If you’re planning to defer your intake because you haven’t received your Passport Request (PPR) for the September intake, this message is for you. (You can ignore this if you’ve already received your PPR or have already requested a deferral.)

Here’s what you need to know to avoid serious consequences:

  1. Check Your LOA Expiry Date:
    Look at the expiry date of your current Letter of Acceptance (LOA). If it’s about to expire or has already expired, you must obtain a new LOA from your institution.
  2. Submit the Updated LOA via Web Form:
    Once you have the new LOA, submit it to IRCC using the web form before your previous LOA expires. This step is crucial to avoid complications with your study permit application.
  3. Why This Matters:
    Recently, a student received a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) because they failed to submit an updated LOA after their previous one expired. IRCC considers this a misrepresentation, as your application remains in progress despite the expired LOA. Misrepresentation is a serious issue and can lead to a ban from entering Canada for several years.
  4. Don’t Rely on Intuition:
    This is not a situation to take lightly. Always consult with experts—your college, consultants, or immigration advisors—before making decisions about deferrals or LOAs. Ignoring this could lead to rejection or even a ban.
  5. If You’ve Already Received PPR:
    If you’ve already received your PPR and want to defer to the next intake, you can do so without informing IRCC, provided the deferral is for less than four months.

Additional Information:

  • Misrepresentation is a broad term, and even unintentional errors can have severe consequences.
  • If you’re unsure about your situation, seek professional advice to avoid costly mistakes.

We wish you all the best with your study permit application. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to drop a comment below. Let’s ensure your journey to studying in Canada is smooth and hassle-free!