Canadian Provinces Issuing Provincial Attestation Letters for Study Permit Application

As an international student planning to study in Canada, understanding the process of obtaining a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is crucial. PALs are required documents for applying for study permits in various Canadian provinces. Each province has its own system for issuing PALs, and here’s a breakdown of how it works across different regions:

 

Procedure for obtaining PAL  Across Canadian Provinces

 

British Columbia

– British Columbia (B.C.) allocates 83,000 undergraduate study permits under their provincial allocation from the federal study cap. PALs are distributed with 53% for public post-secondary institutions and 47% for private institutions

– The Provincial Attestation Letter system went live on March 4, 2024.

– For inquiries, contact the educational institution.

 

Alberta

– Alberta started issuing PALs on March 1, 2024. Although the study permit allocation hasn’t been publicly disclosed, Alberta’s PAL issuance begins through DLIs, with the province’s allocation at 41,000.

– The process involves receiving LOAs first, then DLIs requesting PALs on behalf of committed students. Once obtained, both PAL and LOA are used for study permit applications. 

– Post-secondary institutions handle PAL requests for accepted students, so it is advised to contact the institution’s registrar for PAL inquiries.

Manitoba

Manitoba launched its PAL system on March 4th, but details from the provincial government are limited. 

Students need to contact their chosen DLI to understand the PAL process. More information will be provided once publicly announced. 

It’s crucial to reach out to your school for a Provincial Attestation Letter before applying for a study permit in Manitoba.

 

Saskatchewan

– As of March 13th, Saskatchewan initiated its PAL system with an allocation of 12,000, requiring students to consult their chosen DLI for PAL application procedures. 

– As of April 1, 2024, PALs will be issued to your digital credential wallet, known as MyCredsTM. Some LOAs may also be issued through this system

 

New Brunswick

– New Brunswick launched its PAL system on March 18th. Like other provinces, students need to inquire with their designated DLI regarding PAL application procedures. 

– In some cases, schools may ask international students to pay a deposit fee after receiving an LOA, after which the school handles the PAL application process on behalf of the student. 

– To obtain your Provincial Attestation Letter in New Brunswick, contact your school directly. They are responsible for both applying for and delivering the PAL.

 

Newfoundland and Labrador

– As of March 19th, Newfoundland and Labrador have begun issuing PALs through their system. International students interested in studying in Newfoundland and Labrador can now obtain their Provincial Attestation Letter. 

– To receive a PAL, students must contact their chosen school in the province directly. The school is responsible for applying for the PAL on behalf of the student and will provide a copy once it has been processed. It’s important to note that students cannot apply for the PAL themselves.

 

Ontario 

– As of March 28, 2024, Ontario has implemented a process for issuing PALs to prospective students.

– To obtain a PAL, students should contact their intended educational institution directly.

– Institutions will submit PAL requests on behalf of students during the application process.

– Once approved by IRCC, students will receive notification and a copy of the PAL letter from their institution.

– Notification and dissemination methods may vary among institutions.

 

New Brunswick 

– New Brunswick released its Provincial Attestation Letter system on March 18, 2024.

– To secure their Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), students should directly contact their institution.

– Schools in New Brunswick will oversee the PAL application process on behalf of students, ensuring a seamless experience.

 

Nova Scotia

– Nova Scotia initiated the issuance of Provincial Attestation Letters on March 28, 2024.

– To obtain your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in Nova Scotia, simply reach out to your intended educational institution directly.

– Institutions in Nova Scotia are entrusted with the responsibility of applying for and delivering the PAL to students.

 

Prince Edward Island

– Prince Edward Island initiated its Provincial Attestation Letter issuance process on March 27, 2024.

– Students should contact their chosen educational institution directly to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for studying in PEI.

– Upon receiving the PAL from the school in Prince Edward Island, students can apply to IRCC to pursue their studies in Canada.

 

Key points to note

– Students can only receive one study permit to Canada at a time, and publicly funded institutions where most international students attend are likely to receive priority allocation.

 

– You can only submit one PAL and one LOA when applying for your study permit to Canada.

 

– You will receive your LOA and PAL at separate times.

 

– Your PAL must contain information that corresponds with the LOA from your chosen institution. It will identify the level of study, post-secondary institution, program name, and program start and end dates.

 

– Accept your offer of admission and pay the deposit (if required). Before requesting your PAL, it is important to check your school’s website to determine if a deposit will be made.

 

– Your chosen university handles the process of obtaining a PAL. Once processed, the university will send your provincial attestation letter via email.

 

– Your LOA, PAL, and other documents must be submitted to IRCC when applying for your study permit.