Canada Study Visa Rejected? IRCC to Provide Refusal Notes

New IRCC policy aims to improve transparency as international students aspiring to study abroad face stricter Canada study visa requirements, work restrictions

The Canadian government has rolled out a new policy that’s set to enhance transparency for visa applicants. From July 29, 2025, when your application is refused, you will receive detailed insights into why that decision was made. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will include the notes from the officer who reviewed your application along with refusal letters, sparing applicants from needing to file separate requests for that information.

In the past, if an application wasn’t accepted, applicants had to go through formal procedures just to understand the reasons behind the refusal. The new measure aims to streamline this process, helping you to know right away what to consider for future applications.

Which Canada visa applications will get the notes?

This policy initially covers four key visa categories:

• Temporary resident visas (excluding electronic travel authorisations and temporary resident permits)
• Visitor records
• Study permits
• Work permits

It’s important to note that this transparency only applies to applicants who go through Canada’s regular processing system. Those using the newer “IRCC Portal – New version” won’t receive these helpful notes just yet. However, IRCC plans to expand this service to more application types over time.

IRCC Canada Student Visa: Transparency, security

While most refusal notes will be shared in full, the IRCC maintains the right to redact sensitive information that could impact privacy and security. Nonetheless, applicants should expect to gain sufficient insight to understand the reasons behind their application outcomes. This initiative is part of Canada’s goal to create a fairer immigration landscape and enhance the experience for those looking to study, visit, or work in the country.

The motivation behind these changes is to reduce the number of requests submitted through Canada’s Access to Information system, facilitating better communication with folks worldwide. By including decision notes, the IRCC hopes to make the visa process a lot more transparent and user-friendly.

Study in Canada: Policy shifts

In addition to the new transparency measures, significant changes are on the horizon for international students. Starting in January 2024, Canada introduced a two-year cap on study permits to alleviate pressure on housing and public services. Then, in November 2024, there will be restrictions on off-campus work: students can only work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions.

Moreover, from November 2024, the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will tighten. Only students in programmes that meet long-term labour market needs will qualify. This means that some programs will be added to the eligible list, while others will be removed—119 new programs are being added while 178 will no longer be eligible.

One last noteworthy change beginning in November 2024 is the requirement for international students to apply for a new study permit if they switch their post-secondary institution. This shift means more planning is needed when selecting your educational path.