Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance on what Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada should include in Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) issued to international students. These letters play a crucial role in the study permit application process, serving as essential proof that a student has been officially accepted into a program at a recognized institution.
As of December 1, 2023, IRCC implemented a new verification procedure requiring DLIs to confirm each LOA submitted by international applicants outside Canada. Institutions are now mandated to validate LOAs within 10 calendar days through an IRCC online portal. This move aims to curb fraud and reinforce trust in Canada’s international education system.
The enhanced recommendation list from IRCC now includes 17 pieces of information that should be featured in an LOA. These include the student’s full name, birthdate, and address; details about the institution, such as its DLI number, contact information, and type (public or private); information about the program of study; and explicit financial details like tuition and any scholarships offered.
Critical program details must also be provided, such as start and end dates, whether the program is full- or part-time, and any conditions tied to admission—like academic prerequisites or language requirements. In Quebec, an additional Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) is needed.
IRCC clarifies that while these are recommendations, the absence of one or more of these elements does not automatically render an LOA invalid. However, students are encouraged to ensure that LOAs are as complete as possible to avoid processing delays.
These changes are part of broader efforts by IRCC to protect international students amid rising enrollment numbers and increasing concerns over fraudulent admissions. Strengthening the LOA process is seen as a key step in maintaining program integrity and ensuring that international students are supported and protected throughout their immigration journey.
Prospective students and educational institutions alike are advised to closely follow the updated IRCC guidance to facilitate smoother study permit applications and prevent administrative setbacks.