This session has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

The international education landscape in Canada is experiencing major changes in 2024. New regulations such as the cap on study permit applications and removal of open work permit eligibility for spouses of students pursuing undergraduate programs have a direct impact on students’ academic goals and institutions’ international student enrollment targets. This session aims to dissect the reasons behind study permit refusals, through insights from recent legal proceedings and our firsthand experience of supporting students who have received negative decisions on their study permit applications. IRCC data reveals significant study permit refusal rates: 40% in 2021, 49% in 2020, and 40% in 2019. Our discussion will explore practical strategies that improve support systems for students. Developing a deeper understanding of factors affecting decisions on study permits can assist us in aiding students to fulfill their aspirations of studying in Canada; this, in turn, will also help educational institutions achieve their student enrollment targets. Upon conclusion of this session, attendees will have actionable recommendations to support students in submitting strong applications, mitigating the possibilities of refusals, and aiding students in addressing refusals effectively.