- A letter of acceptance (LOA) is issued by a Canadian school — a designated learning institution (DLI) — confirming that you've been admitted to a specific program.
- A study permit is a federal document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes you to study in Canada at a DLI for a defined period.
Two documents get confused constantly during the Canadian study application process: the letter of acceptance from your school, and the study permit issued by the federal government. They sound similar, arrive around the same time, and both feel like "the thing that lets me study in Canada." A study permit vs. letter of acceptance mix-up is one of the more common — and costly — misunderstandings we see, since the two documents are not interchangeable.
This article breaks down what each document proves, who issues it, and where people most often get tripped up.
What a Letter of Acceptance Actually Is
A letter of acceptance (LOA) is issued by a Canadian school — a designated learning institution (DLI) — confirming that you've been admitted to a specific program. It's a private document from the institution, not the government, and its main job is administrative: it tells you (and later, IRCC) which program, which institution, and generally which dates apply.
Some acceptance letters are conditional — subject to meeting a language test score, finishing a prerequisite, or paying a deposit. A conditional letter is still useful for your study permit application, but you'll need to satisfy the listed conditions before you can actually begin the program.
What a Study Permit Actually Is
A study permit is a federal document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes you to study in Canada at a DLI for a defined period. It's the government's authorization, not the school's — and it comes with its own application fee, generally $150 CAD as of mid-2026 (figures change — verify the current amount before you rely on it).
Importantly, a study permit authorizes study — not open-ended work. Depending on your permit's conditions, you may be able to work off-campus without a separate work permit while you're a full-time student, but that's narrower than a standalone work authorization.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Letter of Acceptance | Study Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Your school (a DLI) | IRCC (federal government) |
| Proves | You've been admitted to a program | You're authorized to study (and, under conditions, work) in Canada |
| Needed to | Apply for a study permit | Actually enter, remain, and study in Canada |
| Can be conditional | Yes — subject to meeting listed conditions | No — issued outright once approved |
| Fee | Set by the school, not a government fee | A federal application fee applies (verify the current amount) |
Where People Get This Wrong
- "I have my acceptance letter, so I'm all set to travel." Not yet — you still need your study permit approved before you can rely on it to enter Canada. Don't book non-refundable travel around an assumed approval date.
- "My study permit lists my program, so I can switch schools whenever." Generally not automatically — changing institutions or programs can require updating IRCC or, in some cases, applying for a new permit. Check current requirements before switching.
- "A conditional acceptance means I'm accepted, full stop." Only once the conditions are actually met. Submitting a study permit application on a conditional letter without a plan to clear those conditions can create problems down the line.
If Your Study Permit Application Is Refused
Having a valid letter of acceptance does not guarantee your study permit will be approved. IRCC separately assesses your eligibility, admissibility, financial capacity, and whether it's satisfied you're a genuine temporary resident for the purpose of study. Most refused temporary resident applications — including study permits — don't carry a right of appeal; recourse is generally limited to reapplying with stronger evidence or, in more limited circumstances, seeking judicial review at the Federal Court.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use just my letter of acceptance to enter Canada?
No. You generally need a valid study permit (and the appropriate visa or eTA, depending on your citizenship) to enter and remain in Canada as a student — the acceptance letter alone doesn't authorize entry or study.
Does having a study permit guarantee me a spot in my program?
No — that's the letter of acceptance's role. Your study permit authorizes you to study in Canada generally; your actual enrollment depends on maintaining your admission with the school itself.
What happens if I get accepted into a different program after my study permit is issued?
You may need to notify IRCC or apply for a new study permit, depending on how significant the change is. Check current requirements before assuming your existing permit still applies.
My study permit application is taking a while — is my letter of acceptance still valid?
Some schools set their own validity windows on acceptance letters. Check directly with your institution's international student office if your permit application is taking longer than expected.
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