Why is a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) important?
The Letter of Acceptance is of utmost importance as it is one of the primary requirements for applying for a study permit. Hence, the question is, how to obtain a letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning institution?
How to obtain a Letter of Acceptance?
The first step towards obtaining a letter of acceptance involves applying for admission to a Canadian-designated learning institution. If the candidate successfully secures admission, the university will issue an acceptance letter for them.
The letter of acceptance must contain the following details:
- The student’s full name, date of birth, and mailing address;
- The student’s ID number (if applicable)
- The name of the institution and the name of the official contact person;
- The contact information of the institution;
- If the DLI is a private institution, the licensing information for the institution should be clearly stated (usually on the institution’s letterhead);
- The DLI number;
- The type of school or institution (e.g., private, public, post-secondary college, community college, or technical college — this list is not exhaustive);
- The study program, level, and year of study into which the student is accepted;
- The estimated duration of the study program or estimated date of completion of the study program;
- The start date of the study program;
- The latest date by which a student may register for the study program;
- Whether the study program is full-time or part-time;
- The estimated tuition fees for the first year of study and scholarships or other financial aid (if applicable)
- The details of a required internship or work placement (if applicable)
- The expiry date of the Letter of Acceptance
- Conditions of acceptance to the DLI (if applicable) may include prerequisite courses, previous qualifications, or proof of language knowledge.
- If the DLI is in Quebec, the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) requirement should be clearly stated.
The validity duration of the acceptance letter must be mentioned on it. In case the letter expires, and the study permit application is not yet submitted/processed, the candidate can request the institution for an extension letter. It should be submitted to the IRCC for the study permit application. However, it is of utmost importance to understand that a Letter of Acceptance does not serve as a gateway for a study permit. It is only a requirement. The approval of a study permit application depends on IRCC.
Are there any exemptions for a Letter of Acceptance (LoA)?
An exemption from a letter of acceptance may be given on the following basis:
- The family of a foreign national can apply for a study permit without a letter of acceptance if written approval is issued for temporary work or study permit.
- Foreign candidates enrolled in short programs/courses do not need a study permit. Hence, a letter of acceptance is not necessary.
Can I apply for a study permit for more than one institution?
The Letter of Acceptance must state if the applicant has applied for a program offered by more than one institution. Only the institution responsible for issuing the degree, diploma, or certificate can issue the acceptance letter. If they are jointly awarded by more than one institution, the acceptance letter should be given by the institution where the candidate will start the study program.
What is a conditional letter of acceptance?
A conditional letter of acceptance requires the candidate to complete a particular course or program. Therefore, the foreign candidate can only start studying in the respective institute once the prerequisite is achieved. The study permit issued in such cases is only valid for the prerequisite course. Once completed, the potential student must apply for another study permit for the new program.
Is a Letter of Acceptance necessary for the renewal of the study permit?
Study permit renewals do not require acceptance letters. However, the immigration may ask for it as proof that the conditions for the previous permit were met properly. It can be a letter from the institution confirming that the student is actively pursuing their studies.
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