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Student visa refused: what you can do next (UK and Canada)
In short: a refused student visa is not always the end. In the UK, if you applied from outside the UK and your refusal letter allows it, you can ask for an administrative review within 28 days for GBP 80, though it can take 12 months or more. In Canada there is no appeal for a study permit, but you can reapply with a letter answering each refusal reason, ask for the officer’s notes to see why, request reconsideration if the officer made an error, or ask a lawyer about judicial review. Read the refusal letter first: it lists the reasons and your options.
Your options
| Country | Option | How it works | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Administrative review | If you applied from outside the UK and the refusal letter says you can: apply online within 28 days, GBP 80. It can take 12 months or more; making a new application withdraws it. Usually only one review. | GOV.UK read 7 Nov 2026 |
| United Kingdom | Apply again | A new application answering the refusal reasons, with a new fee. | GOV.UK read 7 Nov 2026 |
| Canada | Reapply | A new application with the CAD 150 fee and a letter answering each refusal reason with evidence; a new provincial attestation letter may be needed. | University of Alberta read 7 Nov 2026 |
| Canada | See why: the officer’s notes | Request the officer’s notes (GCMS notes) through the government’s access-to-information service; they can take 4 to 6 weeks. | University of Alberta read 7 Nov 2026 |
| Canada | Reconsideration | If you believe the officer made an error, ask IRCC by webform to reconsider; free, but new documents are not considered. | University of Alberta read 7 Nov 2026 |
| Canada | Judicial review | A court challenge to the decision; ask a licensed Canadian lawyer whether it is worth it, and act quickly. | University of Alberta read 7 Nov 2026 |
Last checked: 7 Nov 2026. The Canadian rows come from the University of Alberta's guidance for its students, which follows IRCC's processes; check IRCC's own pages and your refusal letter. This is information, not legal advice: for a court challenge, speak to a licensed lawyer.
What to do next
- Read the refusal letter and list every reason it gives.
- Fix the money first if that was a reason: what each visa asks you to show.
- Check your documents: student visa document checklist.
- Beware of anyone promising a guaranteed visa: how to check an agent.
Questions
What can I do if my student visa is refused?
a refused student visa is not always the end. In the UK, if you applied from outside the UK and your refusal letter allows it, you can ask for an administrative review within 28 days for GBP 80, though it can take 12 months or more. In Canada there is no appeal for a study permit, but you can reapply with a letter answering each refusal reason, ask for the officer’s notes to see why, request reconsideration if the officer made an error, or ask a lawyer about judicial review. Read the refusal letter first: it lists the reasons and your options.
Can I appeal a UK student visa refusal?
Usually not by appeal: you can ask for an administrative review within 28 days for GBP 80 if you applied from outside the UK and the refusal letter allows it, according to GOV.UK.
Should I reapply straight away after a Canadian refusal?
Only once you can answer every refusal reason with evidence. Many students first request the officer’s notes to see exactly why, which can take 4 to 6 weeks.