What Happens When the Intake Date Has Passed but the Student Visa is Still Processing in Canada?

If the intake date for a program in Canada has passed but a student's visa application is still being processed, several outcomes may occur, depending on the situation and actions taken by the student and the institution.

Deferral to Next Intake

Many institutions in Canada allow students to defer their admission to the next available intake. It is crucial for the student to contact the admissions office of their institution as soon as they realize their visa will not be processed in time. Delaying notification may result in losing a deposit or missing the opportunity to enroll in the next intake.

Visa Processing Delays

In some cases, students may receive their visa just after the intake date. However, it is important for the student to explain their situation to the institution. Communication and understanding from both the student and the institution can help mitigate any issues.

Communication with the Institution

Students should keep open communication with their school regarding their visa status. Institutions may offer options or advice for students in this situation, such as deferral, alternative enrollment arrangements, or the possibility of starting studies immediately with a pending permit.

Consideration of Study Permit Validity

Even if the study permit is approved after the intake date, the student may still be allowed to start their studies, depending on the institution's policies. It is essential for the student to understand the specific policies of their institution and keep track of their visa application status to avoid any misunderstandings or delays.

Withdrawal

If the visa is not granted and the student cannot defer their intake, they may need to withdraw from the program and consider reapplying for a future intake. This option is usually the last resort and can be emotionally and financially challenging.

Proactive Steps to Prevent Delays

We hope that the international student was mature enough to read the international admissions information concerning this on the school's website or even contacted the admissions department prior to the intake date when it looked like they would not receive their study permit on time.

If the student had acted like an adult and gathered all the necessary information, they would have already deferred their intake date or given proper notice to cancel their enrollment and avoided losing their deposit.

What to Do Now

It is crucial to take immediate action. Contact your designated learning institution and notify them about your circumstances. Follow up with an application for deferment of your offer to the next academic intake.

Good luck!