You have the offer letter in your inbox. The excitement is real. You imagine the campus, the city, and the new life. But before you pay that deposit or sign anything, pause.

Most students rush this step. They focus on the program name and the tuition fee. They miss the small details that cause big problems later. A missed deadline, a wrong program code, or a confusing refund policy can delay your visa or cost you money.

Do not assume the offer letter tells the whole story. It is a snapshot. You need to verify the context.

Check the Program Code and Duration

The name of the program can be misleading. Two schools might offer a "Business Diploma." One is two years. The other is one year. The visa officer cares about the duration and the credential level.

Look at the official program page on the school’s website. Does the duration match the offer letter? If the offer says 12 months but the website says 24 months, ask for clarification. A shorter program than expected might not qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in your province. This is a critical detail. Do not guess. Read the fine print.

Verify the Start Date and Intake

Your visa application timeline depends on the start date. If you apply for a September intake but the offer lists a January start, your documents might look inconsistent.

Check if the start date is fixed or flexible. Some programs have multiple intakes. If you are relying on a specific semester to align with your financial planning or family schedule, confirm this in writing. Email the admissions office. Get the answer in an email. Do not rely on a phone call. You need a paper trail.

Review the Refund and Withdrawal Policy

Life changes. You might get a visa refusal. You might have a family emergency. You might find a better opportunity. What happens to your deposit?

Most schools keep the deposit if you withdraw for personal reasons. Some refund it if the visa is refused. Read the policy carefully. Look for the deadline to withdraw without penalty. If you miss that date, you lose the money. This is not a suggestion. It is a rule. Make sure you understand the financial risk before you commit.

Confirm Co-op or Internship Details

If the program includes co-op, check the requirements. Is it mandatory? Is it paid? Does it extend the program duration?

Some students assume co-op is included. It might be an optional add-on. Or it might require a separate application. If you need work experience for your PR points later, a mandatory co-op is valuable. If you need to work part-time during studies, a co-op program might restrict your hours. Verify the work rights associated with the program structure.

Compare the Offer Letter with the Website

The offer letter is a contract. The website is the public record. They should match.

Check the tuition fees. Are they the same? Check the description of the curriculum. Are the key courses listed? If the offer letter mentions a specific specialization that is not on the website, ask why. Discrepancies can raise questions during the visa process. An officer might wonder if the program is legitimate or if the offer is from a third party. Always cross-reference with the official DLI (Designated Learning Institution) list on the IRCC website. Ensure the school is authorized to host international students.

Do Not Ignore the Fine Print

There are often clauses about academic standing, attendance, and conduct. If you fail to meet these, you can be expelled. Expulsion means visa cancellation.

Read the student handbook if it is linked. Understand the consequences of poor performance. This is not to scare you. It is to prepare you. You need to know the standards you are agreeing to follow.

Take your time. Verify every detail. The offer letter is just the beginning. The real work starts with due diligence.

What details in your offer letter surprised you? Did you find a discrepancy between the letter and the website? Share the specific clause or detail that made you pause before accepting. This helps others avoid the same traps.