I have a similar situation. My brother is in Canada on a closed work permit and his wife and 2 year old son who are overseas were just approved. But his 13 and 10 year old daughters (who are overseas as well) were denied. Upon inquiery, the consultant told us they submitted application for the girls in visitor visa category. My brother has been asked to obtain and submit acceptance letters from Canadian schools so they can resubmit the girls application in student visa category. My own research tells me that they just need to resubmit application in the correct category (SV) and don't need acceptance letters from Canadian schools as the girls are not in the country yet. My brother is worried that not submitting them will be a reason for a second time denial. What would you advise? Also, how much in funds does he have to show for the two girls (in addition to wife and young son?) to make sure it does not get denied due to insufficient funds?