Why Did My Canadian Study Visa Get Refused for Insufficient Funds? Guidance and Solutions

Recently, you might have received a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) informing you of the refusal of your study visa application due to insufficient funds. You might be wondering how this happened when your funds are significantly higher than your tuition fees. Let’s break down the issue and discuss how you can address it.

Understanding the Refusal Reason

The root cause of your rejection was your inability to provide sufficient evidence of your financial capability to cover the necessary living expenses during your stay in Canada. Your application letter clearly states the reason, and it is your responsibility to understand this detail fully. If you are unsure of the exact wording, please highlight any confusion and I’ll help you interpret it.

Review Relevant Communications

It is essential to review all communications from IRCC, including email notifications that explain the refusal. Make sure to check your spam folder as well. Look through every line of your emails, including those from your educational institution. If you find the information in your school file, make sure you did not misinterpret or miss any crucial details.

Financial Requirements for Study Programs

Typically, for a 3-year study program, the financial requirements are substantial. Assuming a tuition fee of CAD 30,000 annually, you would need a minimum of CAD 12,000 for living expenses each year. This amounts to at least CAD 126,000 for a 3-year program. Your current funds of CAD 80,000 are insufficient to cover the entire tuition and living expenses. A 4-year degree program would require even more, which highlights the importance of a thorough financial assessment.

Necessity of Proof of Legitimate Source

According to the regulations, you must provide proof of the legitimate source of your funds. Simply having the money in your account is not enough; you need to demonstrate where it came from. If your funds were deposited without a clear source, such as cash, IRCC cannot consider it legitimate. Therefore, you must follow the guidelines and ensure all your funding sources are properly documented.

Addressing the Deficit

Based on your current financial situation, let’s evaluate the shortfall. Assuming you allocate CAD 12,000 per year for living expenses and need CAD 30,000 for tuition, your total deficit over three years amounts to CAD 48,000. If you assume you can earn CAD 21,000 over 3 years working 20 hours per week at CAD 16.60 per hour, your deficit would still be around CAD 15,000. Adding the missing tuition of CAD 10,000, the total deficit is approximately CAD 25,000.

Since you did not show IRCC an allocation for living expenses in your budget, it is crucial to address this in your new application. If you struggle to find funding to cover the deficit, consider enrolling in a school with lower tuition fees for international students:

Canada Universities with Lower Tuition for International Students

Memorial University, St. John’s, NL: Tuition fees for 3 years: CAD 33,480 - 60,000 University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB: Tuition fees for 3 years: CAD 60,870 University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB: Tuition fees for 3 years: CAD 61,920

These universities provide viable alternatives, and reapplying with a revised budget can significantly improve your chances of approval. Remember, the Canadian government allows part-time work opportunities during the school year, which can offer additional income sources.

Exploring Additional Income Sources

Depending on your skills and abilities, you can explore various part-time jobs that pay above the minimum wage. For example, teaching the cello, working in day trading, or conducting part-time work in a medical lab can provide you with the necessary funds. Creativity and hard work can bridge the gap in your financial requirements.

By thoroughly reviewing your finances, ensuring proof of legitimate funds, and carefully assessing available alternatives, you can take the necessary steps to reapply successfully. Remember, your commitment to your education and the ability to demonstrate your financial capability are key factors in your application.

Good luck with your application and studies, and we hope you achieve your dream of studying in Canada!