Is it a must to attach a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?
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While it is not listed on the checklist, it is important document to include in your application....
It’s not absolutely required but it’s very helpful as it lets you explain any potential weaknesses in your application since there’s no interview and you’re not gonna get a chance to defend yourself in front of a visa officer.
If you have a strong and straightforward case (e.g., you’re an academic in your home country getting a fully-funded PhD from a top university in Canada) then you most likely won’t need it. But if you’re say, a mature student with 15-years experience going for a diploma, I would think it’s important since you’d have to justify why you’re doing it.
If you have a strong and straightforward case (e.g., you’re an academic in your home country getting a fully-funded PhD from a top university in Canada) then you most likely won’t need it. But if you’re say, a mature student with 15-years experience going for a diploma, I would think it’s important since you’d have to justify why you’re doing it.
Thanks for all your inputs and apricate it
I believe a candidate already completed Bachelor's degree in finance last year, currently busy in studying CPA (already completed 6 papers), without any work experience, going to Canada to continue post graduate diploma in finance in a reputed university, is a straightforward case, and should not need a long SOP?
I believe a candidate already completed Bachelor's degree in finance last year, currently busy in studying CPA (already completed 6 papers), without any work experience, going to Canada to continue post graduate diploma in finance in a reputed university, is a straightforward case, and should not need a long SOP?
Well don’t use my example too literally or as a definitive yes/no. There are a lot of factors to consider - how much funds can you show, do you have family ties in Canada/home country, etc. Ask yourself this: Is there any detail about your profile—big or small—that would make the VO question whether you’re not a legitimate student who will leave Canada at the end of your studies? If the answer to that is yes, then you probably should have one.
Also, even if your case is strong and don’t need one, it’d probably be better if you write one anyway (should be easy since you have a strong case, right?). There’s practically no downside to having one relative to the effort needed to make it.
Also, even if your case is strong and don’t need one, it’d probably be better if you write one anyway (should be easy since you have a strong case, right?). There’s practically no downside to having one relative to the effort needed to make it.
It is an unspoken rule that a SoP is the real deal maker or deal breaker for your visa approval.
If you are applying from Saudi, you are either a Saudi national or a resident. If you are Saudi you might have higher chances of getting the visa. However, if you are a resident, there is huge risk of rejection for your immigrant status alone, no matter how strong your case is.
Because Saudi and gulf countries in general doesn't offer permanent residency or citizenship, there is this immediate assumption that you are most likely trying to take the easy way for PR in Canada through a diploma study permit. Hence, beside documents of asset in home country, one needs to also clearly convince the officer about their intention to return home country through the SoP.
The length of the SoP doesn't really matter, it the all about the information presented in it. Ideally it should not exceed 2 pages, but even 1 page SoP could be enough if it is clearly convincing and makes sense.
All the best of luck.