Canada study visa rejected? IRCC will now share refusal notes with letters to applicants
Pritha Roy Choudhury | August 1, 2025 | 09:22 PM IST | 2 mins read
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 started a new rule to send visa applicants detailed explanations when their applications are rejected, ending the need to file separate requests for this information. From July 29, 2025, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun including officer decision notes with refusal letters. The notes are written by the officer who reviewed the application.
Previously, Canada visa applicants had to file formal Access to Information requests to obtain these explanations. Now, IRCC will send these notes directly with the refusal letter.
Which Canada visa applications will get the notes?
The policy covers four key visa categories in its initial rollout:
- Temporary resident visas (excluding electronic travel authorisations and temporary resident permits)
- Visitor records
- Study permits
-
Work permits
However, this change applies only to those who apply through Canada’s regular processing system. Those using the newer “IRCC Portal – New version” will not get the notes. IRCC has said it will expand this service to more application types over a period of time.
IRCC Canada Student Visa: Transparency, security
While most visa refusal notes will be shared in full, IRCC reserves the right to redact sensitive information that could potentially compromise privacy and security. Still, applicants will get enough details to understand the decision, the IRCC has said.
This initiative aims to reduce the volume of requests filed through Canada’s Access to Information system. This change is part of Canada’s plan to make its immigration system more transparent and fair. It will also improve the experience for people who want to study, visit, or work in Canada.
IRCC has said that it is trying to offer better service and more helpful communication to people around the world. By including decision notes, they hope to make the visa process easier to understand.
Study in Canada: Policy shifts
In January 2024, Canada announced a two-year cap on study permits to reduce pressure on housing and public services. Starting November 2024, international students can work only up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions.
Also from November 2024, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility was restricted. Only students enrolled in programmes linked to long-term labour market needs are eligible. A total of 119 new programs were added, and 178 were removed from the PGWP list.
Another key change from November 2024 is that international students who change their post-secondary institution must apply for a new study permit.
Follow us for the latest education news on colleges and universities, admission, courses, exams, research, education policies, study abroad and more..
To get in touch, write to us at news@careers360.com.
Next Story
]Study Abroad: New Zealand plans to double international education earnings to NZD 7.2 billion by 2034
New Zealand government unveils strategy to increase international enrolments from 83,700 to 1,19,000 with longer work hours and simplified student visa policies; Indians key part of expansion plan.
Pritha Roy Choudhury | 2 mins readFeatured News
]- SAT, PSAT Exams: How College Board is expanding access to global education
- ‘It affects NUJS image’: Students complain of campus decay, demand VC ouster over harassment case
- New H-1B visa fees may have ‘negative’ impact on domestic placements at engineering colleges
- West Bengal: After 10-year wait for school jobs, Lepcha teachers now unpaid for 3 months
- GRE, TOEFL exams opening global education doors for students: ETS country manager
- Nursing ‘especially popular’ with Indian students at University of East Anglia’s School of Health Sciences
- Online, hybrid programmes have ‘broadened the MBA degree’s appeal’: GMAC regional director
- As the sector matures, international schools must support public schooling: TAISI chair
- AI reducing mediocrity in art, write Sir JJ School of Art, Architecture and Design faculty
- Bayer India expert: Freshers jobs now more about skills than degrees; AI, ML rarely taught effectively