Write A Strong Statement of Purpose For Your Study Permit Application

One really important aspect of your study permit application is your Statement of Purpose (aka your Letter of Explanation). Yes – You need one to apply for your school, and a different letter to apply for your study permit. 

Key Takeaways

• Your Statement of Purpose/Letter of Explanation for your study permit should be around 800-2,000 words in length, and it should tell the visa officer why you want to study in Canada. 
• You may need a Statement of Purpose for your educational institution application. This is a different document, so do not re-use the same one. 
• Knowing and understanding your future career path and goals is key to successfully explaining your reasons for studying in Canada. 

What Is A Statement Of Purpose? 

Your Statement of Purpose, also known as a Letter of Explanation or Letter of Intent, is a required document for study permit applicants from certain countries – and it is recommended (but not mandatory) for other applicants. This letter explains your goals and reasons for studying in Canada to the visa officer, which can increase your odds of receiving a study permit. 

However, this document can only help you get a study permit if it helps the visa officer understand your application. If it raises questions or concerns, it can actually hurt your chances of receiving your study permit. 

Why Is Your Statement of Purpose Important? 

We see the importance of the Statement of Purpose play out in Canada’s courts from time to time. There was a court decision that highlighted this in the courts earlier this year, Mardani v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration). 

In this appeal, Ms Mardani was denied a study permit by a visa officer. Basically, the Statement of Purpose submitted by Ms Mardani raised questions for the visa officer about her motivations and plans to study in Canada. The visa officer was concerned that her work experience and previous education didn’t link to her planned study in Canada, and the reasons she provided as to why studying in Canada would benefit her were not satisfactory. She also did not demonstrate her intent to return home after studying (learn more about dual intent). 

What Should You Include In Your Statement Of Purpose?

Here’s a template for your Statement of Purpose for your study permit application: 

1. Introduce yourself, including why you want to study in Canada and (briefly) why you’ve chosen your planned study program. 
2. Personal information about yourself and your family, including details of any family support. You should include details of your professional goals at this point. 
3. Information about your academic background. 
4. Details of your professional experience and how your chosen program of study contributes to your professional development
5. Your detailed reasons for choosing your study program, including why you cannot study the same program in your home country 
6. Your detailed reasons for choosing the specific university or college in Canada. 
7. Information about how you plan to pay for your studies in Canada. 

If there is a strong enough argument, you should also detail how the program of study will help your career progression in your home country. 

Aim for around 800-2000 words – and make sure it isn’t fluff. Say what you need to say using clear, concise language to be respectful of the visa officer’s time. 

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Statement of Purpose

These are our tips to help you submit the strongest possible study permit application:

1. Be Clear and Concise: Aim to keep your SOP focused, ensuring every sentence adds value and contributes to presenting a coherent and compelling story. You should use straightforward language and avoid complex sentences or jargon. Each paragraph should communicate a specific idea or point, making it easy for the officer to follow your story and your reasons.
2. Highlight Your Goals: Your Statement of Purpose should clearly state your academic and career goals, and outline how and why your planned study in Canada will help you achieve them. To achieve this, it can be helpful to include information about specific courses, faculty members, or research opportunities that have attracted you to the program. By linking your past experiences and future aspirations, you show that you have a clear vision and purpose for your studies that extends beyond living in Canada. 
3. Anticipate Questions – & Answer Them: If your Statement of Purpose might raise questions, you should answer them before submitting your application. For instance, if you want to study in a field that isn’t related to your previous work or study, you’ll need to explain what has prompted the change in your career aspirations as well as strong reasons why the study program you’ve selected will help you achieve your new plans. 
4. Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your commitment to your chosen field of study by highlighting relevant achievements and experiences. Include academic accomplishments, research projects, or work experiences that underscore your dedication and passion. Discuss any challenges you’ve faced and how they have strengthened your resolve to pursue your field of study. Showing that you have a long-term interest and dedication to your academic goals can help reassure the admissions committee of your genuine intention to succeed.
5. Proofread and Edit: An SOP with errors can distract from the message you’re trying to convey. Proofreading and editing are crucial to ensure your statement is polished and professional. Look for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies. You can also ask a GenerativeAI to proofread your SOP and identify any weak spots. But you should consider having someone (human) review your SOP to catch errors you might have missed, too.

For a tailored checklist for your study permit application and a host of other free guides, resources, and exclusive offers, create a Moving2Canada account. Your account walks you through the application process so you can learn what you need to know as you go — then settle in Canada successfully.