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How to Obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

by Nate

A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is one of the most important documents required when applying for a Canadian study permit. Before an international student can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a study permit, they must first be accepted into a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Once an applicant meets the institution’s admission requirements and receives an offer of admission, the institution will issue an official Letter of Acceptance.

The LOA serves as proof that the applicant has been admitted to a recognized Canadian educational institution and intends to pursue studies in Canada. Without a valid Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, IRCC will generally not process a study permit application.

Steps to Obtain a Letter of Acceptance

The process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Select a Canadian college, university, or other post-secondary institution that is recognized by IRCC as a Designated Learning Institution.
  2. Apply for Admission: Submit an application to the institution together with all required documents, which may include academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and any additional program-specific requirements.
  3. Receive an Admission Decision: The institution reviews the application and determines whether the applicant meets its admission requirements.
  4. Accept the Offer of Admission: Some institutions require applicants to formally accept the admission offer and pay a tuition deposit before the Letter of Acceptance is issued.
  5. Receive the Letter of Acceptance: Once all admission conditions have been satisfied, the institution issues the official Letter of Acceptance, which must be included with the study permit application submitted to IRCC.

Information Required in a Letter of Acceptance

For a Letter of Acceptance to be accepted by IRCC, it should include the following information:

  • The student’s full name, date of birth, and mailing address.
  • The student’s identification number (if applicable).
  • The name of the Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • The name and contact details of the institution’s authorized representative.
  • The institution’s contact information.
  • If the institution is private, its licensing or accreditation information (usually shown on the institution’s letterhead).
  • The institution’s official Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number.
  • The type of institution (for example, public university, public college, private institution, community college, or technical institute).
  • The name of the study program.
  • The level of study (certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PhD, etc.).
  • The year or stage of study.
  • The expected length of the program or anticipated completion date.
  • The program start date.
  • The latest date by which the student must register.
  • Whether the program is full-time or part-time.
  • The estimated tuition fees for the first year of study.
  • Details of scholarships, bursaries, or other financial assistance (if applicable).
  • Information regarding mandatory internships, practicums, clinical placements, or co-op work terms (if applicable).
  • The expiry date of the Letter of Acceptance.
  • Any conditions of admission, such as prerequisite courses, language requirements, or submission of final academic transcripts.
  • For institutions located in Quebec, confirmation that a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) is required, where applicable.

Expiry of the Letter of Acceptance

Every Letter of Acceptance includes an expiry date. If IRCC has not finalized the study permit application before the LOA expires, students should contact their institution to request an updated or extended Letter of Acceptance and submit it to IRCC. Failure to provide a valid LOA may delay or negatively affect the study permit application.

IRCC Letter of Acceptance Requirements

To ensure consistency, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides guidance and a standard template outlining the information that institutions should include in a Letter of Acceptance. Applicants should verify that their LOA meets all IRCC requirements before submitting their study permit application.

Important Considerations

Receiving a Letter of Acceptance does not guarantee that a study permit will be approved. The final decision rests with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after assessing the applicant’s overall eligibility. During the assessment, IRCC may consider factors such as:

  • The authenticity of the admission offer.
  • The applicant’s academic background.
  • Proof of sufficient financial support.
  • The purpose of the visit and intention to study.
  • Compliance with Canadian immigration laws.
  • Medical, criminal, and security requirements, where applicable.

Applicants should therefore ensure that all supporting documents submitted with their study permit application are complete, accurate, and up to date to improve their chances of approval.