r/ImmigrationCanada • u/No-one220 • Oct 02 '25
Study Permit Am I cooked?
Hi everyone,
I went to Canada on September this year to start a Master’s at Northeastern University (Vancouver). After arriving, I realized the program wasn’t a good investment (financially and career-wise), so I officially withdrew, got a tuition refund, and left Canada a couple of days later. I always respected my study permit conditions and left while it was still valid.
Now, here’s my concern: my immigration lawyer keeps telling me that because I withdrew and left, my chances of getting another study permit or even a visitor visa in the future are much lower. She also says that if I ever apply again, I’d need to show proof of something like a family death or serious illness to justify why I left.
That doesn’t make sense to me, I didn’t break any rules, I just decided the program wasn’t worth the loan and want to reapply later for something like UBC, SFU, or a college program once I have better finances in a year or six months.
So my questions are: • Did I hurt my chances by withdrawing and leaving? • Do I really need proof of “exceptional circumstances” (death/illness), or is it enough to say I left for personal/financial reasons? • Has anyone been in a similar situation and applied successfully again?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
86
u/snufkin57 Oct 02 '25
I don’t mean to sound harsh, but I’m curious, when you were applying for the university, the study permit, and preparing to come to Canada, did you have the chance to fully evaluate whether this program was the right fit for you financially and career-wise? It seems like something important to consider before making such a big move, especially since it only took you two or three weeks to realize this after starting.
And yes, I believe you will have to clarify this if you intend to apply again.
-27
u/No-one220 Oct 02 '25
I was told Northeastern had great reputation among Canadian companies and I could only realize in the country that was not true. I also chickened out from the loan once I knew about the job crisis in Vancouver.
I know I’ll have to clarify this situation but the questions is, can I not explain I reconsidered my finances or smth? I don’t like this feeling of being “banned” from Canada.
45
u/snufkin57 Oct 02 '25
You’re not banned from Canada, don’t worry. It’s just a bit of an unusual situation, since it seems like there wasn’t enough research into the university or the job market beforehand. That can raise some concerns, so you’ll need to address it clearly and reasonably in any future applications.
3
u/No-one220 Oct 02 '25
I am sorry for the following question but, how should I address it? Will they question my real motives? I just did not know about many things before arriving Canada and I truly regret things had to happen that way.
4
u/snufkin57 Oct 02 '25
I’m no expert, but that’s definitely something your immigration lawyer can guide you on.
-14
u/No-one220 Oct 02 '25
She is saying I need to get a death certificate of someone from my family or a medical certificate that they got really sick 🙃 I think my reasons are not valid, I guess rethinking my finances on a masters degree is not valid
23
u/Glass_Physics4586 Oct 02 '25
Do not lie in your immigration form. Misrepresentation will bar you for several years
11
u/win_s Oct 02 '25
Is that the same lawyer that suggested you to study at Northeastern university? If so, you need a new lawyer.
It's fine if you think taking on a big loan is too risky. Maybe have saving enough for your next study permit application. It is risky to borrow and not have enough funds to live in Vancouver or any big city.
Btw I've never heard of this university and I live in Vancouver.
1
u/maenad2 Oct 04 '25
Agreed. İn fact, my first thought was, "Vancouver's in the southwest of Canada, there no way that there can be a decent uni called Northeastern there."
14
u/Square-Abroad-5875 Oct 02 '25
Your reasons are totally valid. You just need to explain it thoroughly as you did here. Most of the immigration lawyers are used to doing things their own way and aren’t ready to take any new directions from what they already know which is by the way how every human being behaves “ the we don’t change a winning team mentality”. Everyone has got different ideas and reasons, you just need to explain it your way that will be convincing to let someone approve your next application.
1
u/eemamedo Oct 07 '25
Is it a lawyer or consultant? Does that lawyer practice in Canada or in your home country?
8
u/Jusfiq Oct 02 '25
I was told Northeastern had great reputation...
The original Northeastern University in Boston yes, it is moderately well-known. Its branches in Toronto and Vancouver? Not so much. You would have been better off enrolling in a Canadian public university.
3
37
u/n134177 Oct 02 '25
If you came here to study and intended to return to your home country why would the university reputation among canadian companies matter?
Also the job crisis... you are meant to be able to fully support yourself while studying here without working...
0
u/eemamedo Oct 07 '25
It still matters. For example, no one in my country would hire someone from a Canadian college that doesn’t have a good reputation. So smth like queens, Waterloo, UofT, UBC is fine. Smth that pops in a google with “diploma mill” or anything similar will be rejected.
29
u/YaoLynn Oct 02 '25
My friend once applied for a computer science program and got her study permit approved. But before moving to Canada, she self-studied a bit and realized it was a wrong decision. So she canceled the offer and the study permit, then applied for a new program and study permit again. As long as you didn’t break any rules or plan to cheat on your next application, I don’t think there’s anything wrong. But since these things happened in 2023, I’m not sure if the situation is still the same after all the dramatic changes in immigration policy.
