Study Permit Refusal
While a study permit application refusal can be discouraging, viable pathways for reapplication may still exist. Carefully review all steps below before proceeding.
Study Permit Reapplication Checklist
Before submitting a new application, complete these important steps:
Request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Use your @ualberta.ca account to submit a PAL request.
As of January 2026, graduate students do not require a PAL for a study permit application or reapplication, unless they are currently in Canada and also applying to restore their status. Find out if you need a PAL.
Prepare an Explanation Letter
Your explanation letter is separate from your study plan, but must also be uploaded to the “Client Information” section of your application. In the letter, you need to point to each reason for the previous refusal, as listed on your refusal letter, and provide evidence that these issues have been addressed. Examples include updated financial documents or a clarification of your plans to work in your home country after graduation.
Contact the University About a Program Deferral
If your study permit decision may not arrive in time for the start of your program, explore deferral options:- Graduate students: Contact your department or supervisor.
- Undergraduate students: Contact the Student Service Centre.
Request IRCC’s Global Case Management System (GCMS) Notes
Optional but Recommended. These internal notes can provide detailed insight into the visa officer’s review of your application. It can take 4-6 weeks to receive your notes, so request them as soon as possible. Use the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Online Request Service to obtain these notes.
Request Reconsideration
If you believe your application was refused in error:
- You can request reconsideration by submitting a letter through the IRCC Webform.
- You must show evidence of a visa officer's error.
- There is no fee for this request.
- You may still submit a new study permit application while this is in process.
- New documents or information will not be factored into the officer’s decision.
- Submitting a request for reconsideration does not impact other future study permit applications.
Understand Your Options for Reapplying
You can choose one of the following three options to reapply. Review each option carefully before deciding.
Submit a New Study Permit Application on Your Own
Estimated Review Time: not applicable
Fees: Government of Canada application fee ($150)
Steps:
- Request GCMS Notes (Recommended)
- Prepare your Explanation Letter
- Submit your new application
Use BorderPass for Application Support
Estimated Review Time: ~2 weeks
Fees: Government of Canada application fee ($150)
(The University covers the BorderPass service fee for eligible students)
Steps:
- Sign up using the registration link that we will send
- Complete your application through the BorderPass guided platform
- Stay updated on your study permit status
What is BorderPass?
- The University of Alberta has partnered with BorderPass, a digital platform that provides access to licensed Canadian immigration lawyers and a guided online process to ensure your study permit application is complete, accurate, and professionally reviewed.
- The University does not share your personal information with BorderPass. If you choose to use the service, use only the direct registration link provided to you. Do not share your personal registration link.
- If reconsideration or a subsequent study permit application is unsuccessful and you believe your study permit was refused in error, BorderPass may support a Judicial Review in Canada’s Federal Court.
- You can receive a discounted rate for a Judicial Review if needed.
BorderPass Privacy Policy
BorderPass Terms of Use and Refund Policy
University of Alberta Privacy Statement
Timelines and Deadlines for Judicial Review of IRCC Refusals
Request a Document Review by a U of A International Student Specialist
Estimated Review Time: Up to 20 business days (~1 Month)
Fees Required: Government of Canada application fee ($150)
Steps:
- Request GCMS Notes
- Provide the following required documents.
- Study Permit Refusal Letter from IRCC
- University of Alberta Offer of Admission
- Explanation letter/study plan (Client Information file)
- Proof of Means of Financial Support file
- Update your study permit application documents based on the feedback you received, and then submit a new application.
Submit the Reapplication Support Assessment Form
After reviewing all options, complete the following form using your @ualberta.ca account to let us know how you plan to proceed so that an International Student Specialist can assist you, if required.
Study Permit Refusal - Reapplication Support Assessment Form