Study Permit Application (Cebu, Philippines)

[chngmnch]

Hi everyone. So happy that this forum exists. I have so many questions, and hopefully I can get some answers here so that my anxiety doesn't build up further.

So on Oct 30 of this year, my paper application for a study permit was processed by VFS Cebu. This is a re-application because I was refused on Oct 14 for the reason that I didn't submit my NBI certificate. That application was done on Oct 8 online and I was not asked for a NBI certificate, just my LOA, financial documents, passport photo, application forms and passport. I also attached a letter of explanation.

On Oct 9, I received a medical request. I was already very hopeful at that point. But to my dismay, I received the refusal letter less than a week later, two days before I was scheduled for my medical examination. I was shocked and frustrated, but I didn't lose hope because lacking an NBI certificate isn't that dire of a reason. So my parents urged me to reapply, this time via paper application. And on Oct 30, VFS processed my application.

Fast forward to today (Nov 17), I received an email notification from VFS saying "your processed passport has been dispatched". What does this mean? I submitted my original passport with my application. In my mind, it could either mean that they are returning my passport along with a medical request or that my application has been refused (yet again).

I could really use some enlightenment right now. I would like to know if there's anyone in the Philippines who is in or went through the same situation.

Advanced thanks.

 

[Lexmark86]

Hi! I am also a Cebuano but currently working here in Singapore. May I know what is your agency, course and territory that you are applying for? I am planning to study next year in Manitoba but couldn't find the thread for pinoy international students thread for Manitoba. Thank you.

 

[koreanstudent]

have you taken medical exam for your second application? if not yet I am sorry to say that it may be a negative result again.

 

[chngmnch]

Lexmark86: I applied with the assistance of IDP. I plan on taking up an Associate of Arts program (2 years) that's related to my undergrad course. The school I applied for is in British Columbia.

koreanstudent: No, I have not. I'm planning on going to VFS tomorrow to pick up my passport personally. I'm about 75% sure that it has been refused (again). There's a million things going through my mind right now as to why it would be refused again. My IDP counselor and I reviewed my documents thoroughly before reapplying. And even before applying the first time, I took an assessment and was considered eligible. Sigh.

I talked to my parents and they said that if it is refused, my other option is to apply for a student visa for Australia next year. But I really want to study in Canada.

 

[elyxandria]

@Lexmark86... I'll be studying in Manitoba this January 2015... Goodluck on your application... =)

@chngmnch... stay positive... last July when I received a message from VFS like yours... my SP has been approved... =)

 

[Hopefulgir08]

Hi everyone. So happy that this forum exists. I have so many questions, and hopefully I can get some answers here so that my anxiety doesn't build up further.

So on Oct 30 of this year, my paper application for a study permit was processed by VFS Cebu. This is a re-application because I was refused on Oct 14 for the reason that I didn't submit my NBI certificate. That application was done on Oct 8 online and I was not asked for a NBI certificate, just my LOA, financial documents, passport photo, application forms and passport. I also attached a letter of explanation.

On Oct 9, I received a medical request. I was already very hopeful at that point. But to my dismay, I received the refusal letter less than a week later, two days before I was scheduled for my medical examination. I was shocked and frustrated, but I didn't lose hope because lacking an NBI certificate isn't that dire of a reason. So my parents urged me to reapply, this time via paper application. And on Oct 30, VFS processed my application.

Fast forward to today (Nov 17), I received an email notification from VFS saying "your processed passport has been dispatched". What does this mean? I submitted my original passport with my application. In my mind, it could either mean that they are returning my passport along with a medical request or that my application has been refused (yet again).

I could really use some enlightenment right now. I would like to know if there's anyone in the Philippines who is in or went through the same situation.

Advanced thanks.

Hi, are you done with your medical exams?
Just like you I applied twice and didnt lose hope. My first application was refused because I have failed to submit foreign police clearances but before I got my papers back, I was able to get my medical exams done. I collected those clearances and reapplied, after 6 days, I received an email confirmation from CIC that my application has been approved.
I hope its a good news for you too. God Bless!

 

[Hopefulgir08]

Hey chngmnch, if in case you will be asked for other supporting docs.

This is the list of what I've submitted:

Visa Application forms
College diploma, TOR
IELTS results
LOA
payment receipt (1 sem)
Statement of purpose
College application form
Nbi
Birth certificate
Foreign police clearances
Former visas
Sponsor's ids (parents)
Marriage contract
Proof of business
Bank statement (4months)
Bank certificate
Annual income tax (parents)
Special power of attorney (from my parents)
Affidavit of support (from my parent)
Photo

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[chngmnch]

Hopefulgirl08: Hi. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I really appreciate it.

