How to write a letter of explanation for your Canada study permit

If you want to make your study permit application stronger, adding a Letter of Explanation (LOE) will help.

Your Letter of Explanation (LOE) helps you clarify and explain anything (about any aspect of your application) that can confuse the visa officer.

When I applied for my study permit, I wrote a LoE to explain myself and show I was serious about studying in Canada.

And frankly, it worked for me!

If you want to add one to your application (and you should), here’s how you can write a good LOE

Is a letter of explanation necessary for a Canada study permit?

Yes, it is necessary. Although, it’s not a must you include it, including it will add more strength to your application.

I highly recommend you include a letter of explanation in your study permit application.

Your LoE helps explain your reasons for wanting to study in Canada.

In addition, it’ll explain anything that’ll raise questions in your application.

Think of it as your chance to tell the immigration officers about your academic plans, and goals, or an opportunity to explain to them, anything usual about your application.

In your letter, you’ll why:

• You chose your school and program.
• How it fits into your career goals
• And, why you want to study in Canada instead of your home country.

If there are any gaps in your education or issues in your application, like a previous visa refusal, you’ll use the letter to address the issue.

Also read: How long can an F1 student be out of status

For example, if you had a break in your studies, you can use your LoE to tell the visa officer what you were doing during that time.

Or if your visa was refused before, you’ll use your letter to explain the corrections you have made and why you deserve a visa now.

The letter should be polite, professional, and easy to understand.

Furthermore, be honest and give more detail to show that you’re serious about studying in Canada.

You also need to show that you have plans to return after your studies.

Do not forget to attach supporting documents especially if you raised any noteworthy points in your letter.

Read also: My F1 status was terminated, what should I do?

Your letter is your voice in the application process, use it very well.

How to write letter of explanation for Canada study permit

To write an effective letter of explanation for a Canada study permit, start with a formal greeting.

1. Begin your letter with a formal greeting

In your letter, you must address the visa officer politely.

Example: Dear Visa Officer,

2. Introduce yourself

Your introduction should be concise and straight to the point.

It should point out why you’re writing the letter.

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It must contain your name, passport number, and the program you’re applying for.

Example:
My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a [Nationality] citizen with passport number [Passport Number]. I am applying for a study permit to pursue a [Program Name] at [Institution Name] starting [Start Date].

3. Explain your intentions

Here, you need to “clearly” explain why you’ve chosen your program, the institution, and Canada.

Highlight your academic goals and career targets.

Example:
I have chosen to study [Program Name] at [Institution Name] because of its outstanding reputation in [Field of Study] and the opportunities it offers for hands-on experience. This program aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a [Career Goal].

4. Address potential concerns

This is the heart of your LOE – it must be done right.

Read also: What happens if an international student fails a class in Canada?

Be honest and straightforward. Use this section to address any issues, like:

• Gaps in academic history:

Due to [reason, e.g., personal or family challeneges], I took a break from my studies from [year] to [year]. During this time, I gained valuable skills by [explanation].

• Previous visa refusal:

My previous visa application was refused because [reason]. Since then, I have addressed the concerns by [action taken].

• Source of funds:

My studies will be funded by [source of funding, e.g., savings, scholarship, family member]. I have attached here, all the necessary documents to show the sources of funds for my education.

5. Reaffirm your commitment to leave Canada after your studies

Hear this: Visa officers want you to leave the country after your studies.

Also read: How do I correct an error on my passport?

To increase your chances of getting a visa, give them enough evidence that you’ll leave (and go back home) after your studies.

Example:
Upon completing my studies, I plan to return to [Home Country] to contribute to [specific career or industry]. I have strong family and professional ties in [Home Country], including [examples like family, a job offer, or business].

6. Show gratitude and include your contact information

Thank the visa officer for considering your application and let them know you’ll provide further clarification if they need that from you.

Example:
Thank you for reviewing my application. Please contact me at [email address] or [phone number] if you need additional information.

7. Close formally

End with a polite sign-off.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

Sample 1: Letter of explanation for Canada study permit (Gap in studies)

[Date]

Subject: Letter of Explanation for Study Permit Application

[Your Full Name]
[Your Application Number]
[DOB]

Dear Visa Officer,

I am writing to address a gap in my academic journey and provide additional information to support my application for a study permit to pursue [Program Name] at [Institution Name], starting in [Month, Year].

