Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) | What You Need to Know
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) | What You Need to Know
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter?
Due to a new international student cap introduced by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in January 2024, aiming to manage immigration and address housing shortages, certain international students planning to study in Canada will now require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) along with a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to apply for their study permits.
This attestation proves the student has been allocated within the national cap according and the provincial or territorial allocation resptively.
IRCC has further clarified that for 2024 they are reducing student admissions by 35% compared to the previous year.
This means that for this year, there will be a maximum of 360,000 study permits available, which will be distributed among Canada’s provinces and territories based on their respective populations.
To ensure fair distribution, each province or territory has been allocated a maximum number of study permit applications for the year. Once these allocations are met, the issuance of PALs will stop for that province or territory.
Who Requires a PAL?
Most study permit applicants will need a provincial attestation letter issued by the province they intend to study in. A provincial attestation letter is mandatory for the following:
- Most applicants for post-secondary study permits (e.g., undergraduate university and college students) and
- Most non-degree-granting graduate programs (e.g., certificate programs and graduate diplomas)
Provincial attestation letter is not required for:
- Students in primary and secondary education up to grade 12
- Individuals pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees
- Visiting or exchange students already in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Holders of study permits or work permits in Canada (including those seeking extensions)
- Dependents of study permit or work permit holders in Canada
- Students with already approved study permits for upcoming programs in Canada
- Applicants whose submissions were made before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024.
- Persons under an unenforceable removal order
- Temporary resident permit holders with validity of at least 6 months
- Protected persons or refugees
- Applicants eligible for permanent residence based on H&C grounds, a current public policy or a spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
What is the Validity Period of an Issued PAL?
Currently issued PALs are valid until January 21, 2025 or the expiry date on the PAL issued by the province or territory. The PAL needs to be valid at the time an application for study permit is received by IRCC.
3 Basic Steps to Obtain a PAL
Under the new PAL issuance systems, international students seeking to study in Canada must follow several key steps:
- Obtaining LOA
International students must first secure a LOA from their chosen DLI. This letter confirms their acceptance into the academic program of their choice. To finalize this step, students often need to confirm their acceptance with the school, typically by paying a deposit. The exact amount and nature of this deposit can vary depending on the specific DLI. Students should directly communicate with their chosen institution to understand the specific deposit requirements relevant to them.
- DLI Applies for PAL
Once admission is confirmed and the institution acknowledges acceptance, the DLI will then proceed to apply to the relevant provincial government on behalf of the student for a PAL.
- Receipt of PAL
Upon approval, the provincial government issues the PAL and makes it available to the student by the DLI. This PAL, along with the previously obtained LOA and other required documents, is essential for the student to proceed with their application for a Canadian study permit.
What Information Should be Included in a PAL?
The PAL for international students, as per ministerial instructions from IRCC, must succinctly include essential information to validate the study permit application. This includes the applicant’s full name, date of birth and current address.
Ensuring accuracy and alignment with other supporting documents like passports and LOA from the DLI, these details facilitate proper identification and assessment by immigration authorities.
As each province defines its plans for issuing attestation letters, prospective students should stay informed and ensure they fulfill all requirements to avoid delays or complications in their study permit applications.
It’s important to note that obtaining the provincial attestation letter varies by province. Whether you’re awaiting your PAL’s issuance or have already applied for it, being well-informed is critical. This letter is integral to your study permit application, so adhere to all requirements.
Connect with our team for assistance with your school admission or study permit application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues a PAL?
The respective province issues PALs to the institution, which then provides them to the student upon acceptance of the offer and payment of the tuition fee deposit.
Do current students in Canada need an attestation letter to continue their studies?
Students seeking to extend their study permits are exempt from requiring an attestation letter.
Is there any fee for getting a PAL from the institution?
There is no additional fee required to request a PAL, except in Quebec, where CAQ fees apply.
What if the student does not attend the specified intake after getting PAL?
If the study permit application is done within the validity period of the PAL, the same PAL can be used to apply for a deferred intake.
The Team at Northern Connections Canada
