Canada’s study visa rejection rate in 2025 has surged to 62%, an increase from 52% in 2024, official data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revealed.
This also means that from January to July 2025, Canada’s study visa approval rate dropped to 38% from 48% recorded in 2024.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that a breakdown of Canada’s study visa rejection rate from January to July 2025 showed that nearly 290,000 study permit applications were refused.
This accounted for a record-high volume in Canada’s recent history, a development that has escalated concern among prospective students.
While Canada’s study visa rejection rate is due to various reasons it comes after the implementation of caps on study permit approvals, reducing the number from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025.
Also, Canada doubled its proof-of-funds requirements from $10,000 in 2023 to $20,635 in 2024.
Below are the top reasons for study visa refusal according to the data from IRCC;
Unconvinced Applicant Will Leave Canada After Studies (Travel History) – 76.0%
According to official data from the IRCC, the leading reason for study permit refusals was the perception that applicants would not leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay, based on their travel history.
Unconvinced Applicant Will Leave Canada Based on Financial Assets – 53.3%
The second-most common refusal reason in 2025, cited in 53.3% of cases, was doubt about an applicant’s intent to leave Canada based on their financial assets.
Purpose of Visit Not Consistent with a Temporary Stay – 47.3%
In 47.3% of refusals, IRCC officers determined that the applicant’s purpose of visit was not consistent with a temporary stay.
Insufficient Financial Resources for Tuition – 18.8%
In 18.8% of refusals, applicants failed to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, a critical requirement for study permit approval.
Document Authenticity and Misrepresentation
Another reason cited for study visa rejection is misrepresentation or withholding of material facts, accounting for nearly 5% of refusals.
