Study plan
Introduce yourself and describe your study plan for your study permit.
Key points
- Admission to Concordia University and obtaining a CAQ does not guarantee a study permit.
- Students should include a cover letter with their study permit application.
- The letter should outline your study plan and address key issues.
- Supporting documents should be included to corroborate any claims.
- The study plan must be clear, concise, and complete.
- The provided questions are guidelines only; they should not be copied into the letter.
- Each letter must be unique and tailored to individual circumstances.
- Irrelevant information should be avoided.
Topics to cover in your letter
Your study permit application will be assessed to determine if you are a genuine student with a logical career progression. Your explanation should include:
Why did you want to study at Concordia?
- What makes Concordia unique compared to other institutions you could have applied to?
- Why did you choose this program specifically?
- How does this program align with your academic and professional goals?
Career benefits
- What career opportunities will this program open for you?
- If similar programs exist closer to home, explain why this one is a better choice.
- If your program is unrelated to your past studies or work, justify your career change.
- If pursuing a second degree in the same field, explain what makes this program unique and how it advances your career.
Supporting evidence
- Describe job opportunities in your home country and how this program prepares you for them.
- Provide proof (e.g., job offers, industry requirements, employer letters).
What to avoid
Focus on Canada’s education system, not its political/human rights environment.
Imigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses whether you will leave Canada after your studies. Strengthen your case by demonstrating strong ties to your home country:
Family and personal ties
- Who are you leaving behind? What factors ensure that you will return once you complete your studies?
- If you have relatives in both Canada and your home country, explain why your ties to home are stronger.
Employment and financial ties
- If you are taking study leave, provide an employer letter.
- If your spouse remains in your home country, submit their employment proof.
- If you have a job offer upon return, include a copy.
- Show financial commitments (e.g., property ownership, family business).
Relatives in Canada
- If you have no ties to Canada, state it explicitly.
- If a relative has temporary status in Canada (work/study permit), clarify that their stay is temporary.
Your past travel experience helps demonstrate that you respect visa conditions.
- Have you traveled internationally? How often?
- Do you hold visas for the U.S. or European countries?
- Provide copies of visas and passport travel stamps as proof.
IRCC may assess whether conditions in your country suggest you may not return. Address this proactively:
Economic and political factors
- Is there civil unrest, instability, or limited economic opportunities in your country?
- How are you insulated from these challenges?
- Why are you still motivated to return despite these conditions?
Employment and financial stability
- Provide evidence of stable employment, financial resources, or business ownership.
- Demonstrate your clear plan to return.
What to avoid
- Do not discuss Canada’s political/economic climate unless directly related to your program choice or home country prospects.
If your permit is refused
If your permit application is refused, you may apply again. If you reapply for a study permit, you should address the reasons for your prior refusal(s), otherwise your application will likely be refused again.
Go above and beyond the documents requested by your personal checklist to show a genuine intent and likelihood that you will return to your country at the end of your stay.
What to do if your application is refused
The reasons stated for your refusal reflect the conclusion reached, not the basis on how that conclusion was reached. There are two ways you can proceed.
1. Make an Access to Information Request (ATIP)
With an Access to Information Request (ATIP) you can obtain a copy of the deciding officer's notes so that you can see the analysis that lead to the conclusion reached.
Advantages:
- You can see the analysis that led to why you were refused.
- You can modify your study plan and cover letter to explicitly address the IRCC's concerns so you can get a positive decision on a second application.
Disadvantages
- ATIP requests 30-60 days to process.
- You must be in Canada to make the request
- If you don't have contacts in Canada, you may need to hire a lawyer or consultant.
2. Do it yourself (with guidance from ISO)
You can rework your study plan on the basis of an educated guess regarding what IRCC's concerns might be. An ISO Advisor can also review your application materials and help you.
Advantages
- You can begin reworking your study plan immediately.
Disadvantages
- You do not know exactly what IRCC's concerns are and are making an educated guess.
- There is a risk you may be refused again.
