Why Canadian Student Visas are Rejected Due to “Dual Intent”
A Canadian study permit, often known as a student visa/ student visas, may be denied for a variety of reasons, including lack of funds, ambiguous or missing documentation, or poor academic standing. Due to “dual intent,” one of the most frequent reasons why a student visa is denied.
But what does that mean?
Dual intent is the intention to enter Canada with the goal of obtaining both temporary and permanent residency. When applications for student visas are denied for this reason, it’s usually because the visa officer examining the application is unconvinced that the applicant intends to leave Canada after completing their studies.
For this reason, it’s especially important for students to make it clear in their Statement of Purpose, and to the officer, that they plan to return home upon finishing their studies.
Work on Your SOP
Introducing yourself to your institution and the visa officer can be done through a Statement of Purpose, or SOP. In this essay, you introduce yourself and explain why you would be a valuable addition to the program you are applying to.
Make sure to mention going home after graduation in your SOP. Don’t talk about your intentions to remain in Canada after your programme is through. This violates the terms and conditions of your visa and may result in the denial of your study permit.
Your SOP should also discuss your accomplishments, problems you’ve conquered, and extracurricular activity experience.
Note: Many students may want to address dual intent directly by mentioning their desire to become a future permanent resident of the country. However, for the best chances of having your visa accepted, it’s best to avoid the topic entirely. Focus fully on your interest in studying in Canada.
Get Your Documents in Order
Make sure you don’t forget anything while giving the required documentation for your student visa application. Among the crucial records to submit are:
- A letter of approval (LOA)
- Proof of identity
- Proof of financial assistance
- History of travel Additional personal documents (birth certificate, biometrics, etc.)
- In order to demonstrate that you do not intend to remain in Canada after the study visa expires, it is usually a good idea to present documents demonstrating your intention to return to your native country.
It’s crucial to incorporate proof in your supporting paperwork while organising your records. For instance, any gaps in your schooling or career history may be explained by your medical or employment records.
Elaborate on Previous History
Discuss your prior travel experiences with your immigration officer once you arrive at the airport as well as in your SOP. Give specifics about your journeys and your motivations, and make it obvious that you always made it back home.
Be cautious while discussing your former connections and links if you’ve been to Canada before. Having these relationships may help you feel more at ease while you are a student there and may be a support system if you ever get the chance to relocate to Canada. However, it can lead visa officers to suspect that you would overstay your visa after finishing your education.
Tip: If you haven’t traveled yet, now can be a good opportunity to book a trip somewhere abroad! Doing so shows proof that you’ve traveled to different countries and have a history of returning home.
Inteview tips
Once you’ve arrived in Canada, an interview with an immigration officer might be nerve-wracking. However, with enough preparation and practise, you can overcome these worries. It is beneficial to be prepared to respond to specific inquiries regarding your programme and prepare answers in advance. Some typical queries are as follows:
- “Why did you choose to study in Canada instead of working in your home country?”
- “What made you choose x program at x school?”
- “How are you funding yourself while studying abroad?”
- “Are you planning to return to your home country after your studies?” (To which the answer should always be “yes”!)
Keeping these questions in mind, it can help to think about:
- Why you chose your specific program and institution, and how it will help you get a job in your home country
- The improved job opportunities you can get after studying abroad, and companies you can apply to
After carefully reviewing your SOP, papers, travel history, and interview, it’s crucial to highlight going home in order to minimise the chance of getting flagged for dual intent. These suggestions can assist you in moving one step closer to realising your study abroad aspirations, regardless of whether you have previously been refused or are just now applying.