What is LOA in Canada?
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Table of Contents[Show]
- What is LOA (Letter Of Acceptance) in Canada?
- Types of LOA for students
- Steps to get a LOA in Canada
- How much time do I need to obtain my LOA?
- Exemptions from the Requirement for a Letter of Acceptance
- Sample of LOA
- What all a LOA from a Canadian DLI include?
- What to Do After You Get an LOA?
- Get Canada PR in Easier Way with Professional Consultants
Are you planning to study at a Canadian university but need clarification on what a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is and why it's important? In this blog post, we'll dive into the topic of LOAs and explain why they are critical for being accepted to apply for Canadian universities.
Having an LOA is not only a requirement for obtaining a study permit but can also make the process of applying for a study permit smoother and more straightforward. So, if you're considering applying to a Canadian university, read on and learn about LOAs.
What is LOA in Canada?
A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is an official document issued by a Canadian institution that confirms that you have met the requirements for admission to their program.
Your LOA will list your -
- personal information
- The program you have been accepted to
- The conditions of your admission.
If you are admitted to a program with conditions, it is important to meet those conditions before your study permit can be issued.
For example, Conditions such as submitting additional documents or taking a language test. Once you have met all the conditions of your admission, you can apply for your study permit.
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need a study permit in order to study in Canada. A study permit is a legal document that allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) for a specific period. You must submit your LOA as part of your application for a study permit.
It is important to review your LOA carefully to ensure that all the information is correct and that you understand the conditions of your admission.
Types of Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for students
There are five different types of Letters of Acceptance (LOA) for students in Canada:
1. LOA from a Canadian educational institution, which is required for international students studying at a Canadian school.
2. LOA from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is required for international students who have been conditionally accepted to study in Canada.
3. LOA from the Government of Quebec is required for international students studying at a Quebec educational institution.
4. LOA from a DLI is required to study at that specific institution. The letter will confirm that you have been accepted into a program of study and will state the terms and conditions of your studies, including the program's duration and any required fees.
5. LOA from IRCC is required if you plan to study in Canada on a student visa. The letter will confirm that you have met the requirements for a student visa and will state the terms and conditions of your stay in Canada, including the duration of your studies and any other requirements that you must meet while in the country.
Steps to get a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) in Canada
Step 1: Eligibility criteria:
Eligibility criteria to obtain LOA will depend on the territory and educational institute to which the student is applying. After checking the eligibility criteria, students must visit the nearest Canadian visa office and obtain their Canadian study permit application kit.
Step 2: Filling out the application form:
In the second step, students will be required to fill out the acquired application form, and it should be accompanied by necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, etc.
Step 3: Applying for the study permit:
After receiving the application for LOA, the educational institute will either reject or accept the application. If the application is accepted, the student will be required to apply for a student visa. It will be done by visiting and applying to the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 4: Traveling to Canada:
Students will receive the study permit after the Canadian authorities have processed and accepted the application. Students can travel to Canada after receiving this permit.
Note: Immigrants can also apply for LOA through the Canadian government’s Express Entry program. This program is specifically for immigrants with skills in their profession.
How much time do I need to obtain my Letter of Acceptance (LOA)?
After applying for it, receiving your LOA can take two weeks to a month. The processing time may be longer if you need to provide additional documents. The time it takes to receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian institution can vary. The processing time for an LOA is usually between 4-6 weeks, but this may be longer or shorter depending on the school and the time of year you apply.
If you are applying for an LOA during peak times (such as May-August for fall entry), it is recommended that you allow for additional processing time. It is also important to note that some schools may require additional documentation, which can add to the processing time. Once you have submitted your complete application, including all required documents, you can expect to receive a decision from the school within the stated processing time. If you have yet to receive a decision within this timeframe, you can contact the school directly to inquire about the status of your application.
Exemptions from the Requirement for a Letter of Acceptance
There are a few specific circumstances where an individual may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a Letter of Acceptance to study in Canada. These exemptions include
- Individuals who are already studying in Canada on a valid study permit.
- Individuals who have applied for and been granted refugee status in Canada.
- Individuals who have been legally admitted to Canada as permanent residents.
- Members of the clergy coming to Canada to perform religious duties.
- Certain government officials and diplomats coming to Canada on official business
Sample of LOA (Letter of Acceptance)
Here’s an example of LOA:
(University’s Logo) UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO University of Toronto Letter of Acceptance for study Permit Application DD/MM/YYYY Birth Date: Student Number: The above-named student has been admitted to the University of Toronto Scarborough for (Session Year) as a full-time undergraduate student. The Program offered is at the Bachelor's degree Level, and the program length is normally four years, culminating with graduation on (Month, Date) of the fourth year. Classes begin (Date). Orientation activities will take place the week before. Subject to approval by Governing Council, it is expected that fees for the 2020-21 academic year will be approximately $57,020*. International students must obtain a study permit by applying online or at the visa application office responsible for their country of citizenship or residence as soon as possible. If currently studying at a secondary school (high school) in Canada, international students must ensure their study permit is valid when starting classes. The University of Toronto DLI Number is 019332746152 (the number begins with the letter “O”) If you would like to verify the authenticity of this letter of acceptance, please visit (the university website’s link). The unique verification code for this letter is. |
What all a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian DLI include?
There is a template provided by the Government of Canada called a Letter of Acceptance that educational institutions can use to send to students. This letter can be included with the student's study permit application.
Your Letter of Acceptance includes the following information:
- Name of DOB of the student
- ID number of the student.
- If your DLI is based in Quebec, it includes your Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) details.
- Mailing address (current country of residence).
- Information about the educational institution, including full name, DLI number, address, contact information, and nature of the institution (public or private).
- Program details (full-time or part-time, hours of instruction per week, internship or co-op work requirement).
- Estimated tuition fees (first year), and mention its pain in advance.
- Financial aid received, including scholarship, teaching assistantship, etc.
- Conditions of acceptance, if any.
- Duration of the study program
- Expiry date of the LOA.
- Other relevant information.
- Authentication of the institution's representative through name and signature.
*DLI- Designated Learning Institution
What to Do After You Get an LOA?
After receiving your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), you should file your study permit application and prepare to move to Canada. It's important to note that your LOA is only valid for a certain period of time, so it's best to apply for your study permit as soon as possible. If you're applying online, you will need to upload a scanned copy of your LOA. If you are submitting a paper-based application, you must submit the original LOA. To make the process as smooth as possible, it's a good idea to have all the necessary documents and information ready before you receive your LOA so that you can apply immediately.
In addition to your LOA, you should have the below documents early on:
- Proof of financial support: You can show proof of funds in the form of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): If you are accepted into a school in Quebec, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) once you receive an LOA.
- Statement of Purpose: Also called a Letter of explanation to help a visa officer understand why you wish to study in Canada.
- Police certificate and medical exam results: To show that you are not inadmissible to Canada.
Get Canada PR in Easier Way with Professional Consultants
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the LOA process in Canada. If you have any additional questions or would like further guidance on the topic, feel free to leave a comment below, and we'll do our best to help. We at GetGIS help you end to end with your Canada PR process. Our expert consultants guide you with the best options for Canada PR. Get started on your journey to studying in Canada today!
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