New partnership offers visa support to Canada’s language students

The partnership between Languages Canada and BorderPass was announced in April 2025 to provide legal support to international students applying to Languages Canada’s member organisations at a critical time for the sector.  

“With visa refusals at record highs, this partnership gives international students and their agents the tools and legal support needed to navigate a complex system and submit stronger applications,” Jonathan Sherman, head of partnerships at BorderPass, told The PIE.

“It’s about making sure every student’s story is clearly told and fairly considered,” added Sherman. 

Last year, more than half of all visitor visas were refused entry into Canada, marking a 14% increase on the previous year and having a profound impact on the language education sector which depends on short-term students from abroad.  

By expanding access to BorderPass’ legal services, the collaboration aims to boost acceptance rates by improving the quality of visa applications.  

The support will be available for those applying for study permits and temporary resident visas (TRVs), as well as extension applications, Languages Canada confirmed. 

It will also allow students to appeal their visa rejections, with BorderPass recording an 80% success rate in overturning study permit visa refusals from the IRCC.  

“When a bona fide student is refused a visa through a low quality application or for invalid reasons, it is extremely disappointing for them, their families, and their agency or institution,” said Languages Canada executive director Gonzalo Peralta: “We want to be part of the solution to correct this.”  

Previously, it was difficult for international students and agencies to access expert immigration advice, and the cost of lodging a judicial review at a typical law firm can reach CA $8,000, according to BorderPass.  

BorderPass offers the same services at significantly reduced costs, with Languages Canada members receiving a further 10% discount, as well as continued legal support free of charge throughout their stay in Canada, said Peralta.  

Making sure that as many applications are accepted is absolutely crucial at this time

Gonzalo Peralta, Languages Canada

In recent months, Canadian language schools have reported higher-than-usual visa refusal rates, a trend which can be traced across Canada’s international higher education sector.  

And yet, what Peralta called “more worrisome” are the reasons for refusal, which in many cases appear to be invalid, and have sparked concerns about IRCC processing systems.  

“Student interest in Canada for language and other education remains high… making sure that as many applications are accepted is absolutely crucial at this time,” he added.

Specifically, stakeholders have raised worries that understaffing at the IRCC has overburdened immigration officials and that constant policy changes since January 2024 may have resulted in gaps in the system. 

“Visa officers are given less and less time to evaluate applications, meaning they have to make snap decisions and have to ‘play it safe’ to do their job in protecting Canada from unwarranted or non-desired applicants,” said Peralta.  

What’s more, the use of technology for group applications could also be leading to inconsistencies and generic reasons for refusal, according to BorderPass.  

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