPass guided platform
- Stay updated on your study permit status
In case of study permit refusal, BorderPass offers assessment services through a Canadian lawyer to assess whether the decision can be challenged in court, through a process called Judicial Review.
Alternatively, BorderPass can support you with a reapplication to address the reasons for refusal and improve your chances of a successful application. The University of Alberta pays the costs of reapplications, apart from government filing fees.
- If your refused study permit application was applied through BorderPass initially, your legal fees for Judicial Review will be waived. You will only be responsible for a $50 administrative fee to BorderPass and the $50 government processing fee.
- If you did not apply through BorderPass initially, Significant discounts are available through the U of A/BorderPass partnership to help you with the Judicial Review process.
BorderPass Client Service Costs
- Judicial Review (JR) for BorderPass-initiated-SP refusal: $100 (that is $50 government processing fee and $50 admin fee)
- JR for ISVS-referred SP refusal: $400 (includes $50 government processing fee and $50 admin fee) (Market rate: $3,500 - $8,000 CAD)
- Writ of Mandamus (WoM) for BorderPass-initiated SP: $500.
- WoM for ISVS-referred SP application: $900 (Market rate: $2,000 - $5,000 CAD).
*Note that you will receive clear information as to any costs or fees before they are charged to you, and you can always opt out of any BorderPass online services.
Submit a New Study Permit Application on Your Own
Estimated Review Time: not applicable
Fees: Government of Canada application fee ($150)
Before submitting a new application, complete these important steps:
Request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Use your @ualberta.ca account to submit a PAL request.
Graduate students do not require a PAL for a study permit application or reapplication, unless they are currently in Canada and also applying to restore their status. Find out if you need a PAL.
Prepare an Explanation Letter: Your explanation letter is separate from your study plan, but must also be uploaded to the “Client Information” section of your application. In the letter, you need to point to each reason for the previous refusal, as listed on your refusal letter, and provide evidence that these issues have been addressed. Examples include updated financial documents or a clarification of your plans to work in your home country after graduation.
Contact the University About a Program Deferral: If your study permit decision may not arrive in time for the start of your program, explore deferral options:- Graduate students: Contact your department or supervisor.
- Undergraduate students: Contact the Student Service Centre.
Request IRCC’s Global Case Management System (GCMS) Notes: Optional but Recommended. These internal notes can provide detailed insight into the visa officer’s review of your application. It can take 4-6 weeks to receive your notes, so request them as soon as possible. Use the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Online Request Service to obtain these notes.
Request Reconsideration: If you believe your application was refused in error:
- You can request reconsideration by submitting a letter through the IRCC Webform.
- You must show evidence of a visa officer's error.
- There is no fee for this request.
- You may still submit a new study permit application while this is in process.
- New documents or information will not be factored into the officer’s decision.
- Submitting a request for reconsideration does not impact other future study permit applications.