A student with about 56% in 12th grade was refused a study permit for a Computer Science degree (a 2020 offer deferred to 2021 with IRCC informed of the deferral). The family pulled CAIPS notes and asked whether to reapply — perhaps for a plain diploma instead.
What the thread advised:
- The SOP never addressed the low scores — that's the first fix. The bluntest reply: 'Your SOP has not addressed the low scores during school. You really need to work harder on your SOP.' When the academic record is weak, silence about it lets the officer fill the gap with doubt; the SOP must own the marks and show what changed since.
- Pick a course that fits the transcript. The second principle: choose the program according to the subjects you were actually strong in — 'if one secured low marks in maths, he shouldn't select a course based on mathematics.' A math-heavy CS degree on a 56% record with weak math invites the exact refusal received. Members mentioned alternatives like a computer programming program at a college (Conestoga was named) as a more defensible level and fit.
- The deferral wasn't the problem. Deferring the intake with IRCC informed and confirmation emails attached drew no criticism — the refusal machinery turned on academics and the SOP, not on the delayed start.
Reapplying was treated as an individual call: worthwhile only with a rebuilt SOP and a program the transcript can support.