7 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Canada Study Visa Application (With Bonus Tips) | Globexa Immigration
Applying for a Canada Study Visa is one of the most important steps toward achieving your dream of studying abroad. However, even small mistakes in your application can lead to delays or visa refusal. At Globexa Immigration, we’ve seen students lose opportunities simply because of avoidable errors in documentation, program choice, or financial preparation.
In this detailed guide, Globexa Immigration experts explain the top 7 mistakes students make while applying for a Canada Study Visa — and share exclusive bonus tips that can dramatically improve your visa success rate.
1. Choosing the Wrong Location
One of the most common mistakes is selecting your study location based on friends or relatives, instead of PR (Permanent Residency) opportunities.
Your PR eligibility in Canada depends largely on where you study — not just what you study. For example, regions covered under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) or the Ontario International Student Stream offer easier PR pathways.
Globexa Tip:
Choose a PR-supportive province or city for your studies. If you study in one of the 14 RNIP communities, you may qualify for permanent residency faster.
2. Selecting an Irrelevant Study Program
Many students make the mistake of choosing a program only based on their previous education, while ignoring their work experience — a common reason for visa refusals.
For instance, if you have a BA in Arts but your job experience is in IT, you should pick a program in Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, or Business Analytics. Visa officers want to see a logical connection between your education, work experience, and future goals.
Globexa Tip:
Choose a course that supports your career progression — not just your academic history.
3. Opting for a One-Year Program
Another big mistake is selecting a one-year diploma program, expecting a one-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to be enough for PR.
In reality, one year of PGWP is often too short to gain relevant work experience and secure PR in Canada.
Globexa Tip:
To maximize your chances:
Choose a two-year diploma, or
Combine two one-year diplomas, or
Go for a Master’s degree (which automatically grants a 3-year PGWP).
The goal is simple — get a 3-year work permit to strengthen your PR application.
4. Not Paying the Full First-Year Tuition Fee
Some students pay only a semester’s fee, thinking it’s sufficient since SDS requirements have relaxed. However, Globexa Immigration has noticed that IRCC still strongly prefers students who pay their full first-year tuition fees.
Paying the entire fee shows financial stability and reduces the risk of refusal.
Globexa Tip:
Always pay your full first-year tuition fee — it significantly improves visa approval chances under both SDS and non-SDS streams.
5. Skipping the GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
A growing number of applicants skip GIC deposits, assuming they’re outdated. But GIC remains one of the strongest financial proofs in your visa file.
Globexa Tip:
If you’re applying from India, Pakistan, or China:
Open a GIC account with a Canadian bank such as ICICI Bank Canada.
Deposit the required funds (~CAD $23,000).
You can withdraw it after arriving in Canada.
Submitting GIC and full tuition together shows that both your living expenses and tuition fees are covered — a key reason for faster visa approvals.
6. Applying Without IELTS or Other English Test Scores
Even though IELTS is no longer mandatory under SDS, applying without it is highly risky. Visa acceptance rates for PTE or TOEFL are significantly lower than for IELTS.
Recommended IELTS Scores (by Globexa Immigration):
Undergraduate programs: 6.0 in all modules
Postgraduate/Master’s programs: 6.5 overall, no less than 6.0 in any module
Statistically, IELTS-based visa applications have about 50% approval, while PTE/TOEFL-based applications have less than 20%. Don’t take the risk — attach valid IELTS results.
7. Not Reapplying After a Visa Refusal
Many students give up after one refusal — a big mistake. Canada’s visa system allows multiple reapplications, and many successful students at Globexa Immigration received their visas on the second or third attempt.
Globexa Tip:
Don’t lose hope. If your documents, course, and financials are correct, keep reapplying. Each reapplication costs only around ₹10,000 — consider it an investment in your future.
Bonus Tips from Globexa Immigration Experts
1. Choose Universities That Reissue PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter)
Under Canada’s new system, you’ll need a fresh PAL for each reapplication. Select universities that allow unlimited PAL reissues, such as:
Algoma University
Laurentian University
Trinity Western University
Yorkville University
Kendall College
Providence University College
Avoid institutions that refuse to issue a new PAL after refusal — it could cost you time, money, and effort.
2. Provide Salary Account Statements as Job Proof
Visa officers now expect to see salary deposits in your bank account as employment proof. Merely attaching offer letters and pay slips isn’t enough anymore.
Globexa Tip:
Include your salary account statement along with offer letters and payslips to show genuine work history.
3. Apply for Your Entire Family Together
Many applicants fear applying with their families, but Globexa Immigration strongly recommends submitting a family visa application together.
It prevents emotional separation and presents a stronger, more transparent financial profile.
💰 Minimum fund requirements for family visas:
Couple: $29,000 CAD
Family of 3: $36,000 CAD
Family of 4: $43,000 CAD
Plan your finances in advance — it improves overall visa approval rates.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Canada Study Visa in 2025 requires careful planning, documentation, and expert guidance. By avoiding these seven mistakes and following Globexa Immigration’s professional advice, you can significantly increase your chances of success.
If you want to apply for a Canada Study Visa, Canada PR, or Family Visa, connect with Globexa Immigration today. Our team has years of experience and a proven record of successful visa approvals.
📞 Contact Globexa Immigration —
Your trusted Visa Counselor in Panipat for
Canada Study Visa, PR Guidance, and Study Abroad Services.
