Canada LOA Requirements | Letter of Acceptance Sample & Approval Guide

Planning to Study in Canada? Or are you applying for a visa to study in Canada? You can find all the things you need to know in this blog! Aside from the usual documents, an essential paper for the study visa application process is the Canadian Letter of Acceptance, or LOA. You can’t proceed with the visa application process without an LOA.

In this blog, we will explain the requirements to submit a Canada LOA, what the authorities ask for during the processing of the application, provide an example of an LOA format in Canada, and provide an approval checklist to ensure the application is error-free and that mistakes aren’t made.

 

What Is a Letter of Acceptance?

A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is a document that is issued by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, and it acknowledges acceptance into a specific program of study.

For Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the LOA establishes that:

   

• You have gotten admission in a recognised institution

• Your program of study, duration of study, and intake are well defined

• Your study plan is genuine and credible

In simple terms, without an LOA, no Canadian study permit is granted.

 

Mandatory Elements of A Valid LOA

Not all acceptance letters are necessarily valid and accepted to issue a visa. The guidelines by IRCC are very strict. Missing a single major aspect can cause rejection.

Here are the requirements that must be met by a Canadian LOA:

 

1. Student Details

Full Name: exactly as in passport

Date of birth

Students ID or application number

 

2. Institution Information

College/University name

 

Full Address

DLI Number (extremely important)

Official letterhead and contact information

 

3. Program Details

Name of the program and credential (Diploma, PG Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s)

 

Field of study

Start date and expected completion date

Mode of Study (Full-time only)

 

4. Fee Structure

Tuition fees (per year/for the whole course)

Deposit paid (if applicable)

Balance Fee Information

 

5. Conditions (If Any)

English language requirements

Submission of an academic document.

Medical or gap explanation

 

6. Authorised Signature

• The signature or digital verification from the institution

• Date when LOA was issued

Missing information on the DLI number or an unclear program period is one of the most frequent grounds for disqualification.

Differences: Conditional LOA vs Unconditional LOA

Understanding the type of LOA is important to have successful visa approval.

Conditional LOA

A conditional LOA will be issued in cases where an individual is offered admission.  However, such an individual must fulfil specific requirements, such as:

• Complete an English pathway program

• Giving Final Transcripts

• Achieving a specific IELTS or PTE score

 

Visa impact:

Accepted only if your condition aligns with your study plan (e.g., EAP + main program).

 

Unconditional LOA

The Unconditional LOA shows that the candidate is fully admitted, with no further requirements.

Visa impact:

 It is the safest and strongest option available for approval of a study permit. If possible, the goal should always be to attain an unconditional LOA to reduce visa risk.

Common LOA Mistakes & Fixes

 

Even genuine students face refusals due to avoidable LOA errors. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:

❌ No DLI Number was provided

Always verify the DLI number from IRCC's official website.

❌ Wrong Intake Dates

This must be the start date of your visa timeline and intake session.

❌Part-Time or Online Mode-Mentioned 

Only full-time, on-campus programs are considered acceptable for study permits.

❌Mismatch with SOP

Your Statement of Purpose should clearly justify the program as mentioned in the LOA.

❌ LOA is fake or couldn't be verified

Apply only through official college portals or their authorised representatives.

Timeline: How to Get LOA Faster

A quick LOA may give a chance for early visa slots and accommodation.

 

Typical LOA Timeline

• Application submission: 1–2 weeks

• Document verification: 1–3 weeks

• LOA issuance: depending on the institution, can range from 2 to 6 weeks

 

Tips that Speed Up Your LOA

• Apply 6–8 months before intake

• File complete and accurate documents

• Pay the application fees on time.

• Respond to college emails on time.

• Start by choosing colleges with faster processing cycles.

• Early applications get both faster LOAs and better course availability.

Sample LOA Format & Breakdown

Below is a sample format of the LOA Canada that might give you an idea of the format of the valid acceptance letter. 

Sample format of LOA Canada

 

Date:

[College Letterhead]

Date: DD/MM/YYYY

Student Name: XXXXX

Date of Birth: XXXXXX

Student ID: XXXXX

We are pleased to offer you a place in [Program Name] at [Institution Name], a Designated Learning Institution with DLI No. XXXXX.

 

Program Details:

Credential: Postgraduate Diploma

Field of Study: XXXXX

Start Date: September XX, 20XX

 

End Date : April XX, 20XX

Mode of Study: Full-time; On-campus

 

Tuition Fees:

Total Program Fee: CAD XX,XXX

 

Deposit Paid: CAD X,xxx

This offer is made [conditional/unconditional] on fulfilling the specified requirements.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our campus.

 

LOA Approval Checklist

Prior to turning in your visa application, make sure to quickly check the following approval list of the LOA:

✅ Issued by a recognised DLI

✅ Full-time program mentioned

✅ Correct intake and duration

✅ Tuition Fee clearly stated

✅ Conditions understood and justified

✅ Meets SOP and Educational Background Requirements

 

If each of these boxes has been ticked, it means that your LOA is visa

 

Conclusion

A good Canadian Letter of Acceptance is the starting point for a successful application for a study permit. Awareness about Canada LOA requirements, institutions, and common errors can go a long way in helping you obtain approval.

It’s always important that you verify your LOA information carefully, that your study plan remains on track, and that you apply early so that you can stay stress-free. Then, with the right approach, your study life in Canada can begin successfully.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LOA mandatory for study visa in Canada?

Yes, the applicants need a proper LOA from the DLI to apply for a study permit.

 

Can I apply visa with a conditional LOA?

Yes, if the condition is properly explained and accepted by the IRCC. 

 

How long is an LOA valid?

An LOA’s duration of validity may vary, but an LOA is generally valid only for the particular intake stated in the letter.

 

 Can I change colleges after the LOA? 

Yes, but update IRCC with a new LOA before or after visa approval.