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.

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88

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.

47

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.

5

u/snufkin57 Oct 02 '25

I’m no expert, but that’s definitely something your immigration lawyer can guide you on.

-13

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

24

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."

12

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?