---
title: "3. Common Refusal Reasons and Mistakes to Avoid"
type: "wiki"
space: "I am an international student"
author: "Heather MacIntyre"
created: 2026-08-13T19:53:01Z
updated: 2026-08-13T19:57:48Z
url: "https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/96/i-am-an-international-student/wiki/view/18330/3-common-refusal-reasons-and-mistakes-to-avoid"
---

# 3. Common Refusal Reasons and Mistakes to Avoid

## Table of Contents

- Common Reasons for Refusal
- Common Mistakes to Avoid

# Common Reasons for Refusal

- Insufficient financial history

- Outdated bank statements

- Unclear source of funds

- Insufficient funds

- Sponsor documents not provided

- Insufficient ties to home country

- Program choice not logical

- Previous refusals not declared

- Expired or invalid Provincial Attestation Letter \(PAL\)

- Proof of eligibility to apply inside Canada not provided

- Translation \(English or French\)

# Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Assuming your Provincial Attestation Letter \(PAL\) /Letter of Acceptance \(LOA\) will be issued immediately after payment

- Waiting too long to apply for your study permit after receiving your LOA and PAL

- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents

- Confusing a study permit with a electronic travel authorization \(eTA\) or Temporary Resident Visa

- Making travel plans before your study permit is approved

- Assuming you do not need a study permit because you are a protected person

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