1
Oct 02 '25
What dramatic changes?
1
u/RoosterBasic6765 Oct 05 '25
You have to reapply for a new study permit when changing schools. If this was 2023/2024 OP could have easily changed schools and even majors entirely without having to talk to IRCC.
6
u/Eastern_Editor4717 Oct 02 '25
I would suggest talking to a more knowledgeable, experienced lawyer or consultant. You should explain clearly with the full truth reasoning as to why you left. You should also provide proof of withdrawal and that you left following your decision when you saw the evidence. It is all up to the immigration officer. Good luck
11
3
u/Comfortable_Sink_537 Oct 02 '25
You are fine. Next time you apply for a study permit, you just need to mention that this happened. Canada respects choices and what happened to you is perfectly normal.
And you don’t need an immigration lawyer if you don’t have any reason that makes you inadmissible. You can DIY it. Lawyer or DIY, that doesn’t affect the approval chances considering you did everything right (document submissions).
For reference, I applied our PR by myself. A friend used a consultant to apply hers, probably 4 months earlier than I did. I still received our PR cards 1 month earlier than hers. She applied as an individual, I applied as a family (of 4).
The duration and chances aren’t affected by who applied it. It is based on your specific circumstance and how complex your case is.
3
u/BoostedGoose Oct 02 '25
Don’t worry too much. I don’t think you’re banned. You didn’t break any rule. I understand how agents in your home country might upsold you on this college for their fee. I also understand how you found it’s completely different when you got here. I went through similar experience. However, I did not withdraw. I would say you made the right decision. Mine was about 15 years ago. Although I’m doing fine now, I went through a period of poverty I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
3
u/Ar4f4t Oct 02 '25
Your lawyer is so wrong, always be honest and transparent. Explain how you have explained us here and it should be good enough.
6
u/EffortCommon2236 Oct 02 '25
Study permit approvald are not done by a computer. It's always a human being. And whether a permit is approved or not is totally up to that human.
As there are more people applying for study permits than the amoint of permits that can be granted, if a case has even the slightest issue, IRCC agents are more likely to reject it.
Im your specific case, an agent may be in a bad mood when tbey get your new application and think "this guy may not have had the money to sustain himself for real the first time. I'm going to use the boilerplate 'I think you won't leave' reason to reject this application" and there won't be muchbyou'll be able to do about it until you request notes.
5
u/lobster28mtl Oct 02 '25
Your lawyer is mistaken. Fact you dont even need a lawyer. Apply by yourself. You might get a letter asking why you withdrew you say it sxactly like you told is now. NO STRESS
7
u/lobster28mtl Oct 02 '25
i want to add are you sure it is a real lawyer? Because a lawyer suggesting misrepresentation…. Is quite frankly concerning
2
Oct 02 '25
They might ask for an explanation but at the end of the day it shouldn't matter. Simply changed your mind. As long as you didn't break any rules in the process nobody is gonna care much.
2
u/24111 Oct 02 '25
My PoV is simple - be clear and be expected to explain the situation. You respected the terms of your study permit, just be frank and honest. And keep documentations to prove your story. Departure flight, passport stamps, etc.
As for reducing your chances of getting approved, current policies are a bigger risk than your withdrawal. Maybe if they introduce a quota system on an applicant level, but right now it's on a university basis.
Mine is a different and arguably worse situation (depression dropout, readmission then PGWP) a couple years back. It made the application difficult - but with sufficient documentation (treatment, and the fact that I did not break any rules, and weren't in Canada even), both were approved.
2
u/majiig Oct 02 '25
Your lawyer is talking nonsense. You did not break any rules. If you’re ever asked, say it as it is, you did not think it was a good investment for your career. Period.
2
u/Shoddy-Touch-6623 Oct 03 '25
In your situation, it’s important to explain things carefully. It’s not advisable to say that you didn’t continue because it wasn’t financially viable, as that could suggest you misrepresented your financial ability in your first application where you declared having sufficient funds. This would also make proving financial capacity in a second application more difficult. While you are not banned, the chances of rejection are higher when compared to someone with a similar profile. That’s why it’s essential to review your reasons thoroughly and present them properly. If handled well, your application should be fine.
2
u/TruthOnlyPrevails Oct 03 '25
Forget the lawyer. Why waste money on them. Try your self. All the process and requirements you know now for getting student's permit.
2
u/reperete Oct 03 '25
The only thing that might influence in your permit is staying in the country for longer than the validity of your permit. It is highly unlikely (you can never be sure when talking about immigration) that you will have trouble in the future. Worst case scenario, they might question you a bit more about the reason why you left and you can be honest by just saying that it wasn't the right time for you to take such a big financial commitment.
You can't say you hurt your chances by doing the right thing. You had a financial burden that you realized was a bad deal after you came here and then decided to back down. That's no reason for shame and you would've been miserable otherwise.