But sad to say, I went to VFS today to pick up my passport and the outcome was just as I had expected (for the most part). I was refused. For the second time.

This time there are three reasons:

You have not satisfied me that you would leave Canada at the end of your stay. In reaching this decision, I considered several factors, including:

- your travel history
- limited employment prospects in your country of residence

Other reasons:
- insufficient evidence to satisfy me that you are/would be a genuine student, and that you would depart Canada after a period of authorized stay R1, R216

I'm really confused and devastated right now. With regards to my travel history, I've only been to Singapore and that was a vacation. I was there for almost 2 weeks. The course I applied for in BC was an Associate of Arts program in Writing in Selkirk College (Castlegar). I'm a graduate of Corporate Communication and have a year of experience as a content writer (SEO). The SEO industry is booming here in Cebu (and I'm pretty sure in Manila as well) and the establishment of publishing companies here in the Phils. are increasing. I honestly want to study in Canada so that I have an edge when I start a career in publishing. I mentioned that in my Statement of Purpose.

Do any of you have any advice for me? As of the moment, I'm unsure as to whether or not I'd apply again for the 3rd time.

 

[Hopefulgir08]

Hi, sry to hear that. But I would suggest you make a strong SOP, explaining why u wanted to take the program and your plans after. Its better to say that you want to start ur own publishing company and why u want to start it here, talk about how passionate you are sa field na yun. Meron ako kilala, she applied for a student visa and got accepted without any travel history. I am thinking it was how u presented ur documents din, try to collect the docs ive mentioned. And try it again. You still have time pa naman. Don't lose hope, sayang din.

 

[chngmnch]

Thanks so much for your advice, Hopefulgirl08! If I decide to reapply and with the support of my parents, I'm definitely going to work on a stronger SoP. The one I submitted was only a single page. I'm really confused with the travel history reason. Do you happen to know the specifics or grounds for this particular reason?

I was going for the January 2015 intake with this (refused) application. Clearly, I won't be able to make it. If I reapply, when do you think is the most ideal time to reapply?

 

[erwinjohn997]

Thanks so much for your advice, Hopefulgirl08! If I decide to reapply and with the support of my parents, I'm definitely going to work on a stronger SoP. The one I submitted was only a single page. I'm really confused with the travel history reason. Do you happen to know the specifics or grounds for this particular reason?

I was going for the January 2015 intake with this (refused) application. Clearly, I won't be able to make it. If I reapply, when do you think is the most ideal time to reapply?

aw. sorry to hear that na narefused po yung application mo. wag ka pong mawalan ng pag asa. based sa mga nabasa ko nilagay nila sa SOP nila yung mga job oppurtunities nila dito sa pilipinas like for example kung sa writing industry ka pwede ka sa media, etc. then try mo po mag pakita ng COE then pagawa ka sa boss mo ng letter na after you study in Canada may babalikan ka pang work dun sa office niyo; this is also considered as a proof of strong country ties.
actually di ako expert mag bigay ng advice pero based lang po to sa mga nabasa kong threads.. goodluck and pray hard lang po makukuha mo din visa mo

 

[Lexmark86]

Hopefully everything will be fine on your next try. I believe they are all right. Just make a strong SOP as what I've read from the other post by some students. Nothing is impossible if combined with lots of prayers also.. Actually, Selkirk College is one of my options as they have Post graduate courses and co op works. Anyway, We'll just wait from the advices of the Senior members here.

 

[Lexmark86]

Hi Elyxandria! I am still about to start my application. Still long way to go hehe I still need to go back to Cebu to gather my documents. May I know what school and course are you going to take up?

 

[chngmnch]

Hey guys. Thank you for being so helpful and encouraging. After discussing everything with my parents, I've decided that I will give it one more try. As to what specific intake date, I have yet to decide. Again, maraming salamat talaga. Nakakatulong talaga 'tong forum na 'to.

I just have a question, especially for those who have been refused (whether once or twice)... Did the embassy return ALL of the documents you submitted? I'm aware that they withhold fraudulent papers. But in most cases, do they return everything to the applicant?

 

[elyxandria]

Hi Elyxandria! I am still about to start my application. Still long way to go hehe I still need to go back to Cebu to gather my documents. May I know what school and course are you going to take up?

ei I'll be taking up International Business at Red River College, 12 months with coop... =)