What is the refund policy at my university if my visa application for the US or Canada is rejected?
Yes, most US and Canadian universities refund tuition deposits after an official visa rejection, though application fees and government fees like the USD 350 SEVIS fee are non-refundable. Canadian institutions may deduct a CAD 100 to 500 administrative fee, and you must submit your rejection letter within about 30 days.
Yes, both US and Canadian universities generally refund your tuition deposit if your student visa is officially rejected, but the exact process, deadline, and deductions depend on the specific institution. You will always need to submit an official rejection letter to claim your refund.
Refund Rules By Country
| Cost | United States (F-1) | Canada (Study Permit) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition or enrollment deposit | Usually refunded with proof of visa denial | Legally protected refund from Designated Learning Institutions after IRCC refusal |
| Application fee | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
| Government fees | SEVIS fee of USD 350 and visa fee are non-refundable | Study permit and biometrics fees are non-refundable |
| Administrative deduction | Varies by university | Often CAD 100 to 500 processing fee |
Steps To Claim Your Refund
- Keep proof: Save a digital copy of the official consular or IRCC refusal letter.
- Check deadlines: Many universities require you to submit your refund request within about 30 days of the refusal, or before the term start date.
- Submit formally: Contact your university's international student office and complete their visa denial refund form with the refusal letter attached.
- Consider deferral: Many US universities prefer to defer your admission to the next intake instead of processing a full refund.
My Advice
Always check your specific university's international student financial policy page before assuming a standard refund amount, since deductions and deadlines differ across institutions. I would request the refund form as soon as you receive your rejection letter, since missing the submission window can cost you the refund entirely.
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