Provincial Attestation Letter

What is Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

Applying to study in Canada can be both exciting and stressful, especially with new requirements like the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) causing confusion among prospective students. Here’s a detailed look into what the PAL entails and how it impacts your study permit application:

What is the Provincial Attestation Letter?

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a new requirement introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as of January 22, 2024. It addresses Canada's housing challenges and other issues in the international student program by ensuring compliance with the national cap on international student admissions implemented the same year.

Each province issues the PAL to study permit applicants, indicating that their application falls within the national cap set for international students that year. Essentially, it serves as confirmation from the province that they have not exceeded their allocated quota of international student admissions.

Who Needs a Provincial Attestation Letter?

Any study permit applicant who is not exempt must include a PAL with their application. This includes international students applying for:

• Certificate and diploma programs
• Undergraduate degrees
• Study programs longer than 6 months

Exemptions from the PAL Requirement

The following categories of international students are exempt from requiring a PAL:

• Preschool, elementary, and secondary school students
• Master’s and PhD students
• Students applying for a study permit extension
• Visiting or exchange students
• Temporary residents completing a prerequisite course or program of study
• Individuals in Canada under a removal order or holding a temporary resident permit with at least 6 months validity
• Family members of certain foreign nationals in Canada, among others detailed by specific criteria

Does the Provincial Attestation Letter Expire?

Yes, each PAL issued in 2024 comes with an expiry date set for January 21, 2025, unless otherwise specified on the document provided by your educational institution.

How to Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter

It’s important to note that your educational institution is responsible for applying for the PAL on your behalf. You do not apply for the PAL directly. Each province manages its own application processes and systems for issuing PALs, ensuring compliance with IRCC requirements.

Understanding and fulfilling the PAL requirement is crucial for a smooth study permit application process in Canada, ensuring your application aligns with current immigration policies and regulations.

Provincial Attestation Letters in Various Provinces for Study Permit Applications in Canada

Understanding the process of obtaining a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is crucial for international students applying for study permits in Canada. Each province has its own system for issuing PALs, aimed at ensuring compliance with the national cap on international student admissions. Here's an overview of how PALs are being handled across different provinces:

Ontario Provincial Attestation Letter

Ontario has implemented its PAL system as of March 28, 2024. To obtain a PAL, prospective students must contact the educational institution they intend to study at. The institution will initiate the PAL request with IRCC, and once approved, they will notify the student and provide them with a copy of the PAL.

British Columbia Provincial Attestation Letter

British Columbia's PAL issuing system went live on March 4, 2024. Educational institutions are responsible for requesting PALs on behalf of accepted students. Students should contact their chosen institution for more information on the PAL notification and sharing process.

Alberta Provincial Attestation Letter

The Government of Alberta started issuing PALs on March 1, 2024. Post-secondary institutions will apply for PALs on behalf of accepted students. Students should contact their institution's registrar for details on obtaining a PAL for their study permit application.

Quebec Provincial Attestation Letter

In Quebec, an updated letter attesting to the issuance of the Québec Acceptance Certificate for studies has been available since February 13, 2024. This document facilitates the study permit application process for international students planning to study in Quebec.

Manitoba Provincial Attestation Letter

Manitoba's PAL system became operational on March 4, 2024. Students applying for study permits in Manitoba should contact their educational institution directly to ensure the institution applies for and provides them with the necessary PAL.

Saskatchewan Provincial Attestation Letter

Saskatchewan's PAL system launched on March 13, 2024. To obtain a PAL in Saskatchewan, students should contact their university, college, or educational provider directly. The institution will handle the application process for the PAL.

New Brunswick Provincial Attestation Letter

New Brunswick began issuing PALs on March 18, 2024. Students interested in obtaining a PAL for their study permit application should reach out to their educational institution. The institution will apply for the PAL and provide it to the student accordingly.

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Attestation Letter

PAL processing in Newfoundland and Labrador started on March 19, 2024. Students should contact their educational institution to initiate the PAL request. The institution will manage the application process and supply the student with the PAL.

Nova Scotia Provincial Attestation Letter

Nova Scotia commenced PAL issuance on March 28, 2024. To receive a PAL in Nova Scotia, students should contact the educational institution they plan to attend. The institution will secure the PAL and provide it to the student as required.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Attestation Letter

Prince Edward Island initiated its PAL process on March 27, 2024. Students applying to study in PEI should contact their chosen educational institution to obtain a PAL. Once received, students can proceed with their study permit application to IRCC.

Navigating the PAL requirement involves communicating directly with your educational institution to ensure timely and correct processing of your study permit application in Canada.

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