Maple News reports that Canada’s Federal Court is introducing a new pilot program designed to accelerate the judicial review process for students whose study permit applications were denied. Known as the Study Permit Pilot Project, the initiative will take effect on October 1, 2024.
Traditionally, seeking a judicial review of a refused study permit could take between 14 to 18 months. Under this new project, eligible applicants may see their cases resolved in less than five months, significantly reducing the wait time. The project streamlines the review by allowing the request for leave (permission to proceed) and the judicial review itself to be assessed simultaneously.
This expedited process is aimed at reducing procedural delays while maintaining fairness and transparency. There is no additional fee to opt into the pilot, beyond the standard $50 Federal Court filing cost for judicial reviews.
To qualify, applicants must meet several conditions. Both the individual and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must agree to participate in the pilot. Additionally, the facts of the case must be straightforward—meaning the case should not involve complex legal or national security issues, inadmissibility concerns, or require the submission of new evidence such as affidavits.
Eligibility is open to individuals who applied for a Canadian study permit and received a refusal letter from IRCC. Applicants must act quickly—those applying from within Canada have 15 days from the date of refusal, while those applying from outside Canada have 60 days to initiate the process.
All documentation must be submitted via the Federal Court’s online electronic filing system using Form IR-1. Applicants must clearly indicate their intent to participate in the pilot project in three specific sections of the form. Once files are submitted, a judge will review the application and provide a decision.
This initiative reflects Canada’s effort to improve accessibility and efficiency in its immigration processes, particularly for international students who are increasingly vital to the country’s academic institutions and long-term economic growth.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on how this pilot unfolds and its potential implications for international education in Canada.