Visas
Letter of Explanation
Also called LOE, Explanation letter
What is a letter of explanation?
A letter of explanation is the document submitted with a Canadian study permit application, addressed to the visa officer rather than the university. It explains why you chose this programme and this institution, how the study is funded, and what you return to afterwards. It is a separate document from the SOP you sent the university, and submitting the academic SOP in its place is a common cause of refusal.
Reviewed
Who needs a letter of explanation?
Every applicant for a Canadian study permit.
Common mistakes
- Reusing the university SOP, which never mentions funding or ties to home
- Enthusiasm about settling in Canada, which works against the genuine-student assessment
- Vague funding claims with no figures and no named payer