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A recent decision by the Federal Court, study permit applications do not need payment of tuition.

The Tehrani v. Canada case has advantages for students from other countries.

In the case of Tehrani v. Canada, the Federal Court determined that applicants for study permits do not have to pay all or part of their tuition expenses (Citizenship and Immigration).


Iranian national Tehrani applied for a study permit after being admitted to a degree in project management at a university in Toronto.


The immigration official rejected Tehrani's application for a study permit because she was unconvinced that he would depart Canada after his permitted stay expired. Tehrani's marital status, family links to Canada, and the fact that he only paid a portion of the tuition to secure his spot in the program were taken into consideration while making the decision.


Iranian national Tehrani applied for a study permit after being admitted to a degree in project management at a university in Toronto.


The immigration official rejected Tehrani's application for a study permit because she was unconvinced that he would depart Canada after his permitted stay expired. Tehrani's marital status, family links to Canada, and the fact that he only paid a portion of the tuition to secure his spot in the program were taken into consideration while making the decision.


The officer made a mistake by rejecting Tehrani's application for a study permit on the grounds that he had not paid his entire tuition. Furthermore, the officer never discovered that Tehrani lacked the resources to continue his education in Canada.


Ultimately, the court determined that Tehrani's decision to depart Canada at the conclusion of his permitted stay had no bearing on the tuition payment. The officer's decision to deny Tehrani's study permission was deemed irrational by the court because it lacked explanation and failed to consider the evidence Tehrani had presented.


The Tehrani case focuses on the affordability of education and the significance of providing housing for foreign students wishing to study in Canada.


The decision eliminates a roadblock for international students who want to study in Canada, but may not be able to cover all or part of their tuition at the time they apply for a study permit. An applicant is welcome to apply for a study permit and won't be punished for unpaid tuition during the application submission stage as long as they can show they have the necessary financial capacity to cover tuition and other costs when necessary.


Canada's high standard of education and affordability, especially when compared to other well-liked international student destinations, make it a popular choice for international students. Also, Canada offers post-graduation prospects for accessible employment and immigration.


Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have significantly boosted the number of study permits it issues in recent years. A record-breaking 551,405 foreign students from 184 nations came to Canada in 2022. There were 807,750 foreign students in Canada with legitimate study visas as of the end of 2022.


Process of applying for a study permit:

As soon as a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) sends you a letter of acceptance, you should apply right away for a study visa.


Once they get a letter of admission, an international student must: In order to be qualified for a study permit, they must:


  1. Provide proof of having enough money to pay for the first year of tuition, living costs, and return travel to his or her place of origin.

  2. A spotless record candidate having a criminal history can be rejected. An applicant may be asked by IRCC to submit a police clearance certificate.

  3. Possess good health. An applicant may be asked by IRCC to undergo a medical examination; and,

  4. Ensure the immigration official that you will depart Canada at the conclusion of the study permit-authorized stay.


How to craft a compelling application for a study permit:


If immigration officers do not think the applicant will adhere to the conditions of their stay as a student, they have the authority to accept or reject study visa applications.


Officers should be persuaded that your visit is indeed intended for academic purposes. 77% of study permit denials between 2019 and 2021 were the result of the IRCC not being convinced that the applicant's visit was for academic purposes. Another common justification for rejecting study permit applications is that you must make it obvious that you will depart at the conclusion of your permitted stay.


To improve the likelihood of approval, the following suggestions are made:

  1. providing a clear, logical progression from prior education to Canadian education in terms of studies;

  2. demonstrate financial stability with appropriate documentation;

  3. Describe any gaps in your education.

  4. Make it clear that you intend to depart Canada after your studies are finished;

  5. Add any further supporting information that might persuade the official to evaluate the application of your eligibility.

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