Q & A: Failed Visitor Visa Application following Refugee Application

Q. Following a failed refugee application, I have been refused an extension of my student authorization on the grounds of tendency to immigrate. Is this justified?

Answer: A student authorization is essentially a visitor visa, with authorization to study. To be approved as a visitor, an immigration official must be satisfied that the applicant does not intend to remain in Canada permanently, or will at least leave Canada within the time specified.

The submission of the refugee application, in this case, may have been taken by immigration officials as an indication that the individual does not satisfy the stated requirement. This would result in the refusal of issuance of further student authorizations or extensions. The only possibility is for the individual to once again demonstrate that he meets the definition of a visitor.