Updated for the last time on June 23, 1993, at 9:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time (Toronto Time). Canada has historically been a haven for those seeking improved opportunities, excellent education, and a diverse, multicultural community. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently seen a significant rise in the rejection rates for visitor visas, study permits, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs), and even Permanent Residency (PR) applications. Recent official statistics indicate a 61% increase in refusals from high-risk countries. Additionally, many of these denials are due to mistakes made by IRCC officials, leaving applicants feeling frustrated, anxious, and often financially strained. This article will explore the reasons behind the growing number of rejections, the implications of IRCC’s mistakes, and practical advice on what to do if your application is turned down. The increase in denials across multiple Canadian immigration categories—including visitor visas, study permits, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs), and Permanent Residency (PR) applications—has raised alarm among applicants and immigration experts. However, what is causing this phenomenon? IRCC Systems are inundated. The IRCC typically manages about 204 million applications in progress at any time, which can put a strain on its resources. As a result, visa officers, who are often overloaded, might miss important documents or misread eligibility requirements, resulting in incorrect refusals. For instance, an applicant may provide adequate proof of funds, yet the officer may incorrectly assert that they haven’t, due to a lack of attention. Revised Policies and More Rigorous Standards. Recent changes in policies, like stricter eligibility requirements for SOWPs starting in January 2019 and more rigorous evaluation of study permit applications, have made it more difficult for applicants to receive approvals. Many applicants are surprised by these changes, particularly if they submitted their applications before the new regulations were implemented but were evaluated according to the tougher criteria. Irregularity in Decision-Making.