Provincial Acceptance Letter (PAL) is required for study permit applications in Canada in 2024.
- Provincial Acceptance Letter (PAL)
Starting January 22, 2024, high school graduates applying for a Study Permit in Canada must have a Provincial Acceptance Letter (PAL) from the province or territory. IRCC will return applications without a PAL (except for some exceptions).
A PAL is a letter from the province confirming that you are eligible to study in a province or territory in Canada. It is similar to the Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ).
Note: International students whose applications were approved by IRCC before 8:30 AM on January 22, 2024, do not need to provide a PAL.
- You will be exempt from PAL if you are:
– A minor applying to study from kindergarten to grade 12 (schooling visa)
– An exchange student or visiting student
– Already have a Study Permit or Work Permit (you also don’t need a PAL if you are renewing your Study Permit)
– Have a family member with a Study Permit or Work Permit
- Updates on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for Master’s students:
– Starting February 15, 2024, a 3-year PGWP will be granted to those who graduate from a Master’s program under 2 years and meet all other PGWP criteria.
– The duration of the PGWP for programs other than Master’s will continue to correspond to the length of the study program, up to a maximum of 3 years.
– College/University graduates who have completed a program of at least two years at designated educational institutions eligible for PGWP will be granted a PGWP 3 years, similar to Master’s graduates under 2 years.
- PGWP conditions for Public-Private Colleges:
– Current international students are still eligible for PGWP if they meet the other eligibility criteria of the program.
– New students enrolling in these institutions will not be eligible for PGWP.
