Students whose Canadian study permits have been rejected may benefit from a new pilot project announced by Canada’s Federal Court. Launching on October 1, the Study Permit Pilot Project aims to expedite the process of requesting judicial reviews of study permit refusals.

Typically, judicial reviews can take 14-18 months, but under the pilot project, applicants may receive a decision in under five months. This process will combine the review of leave and the judicial review itself, streamlining the entire procedure.

The pilot project applies to students who were refused a study permit by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, including filing within the required timeframe—15 days for those inside Canada and 60 days for those outside.

There is no additional cost to participate, and all documentation must be submitted online through the court’s electronic filing system. This initiative aims to address the rising number of immigration-related court cases and help students gain quicker access to decisions that could impact their study plans in Canada.

This pilot project reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to adjust immigration policies and manage the growing demand for study permits.