Letter of Acceptance for Canada-Student Permit Application

Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented updated guidelines for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) regarding the content of Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) for international students in Canada.

The revised guidelines emphasize the importance of including specific information in the LOA to ensure its genuineness. They reflect IRCC's efforts to streamline the application process and prevent fraud, thereby enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the immigration system.

Additionally, introducing Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) alongside LOAs further enhances the verification process, adding a layer of confirmation regarding a student's acceptance and enrollment in a DLI program in Canada.

Essential Documents to be Included in LOA by IRCC 

In a recent update from IRCC, the department outlined 17 essential items. The following are the items that DLIs must include in the LOA provided to international students:

• Student's full name, date of birth, and mailing address
• The institution's name and official contact
• DLI number of the institution
• Institution's telephone, fax, website, and email information
• Type of school or institution (e.g., private or public)
• Field or program of study, level, and year of acceptance
• Estimated duration or completion date of the program
• Start date of the selected program of study
• Last registration date for the selected program
• The academic year of entry
• Full-time or part-time status of the program
• Tuition fee
• Scholarships and other applicable financial aid
• Expiry date of the LOA validity
• Any acceptance or registration conditions (e.g., academic prerequisites, previous degree completion, language proficiency)
• Clear identification of the educational institution and, if applicable, licensing information for private institutions (as in the letterhead)
• Requirement of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for study in Quebec.

The above information represents a list of recommendations from the IRCC to Canada's DLIs. It is important to note that excluding any mentioned content does not automatically render your LOA fraudulent or invalid. However, adhering to these can enhance the authenticity of your LOA, ultimately facilitating a smoother application process for your study permit.

Enhanced Verification process of LOAs by DLIs

IRCC has recently implemented an enhanced process for verifying LOAs from DLIs in Canada. The initiative addresses concerns surrounding fraudulent activities and protects international students from such targets.

Under this new policy, DLIs across Canada must manually authenticate every LOA received from international students, particularly those outside of Canada. DLIs must complete the verification process within a 10-day timeframe using IRCC's online portal. Notably, access to this portal is restricted solely to designated representatives of each DLI.

PAL Requirement to Strengthen Study Permit Applications

As mentioned earlier, new post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level are to provide a PAL from a province or territory with their study permit application. Under this new policy, IRCC has specified that it will return any study permit application submitted without a PAL unless an exemption applies. The PALs prove that IRCC has accounted for the student under a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap.

IRCC has clarified that provinces and territories across the country must establish a process for issuing PALs by March 31, 2024. Presently, British Columbia is the only province that has released details regarding their PAL issuance process. However, updates on PAL procedures in other provinces are expected to follow soon.

Other Measures in Canada's International Student Program by IRCC

Canada has recently implemented additional measures to address concerns regarding the integrity of its international student program. Let us look into other steps Canada has recently taken:

1. Implementing an intake cap on international student study permit applications for the next two years.
2. Raising the financial requirement for international students to cover the cost of living.
3. Establishing a new Trusted Institutions Framework.
4. Revising eligibility criteria for the PGWP, enabling Master's graduates to be eligible for a three-year permit
5. Amending the eligibility criteria for Open Work Permits (OWP).

Through policies such as PAL requirements, intake caps, and revisions to work permit eligibility, Canada aims to ensure a fair and transparent process for international students while upholding the quality and reputation of its education system.

At ImmiLaw Global, our overseas study experts align courses and universities with your goals while our dedicated immigration lawyers ensure a smooth visa process. Contact us today to begin your successful educational journey.

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Read to Know: Five Key Changes to Canada Student Permit Rules in 2024