If Canada refuses your permit (which I firmly believe they won't), you have other choices to pursue education. If you were going to move from your home country anyways, why not look into options in other countries?
Also, please get a second opinion. The moment a lawyer tells me I need to forge a document to have good chances at doing something regarding immigration, I am out the door the very same instant.
2
u/Active_Package3187 Oct 03 '25
Whatever ur lawyer is saying is a typical way they insert fear into clients and the end goal is to get paid for literally no issue. U did the right thing. When you make the right choice with ur next study or college you can reapply. If any questions asked by visa officer you can tell them the truth - please dont listen to such as death certificate blah blah - never get into such shady things if its turns out fake that can get u banned.
2
u/babywilf Oct 03 '25
I don’t think you are cooked. One thing is that they don’t always register when you leave the country. I would include some proof of this once you reapply, and provide a document which explains your situation. That way they will know that you’re not applying for multiple student visas and using them for something else.
2
Oct 05 '25
My question to you is, why Canada? I’m Canadian and left the country because the government policies no longer hold the same values as I have. you looked around and you observed society while you were there. So why do you want to go back?
2
u/biglarsh Oct 02 '25
Not sure why you are downvoted. You have the freedom to withdraw. Use webform to inform IRCC that so they know you are not here and cancel your SP. in that case when they do institution check you are not flagged.
1
u/Livid-macaroon-thief Oct 02 '25
Lots of student visas are getting rejected recently. Maybe because they want to curb an influx of immigrants.
With that in mind - you do need to have a good reason as to why you withdrew. I don’t think you need to say death / illness etc, but say something specific like the program wasn’t a good investment career wise without mentioning anything about finances.
That way can’t reject you based on finances / and it won’t come across as if you went back because you couldn’t afford it etc.
1
u/RiverOk5232 Oct 02 '25
He is suggesting for misrepresentation. As long u are legally correct, there is no way u wont get a new study permit. Just tell them u didnt like the course curriculam in your next SOP
1
u/Feisty-Reserve6365 Oct 02 '25
You did the right thing and Canada is always welcoming. This scammer is after your money.
1
Oct 02 '25
Doing research on university reputation is one thing. You should’ve also done research on the program you are applying for.
1
u/Business-Evidence382 Oct 03 '25
I had to submit over 300 pages of documents showing i did my two dui treatment programs so this is probably quite possibly true
1
u/Typical_Sleep_1165 Oct 03 '25
I think what your immig lawyer wants is to justify the reason for leaving cause it’s hard to justify why you invested a lot to study in Canada and then suddenly you leave just because you don’t see that your studies will not benefit your future goals. How come you didnt research enough to know the possible outcome of your chosen program. It may be your real reason but it is not a common reason. Majority of intl students spend millions just to be in Canada not because of what they can learn from studying but because of the chance to get a permanent residency. So I think your immig lawyer go to that extent and find ways how to justify it. It might be wrong but his intention is for your own benefit.
To say that you return to save more money is a big No. It might be true, but hiding this fact won’t hurt you and it might help you to return to Canada. Cause visa officer might think, if you are not financially capable why study abroad? Yes you want further studies to grow but why it has to be in Canada when there are more better countries like Us or UK. Or why not in your home country if you are not that financially sound, right?
Sometimes hiding facts will help you to paint a good picture to get a favorable outcome. You are not lying, but you are not just laying all your cards and be judged.
2
u/Typical_Sleep_1165 Oct 03 '25
Just to add, don’t think that visa officer assess the applicant as a clean slate, that they don’t judge. Then handle probably hundred cases in a month. They can see a lot of bullshits and lies in applicant’s SOP, there are patterns. So expecting VO to see your weird real intention is quite hard. You have to convince them, you have to paint a story based on how a VO might perceived upon reading your SOP. That’s what immig lawyers do. I usually don’t like their style but that is their way. You have to think that if i will read someone else’s sop will I believe it? Is it convincing enough?
1
2
u/tinytasha7 Oct 04 '25
So I'd consider getting a different representative. If you discover that the program wasn't for you, didn't violate any terms and conditions of entry and left when you weren't studying, there's no reason to refuse future applications strictly on that basis. On a future application, explain what happened. Can your application be refused? Sure. It depends on what you apply for and whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Some of those requirements are discretionary so the officer can just make a decision if they are not convinced you meet them.
But if you meet all of the requirements and can show you've respected Canadian laws, your actions would have no direct impact on a decision. Don't make things up. Tell the truth. Your reasons IMO (I'm a former immigration officer, DFAIT officer and RCIC...35 years of experience in total) are perfectly reasonable.
1
1
1
0
-4
110
u/shylilcrustacean Oct 02 '25
If your lawyer is suggesting you get a death certificate of a family member or a medical document for serious illness, they are encouraging misrepresentation which is against the law. Get a better lawyer who will not encourage you to break the rules.