A Guide to Obtain a Letter of Acceptance to Study in Canada

International students choose Canada as their favourite study destination due to its top-quality education, diverse range of programs, and inclusive culture. The country has top-ranking universities and colleges that provide students with innovative teaching methods that help them stay ahead of industrial trends.

Are you dreaming of pursuing higher studies in Canada's educational landscape? Well, it will be the wisest decision of 2024. It all begins with one crucial document: the Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

Wondering what LOA is and why is it so important? Obtaining a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is the first step in the application for a Canadian study permit. Now, you might be thinking about how you can obtain LOA. This article explains all the queries mentioned above so that you have a clear picture of the migration journey.

Let us see what LOA is all about.

About Letter OF Acceptance (LOA)

The Letter of Acceptance (LOI) is a vital document from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. This is a formal confirmation of your successful admission into a Canadian DLI. However, not everyone who applies will get an LOI due to the strict rules and admission procedures of Canadian institutions.

International students can study in Canada only with an LOA. Without one, they are ineligible to obtain a study permit and their chances of rejection increase. Therefore, it is essential for aspiring students to secure an LOA before applying for a study permit in Canada.

Who is Exempted from LOA?

Not all students require LOA to get admission to Canadian universities and colleges. Exemptions for the requirement for a LOA are available to individuals:

1. Family members of a Foreign National entering Canada with formal approval for a temporary work or study permit may apply for a study permit without an LOA.
2. Prospective students are not required to get an LOA if they want to study for a program that lasts six months or less since they do not need a study visa.

What are the requirements for LOA?

Once you decide to pursue studies in Canada, you may begin by applying for an LOA in your chosen Designated Learning Institution. Upon acceptance, DLI will send you an LOA confirming your admission to that institution.

In order to apply for the study permit, the following requirements are essential in your application:

• Student's full name, date of birth (DOB), mail address and student ID (if applicable)
• Institution's name, official contact person and contact information
• Licensing information for private institutions
• DLI number and Latest registration date
• Kind of institution (e.g., private, public, post-secondary)
• Accepted study program, level, and year
• Estimated duration or completion date of the program
• Start date of the program
• Full-time or part-time study status
• Estimated first-year tuition fees and financial aid details
• Details of required internship or work placement (if applicable)
• Expiry date of the Letter of Acceptance
• Conditions of acceptance (if any)
• Requirement of Quebec Acceptance Certificate (if your DLI is in Quebec.

While a LOA from a DLI is essential, it is crucial to understand that it does not guarantee approval of the study permit application. The decision to approve a study permit application lies solely with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Steps to Obtain LOA from a Canadian Institution

There are many premium institutions in Canada, and you may check their official websites for admission criteria, application requirements and deadlines. Then, you may apply for your chosen program well in advance.

You must submit English proficiency scores such as IELTS, CAEL, TOFEL, CElPIP, or Duolingo according to the institution's requirements. Some DLIs require SOP with a strong justification of why you chose this program and your plans. Therefore, always keep a record of the documents to be submitted and complete the application accurately. With everything ready, you may submit your application. DLI will then evaluate your application based on your credentials, work experience and other accomplishments.

Remember that most DLIs require a non-refundable application fee ranging from CAD 50 to CAD 500. You must be careful when choosing your program and its DLI, as it may turn costly. Depending on the institution, international students have the options to apply for scholarships, bursaries, and other financial aid; this may vary. Please keep checking the university website for details regarding it.

Admission Process and Acceptance of DLI 

DLI may notify you upon accepting your admission application and granting admission to your chosen study program. If you want to proceed further, you may accept the offer but within the deadline.

Depending on the DLI, you may have to pay your complete or partial tuition fees. There may be deadlines for various semester fees, including housing and non-tuition fees. The offer letter will contain everything you need to know; read it carefully and proceed accordingly.

Sometimes, you may need to produce proof of funds to show that you have enough funds for your Canadian study and stay. Thus, the issuance of a Letter of Acceptance will depend on the criteria set by each DLI.

Time period for Issuance Of LOA

Every DLI has a different time frame for admission procedures and issuance of an LOA. Most Canadian universities take between four and six weeks to review your admission application and issue an LOA. Depending on their evaluation process, some DLIs may take two or three months. Keep tracking the official website for specific deadlines and to plan further.

