GCMS Notes for Study Permit Refusals

What an officer assesses for a study permit

According to IRCC, you can come to Canada to study if you:^[1]

• are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI);
• prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you, and return transportation;
• obey the law, have no criminal record, and get a police certificate (if required);
• are in good health and get a medical exam (if required); and
• prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires.

IRCC also notes that, while studying in Canada, you must make progress towards completing your program and respect any conditions listed on your study permit.^[1] If your application is refused, requesting your full records lets you see the information IRCC holds about your application.

The status tracker vs. your full file

In the IRCC application status tracker you see only high-level statuses — for example, “Received” (IRCC has your application and is checking that it is complete) or “In progress” (IRCC is still reviewing it) — together with review sections such as background verification.^[2] Your full personal records held by IRCC contain much more than these high-level statuses, which is why many applicants request a complete copy of their file.

How to request your study permit records

Your own personal information held by IRCC can be requested under the Privacy Act. According to IRCC, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals — regardless of where they are located — can request access to their personal information held by federal government institutions.^[3]

Broader government records are requested under the Access to Information Act, which carries a $5.00 application fee.^[4] Under this Act, only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals present in Canada may apply directly. If you are none of these, you must ask a representative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to make the request for you, with your written consent.^[5] This is the role we perform for clients outside Canada — we act as your authorized representative and obtain your complete application file on your behalf.

Requests can be submitted online through IRCC’s ATIP Online Request tool, or in writing using IRCC’s form IMM 5563 (or the Treasury Board forms TBC/CTC 350-57 and 350-58).^[6] IRCC has 30 days to respond to a formal request, though this period may be extended in certain circumstances.^[7] If you are requesting from outside Canada, see our dedicated guide.

If your study permit was refused

Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, there is no formal process to appeal a decision on a temporary residence application, which includes study permits.^[9] You can re-apply, but IRCC advises that you should only do so if you can include information that you did not include before.^[8]

If you believe the decision was unreasonable, or that there was an error in law or in fairness, you can file an application for leave and judicial review with the Federal Court of Canada.^[9] Reviewing your full records first helps you decide which path fits your situation. For more, see our guide on GCMS notes after a refusal.

How to avoid delays or refusals

To help avoid delays or a refusal, IRCC advises applicants to:^[10]

• carefully read the application guide for your immigration category and follow the instructions;
• properly fill out, sign and date the application form(s);
• if required, provide biometrics within 30 days of receiving the request;
• include all the required documents listed on the application checklist; and
• pay the correct fee using the correct method of payment.

IRCC also notes that processing can take longer if your medical or security screening takes longer than usual, if you communicate by mail instead of using an online account, or if you do not respond to requests for information quickly.^[10]

Frequently asked questions

Why are study permits commonly refused?
IRCC requires applicants to prove they have enough money and that they will leave Canada when the study permit expires, among other requirements.^[1] Requesting your full records lets you see the information IRCC holds about your application.

Can I appeal a refused study permit?
There is no formal appeal for temporary residence decisions; you may re-apply with new information, or seek leave and judicial review at the Federal Court of Canada.^[9]

Can I work after I graduate?
You may be able to stay and work in Canada after you graduate by getting a post-graduation work permit (PGWP); PGWP eligibility depends on several requirements, including when you submit your study permit application.^[1]

Official sources

All information on this page is based on official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) information:

1. Study permit: Who can apply — Canada.ca
2. What does my status mean in the application status tracker? — IRCC
3. Who can make a request under the Privacy Act? — IRCC
4. What is the fee for an Access request? — IRCC
5. Who can make a request under the Access to Information Act? — IRCC
6. How and where do I submit an Access to Information or Privacy request? — IRCC
7. How long does the Department have to respond? — IRCC
8. If my immigration application is refused, do I have to wait before I apply again? — IRCC
9. How do I get help if my temporary residence application is refused? — IRCC
10. How can I avoid delays or refusals in processing my application? — IRCC