PhD Applicant for Study Permit - Letter of Explanation required?

[superonwkl]

Hello,

I have been accepted for a PhD in CS at a university in Western Canada - and am currently applying for a study permit.

- Is a letter of explanation highly recommended or not necessary while applying for a study permit (in the context of a PhD - which is already quite specific, and I am qualified).
- I have a masters from Europe, and have previously done a limited study stint in the US as part of my previous experience. Does mentioning this history on my study permit help support my case that I will honour the duration of the VISA/Permit being issued?
- Would it help to include my CV with additional documents (and the letter of explanation if I should write one?)

Thanks for the support!

 

[canuck78]

Hello,

I have been accepted for a PhD in CS at a university in Western Canada - and am currently applying for a study permit.

- Is a letter of explanation highly recommended or not necessary while applying for a study permit (in the context of a PhD - which is already quite specific, and I am qualified).
- I have a masters from Europe, and have previously done a limited study stint in the US as part of my previous experience. Does mentioning this history on my study permit help support my case that I will honour the duration of the VISA/Permit being issued?
- Would it help to include my CV with additional documents (and the letter of explanation if I should write one?)

Thanks for the support!

Yes you should include an LOE.

 

[biloxiboy]

Hello,

I have been accepted for a PhD in CS at a university in Western Canada - and am currently applying for a study permit.

- Is a letter of explanation highly recommended or not necessary while applying for a study permit (in the context of a PhD - which is already quite specific, and I am qualified).
- I have a masters from Europe, and have previously done a limited study stint in the US as part of my previous experience. Does mentioning this history on my study permit help support my case that I will honour the duration of the VISA/Permit being issued?
- Would it help to include my CV with additional documents (and the letter of explanation if I should write one?)

Thanks for the support!

Even if your program is already specific and your qualifications are strong, you definitely should include the LOE. There is a lot of things that will not be immediately clear to the VO while reviewing your application... like your post-graduation plans, your academic and career goals, why you chose Canada and not another country, your financial plan etc. This is how the visa officer will understand your motivations and strengthen your application.

Yes you should mention your past study endaevours, as well as your qualifications. Hiding these facts now might come back to haunt you in future applications.

I am of the opinion that your CV will outline your professional history which can also help simplify everything for the VO. You can submit a CV separately or you can just include a chronology of your study and professional history in the LOE.