If Applying For Canadian Study Visa, How to Explain Five Years Break in Studies?

International students sometimes face problems during their Canadian study visa application process for immigrating to Canada. Especially, those graduate students who wish to take higher education after a years-long break in studies face difficulties while applying for a Canadian study visa.

A Break in Studies Leads to a Study Gap

Nowadays, study gap is becoming a common trend as the international students usually explore different opportunities in their secondary, senior secondary and sometimes after graduation.

There may be various reasons for a break in studies such as national or international level exam preparation, internship programs, short term courses and many others.

How Much of Study Gap is Acceptable in Canadian Universities?

Canada is known for its liberal education system. Mostly, Canadian universities consider international students with study gap, but a considerable break may be unacceptable sometimes.

However, Canadian universities accept the study gap of 2 years for undergraduate and five years for postgraduate applicants.

How to Explain Your Break in Studies?

While applying for a Canadian study visa, you will have to pass through various stages. One of these stages is an interview with the immigration officer.

In the interview process, you will have to explain everything you mentioned in your application, including your study gap.

Let’s understand the possible reasons behind the gap in studies that a student may encounter.

Re-Exam Due to Low Marks

Most of the students don’t get good marks in their secondary or senior secondary. Therefore, they apply for re-exam to improve their overall grade.

Applicants need to present supporting documents for ill health or other reasons in favour of their statements given to immigration officer.

Unpleasant Health Condition

Sometimes, students have health issues either with themselves or their family members that bring a gap in their studies.

Applicants need to present supporting documents which favour their statements given to immigration officer.

Family Situation

A family is a priority in everyone’s life. However, a difficult family situation or crisis can bring a long gap in student’s study as sometimes they need to temporary leave their education and work to aid their family situation.

If you honestly explain your family situation without hiding any fact, then it’ll be easy for you to get your study visa.

Job Compulsion

In many cases, students after finishing their graduate studies start working. Later, they find it hard to survive in their job and realize that they should attain some higher education.

Consequently, they should attach some proof to explain the reason for study gap while applying for a study visa.

National / International Level Exam Preparation

Usually, after completing school education, students start preparing for national-level examinations such as JEE /AIEEE /NEET and others as well as global examinations such as SAT/IELTS/GMAT/GRE/TOEFL and others.

As a result, these preparations bring one to two-year gaps in their higher-level studies.

Bottom Line

Well, a study gap of more than five years may be a little difficult for the students to explain to the immigration authorities while applying for the Canadian study visa.

However, honestly explaining your break in studies leading to the study gap with supporting documents as proofs and a proper justification can bring a considerate view to your study visa application.

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Shobha Vats

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