After completing my [Degree or Qualification] in [Year] at [Previous Institution], I worked as a [Job Title] at [Company Name], where I gained significant experience in [specific field]. However, in [Year], I had to take a brief pause in my academic progression due to [reason for the gap, e.g., personal health, family responsibilities, or preparation for further studies]. During this time, I remained committed to my goals by [mention any productive activities during the gap, e.g., self-study, freelance work, volunteering].

I am now fully prepared to resume my studies and am confident that the [Program Name] will equip me with advanced skills to excel in [specific career or industry]. My ultimate goal is to return to [Home Country] to contribute to [specific field], as the opportunities in [specific sector] here are vast.

I have also ensured I am financially prepared for my studies and living expenses in Canada, as detailed in the attached financial documents, including bank statements and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

Thank you for considering my application. I trust this letter addresses any concerns regarding my academic gap and demonstrates my genuine intention to study in Canada.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Information]

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Sample 2: Letter of explanation for Canada study permit (Financial proof and Home ties)

[Date]

Subject: Letter of Explanation for Study Permit Application

[Your Full Name]
[Your Application Number]
[DOB]

Dear Visa Officer,

I am writing to clarify my financial preparedness and highlight my strong ties to [Home Country] as part of my application for a study permit to pursue [Program Name] at [Institution Name].

To ensure my financial ability to support my studies, I have arranged sufficient funds to cover my tuition fees of [amount in CAD] and living expenses of approximately [amount in CAD] for the duration of my program. I have attached proof of payment for the first-year tuition, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), and bank statements demonstrating the availability of funds. Additionally, I am supported by [mention sponsor or other source of funding, if applicable], whose financial affidavit and supporting documents are enclosed.

I also want to emphasize my strong ties to [Home Country], which include my immediate family and professional commitments. After completing my program, I intend to return to [Home Country] to pursue a career in a [specific role], leveraging the advanced skills gained in Canada. The growing demand for professionals in [specific field] in [Home Country] offers significant opportunities for me to contribute meaningfully to my community.

Thank you for reviewing my application. I hope this letter provides clarity regarding my financial readiness and intent to return to [Home Country] after completing my studies.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Information]

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When should you write a letter of explanation?

You should write a letter of explanation if you:

• Have gaps in your academic history: Explain why there are breaks in your studies.
• Changed your field of study: State the reason for the change
• Need to explain your proof of funds: Use your letter to explain how you’ll fund your studies if your proof of funds isn’t straightforward.
• Have been previously refused a visa: Talk about the reason for the refusal and what you’ve done differently in the new application.
• Need to address any unusual situations: If you’ve any issues you want to explain, you can do that in your letter.

Tips for writing an effective letter of explanation

• Be honest: Never make any false claims.
• Be concise: Your letter should be straight to the point.
• Use professional language: It’s a formal letter, avoid slang and don’t be too casual.
• Include supporting documents: Attach documents to back up your claims.

Is a study plan the same as a letter of explanation?

No, a study plan is not the same as a letter of explanation. A study plan explains your academic goals and why you chose your program of study.

In addition, it is also only used for a study visa application while a letter of explanation is used to clarify issues in your visa application, like if you’ve missing documents or past refusals.

Also read: How long can an F1 student stay in the U.S. without attending school?

The study plan focuses on your studies, while the letter of explanation solves your visa application concerns.

With your study plan, you’ll tell the visa officer:

• Why you choose your program and institution.
• How your program aligns with your academic and career goals.
• Why you want to study in the country instead of your home country.
• And finally, what you’ll do after your studies.

Your study plan is needed by Canadian immigration authorities and your educational institution as part of the application to study in the country.

Read also: What does “the purpose of your visit to Canada is not consistent” mean?

With a letter of explanation, you’ll:

• Clarify gaps in your academic or employment history.
• Explain why you’re applying for the visa or give more information about your plans with the visa.
• Address any concerns the visa officers will have about your application.

Here are their key differences

• Purpose:
  • A study plan focuses on your academic journey and goals.
  • An LOE addresses specific issues or concerns in your application.
• Scope:
  • A study plan is academic and future-oriented.
  • An LOE is more general and explanatory.
• Use case:
  • A study plan is mandatory for study permit applications.
  • An LOE is optional but I highly recommend it.

If you had no intention of including a letter of explanation in your study permit application, you need to do that.

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A Letter of Explanation can greatly strengthen your study permit application by addressing potential concerns upfront.

Think of it as your chance to speak directly to the visa officer and clarify any uncertainties.