Canada
Writing a study plan for a Canadian study permit
Most study permit applications include a short letter in which you explain why you chose the course and what you plan to do afterwards. It is one of the few parts of the application you write yourself.
What the officer is checking
A visa officer reading your file has to be satisfied of a few things: that you were accepted by a designated learning institution, that you can pay for tuition and living costs, and that you will leave Canada when your permit ends unless you get another status legally. The study plan is your chance to make the course choice and your plans look sensible to someone who has never met you.
IRCC does not publish a required format. Some application checklists list a letter of explanation as optional, but applicants who leave it out lose the chance to explain anything that looks unusual in their file.
A structure that works
- Who you are. Two or three sentences on your education and any work so far.
- The course. What you will study, where and for how long. Name the institution and program as they appear on your letter of acceptance.
- Why this course. Connect it to what you have already studied or done. If it looks like a change of direction, explain the reason.
- Why Canada, and why this institution. Be specific: a co-op option, a particular specialisation, a credential recognised in your field. "Canada is a beautiful country" does not help.
- Money. Say briefly who is paying and point to the documents that prove it.
- After the course. Describe a realistic plan. If you hope to apply for a post-graduation work permit, you can say so. Officers know it exists. What matters is that your plan is honest and that you show ties that make sense, such as family, property or a career path.
Things that weaken a study plan
- Copying a template from the internet. Officers read many letters and recognise the common ones.
- A course at a lower level than a qualification you already hold, with no explanation.
- Gaps in your study or work history that are not explained.
- Claims that do not match your other documents, such as funds that differ from your bank statements.
- Length for its own sake. One to two pages is usually enough.
If you were refused before
Read the refusal reasons carefully. If you apply again, address each reason directly and add new evidence. Sending the same file again usually gets the same result. You can request your file notes through an access to information request to see the officer's reasoning in more detail.
Getting help
You do not need to pay anyone to write a study plan. If you do pay for advice on your application, check that the person is a licensed consultant registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, or a lawyer or notary in good standing. Our study permit guide covers the rest of the application.