How to proceed once DLI accepts your application?

You may be waiting for this for a long time! Once you receive the LOA, you must apply for a study permit as early as possible within the specified timeframe. The validity of LOA is only for a limited period of time. There should be no delay as it may lead to the expiry of your hope of Canadian education.

You may upload your scanned LOA copy if you choose to submit it online. For paper-based applications, you may submit the original LOA as received from your DLI.

The processing time for a study permit application may be up to 12 weeks, excluding biometrics submission time. However, residents of 14 countries, such as India, Brazil, China, Vietnam and the Philippines, are eligible for a fast-track visa process under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program.

Documents to Submit for Study- Permit 

You must submit the following documents when you apply for a study permit:

1. Proof of Fund 

• Proof of payment for your first year's tuition.
• Proof of financial resources through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) (mandatory for SDS applicants), amount in a Canadian bank account, or scholarship details.

2. Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ):

• Obtain a CAQ from Quebec by submitting the LOA received from Quebec DLI.

3. Letter of Explanation or Statement of Purpose: 

• Justify your decision to choose the study program and DLI. SOP must convince the visa officers of your intentions and commitment to complying with regulations.

4. Police Certificate and Medical Exam Results: 

• Submit the documents to ensure a smooth application process.

What if you need to extend your study permit?

There comes situations when you need to extend your study plans without affecting your current engagements. In this case, there is no need to obtain another LOA. You may apply for a study permit extension before 30 days of the expiry of the current permit.

If your study permit has expired, you must restore your status. You may also apply for a new study permit so that your studies will not be interrupted. An LOA may be required in such situations, especially if you are trying for a different program or enrolling in a new DLI.

Generally, renewing an LOA is optional to renew a study permit. However, if your visa officer insists, you may submit a DLI document stating that you were actively pursuing studies.

How to avoid Rejection?

The issuance of an LOA by a Canadian DLI does not guarantee that you are bound to receive a study permit. Nope, it works differently. The sole decision maker in this regard is IRCC, and they consider various factors before accepting your study plan.

While receiving LOA is a crucial step, you must still meet the specific criteria as per IRCC guidelines. Let us see some of the factors to consider for justifying your Canadian study:

• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Provide details showing you have enough funds to cover tuition fees and other expenses while staying in Canada.
• Intent to Leave Canada: Convince a visa officer that you will leave Canada and return after completing your studies. Details on family ties, job prospects in your home country, and past immigration history must be clearly stated in your SOP.
• Completion of Conditions: Ensure you fulfill the conditions as outlined in your LOA, such as fee payment or prerequisite course completion.
• Relevance of Study Program: Your chosen study program should align with your academic or work experience and contribute to your future career path.
• Genuine Application: Providing false information or misrepresenting facts in your study permit application can lead to rejection.
• Admissibility Concerns: Provide valid clearance certificates. Health, security, or criminality issues may render you ineligible for entry into Canada.

If you submit all these above-mentioned documents as proof to the visa officer, the chances of getting rejected will be lesser. It is highly recommended to consult an experienced immigration lawyer to move your study applications for a hassle-free visa process. A well-experienced and proficient immigration lawyer can help you submit all the necessary documents within the time frame and alert you wherever required. They can address various visa complications effectively and minimize your likelihood of rejection.

Things to Remember

• Choose your study program and DLI wisely, which is crucial for building your solid career.
• Look for options like Scholarships, bursaries and other financial aids that the DLI provides before enrolling for a smooth study journey.
• Check the refund policy of your DLI before fee payment.
• If your study permit is rejected, expect an administration fee from most DLIs (typically between CAD 100 and CAD 1,000); they will refund only the remaining amount.
• If applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), ensure proof of first-year tuition payment and possess a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
• Fee payment details can be provided as proof of fund while applying for a study permit through the regular channel.
• Consider consulting an experienced immigration lawyer to manage your application and ensure prompt submission.

If you have any concerns regarding program selection, choosing your study destination, visa submission, or the application process, contact us for a detailed consultation. At ImmiLaw Global, we have proficient immigration lawyers and a team of overseas study experts ready to assist you every step of the way in your immigration journey. 

Contact us for your personalized guidance and support.