Explaining a Gap in Studies in Canada
We often receive questions from those wishing to study in Canada after taking a break from school. Applicants often ask how long is too long of a gap in studies to come to Canada.
Generally, we advise that if your study gap is longer than two years, you should submit a study plan with your application.
A study plan helps show a visa officer that you have a genuine interest in continuing your education and that studying in Canada is a logical choice for your career goals.
What to Include in a Study Plan
Why do you want to study in Canada in the program for which you’ve been accepted?
You should explain why you want to study in Canada over your own country or any other country. What about the Canadian education system appeals to you and why?
What is your overall educational goal?
What is your education goal? Do you wish to continue your post-secondary education at the bachelor’s or master’s level? How does this goal align with your career path?
Why are you not pursuing a similar program in your country of residence/citizenship?
Your letter should explain why you want to pursue this particular program in Canada. If there are similar programs offered at schools in your home country, you can refer to these in your letter and contrast them with the Canadian program. If there are no similar programs, you should state this as a reason for wanting to study in Canada.
What research have you done into schooling options in your country of residence/citizenship?
What programs are available in your country of residence? Why aren’t these programs suitable for you and your goals.
How will this enhance your employability in your country of residence/citizenship?
Visa officers want to see that you have an intent to return to your home country. You should explain how this program will improve your employment opportunities in your country of residence. If your program of study will help you become eligible for a specific position at a specific company, you should discuss this.
You can also address any positions you’ve applied for and were unsuccessful due to a lack of education.
What ties do you have to your country of residence/citizenship?
You should address the following: family members, children, a spouse/partner, pets, job opportunities (i.e. if you were provided with a conditional job offer), homeownership, and vehicle ownership. These factors all contribute to your motivation to return to your home country.
Do you have a travel history?
You should include a detailed list of any places you have visited in the last ten years. You can show that you have a record of travelling and returning to your home country. The information you should provide includes:
“From” and “To” dates for each trip (e.g. 2020-01-01 to 2020-01-14)
Location (i.e. city and country)
The purpose of your trip (e.g. business, tourism, etc.)
Is someone sponsoring your education? If yes, who and why?
If someone is sponsoring your education in Canada, you should provide this information. You may be sponsored by a parent, family member, or organization. You should include the sponsor’s information and the reason they chose to sponsor you.
Provide details of your education history.
In this section of your study plan, you should provide details about the schools and programs you have previously attended. You should include all programs you have started in addition to those you have completed.
Provide details of your work history
You should discuss your work history to show how your desired educational program will fit into your current career path.
At the end of your plan, you should briefly summarize your educational goals and how this program will help you achieve them.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
Hello Jade,
A Nigerian here. I have a passion for Hospitality and Tourism Management but do not have any prior work experience in that field. What is the best way to make the VO approve my study permit?
Thanks