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 41000.
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 contacting the institution's registrar is advised 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
PALs will be issued from the institution until March 29, 2024.
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, as they are responsible for both applying for and delivering the PAL.
Newfoundland and Labrador
As of March 19th, Newfoundland and Labrador has 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 they will provide a copy once 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 during the application process on behalf of students.
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.
To obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for studying in PEI, students should directly contact their chosen educational institution.
Upon receiving the PAL from the school in Prince Edward Island, students can proceed to apply to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to pursue their studies in Canada.
Key points to note
Students can only receive one study permit to Canada at one 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.
The information on your PAL must correspond with the LOA from your chosen institution. Your PAL 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). It is important to check your school's website to determine if a deposit will be made before requesting your PAL.
The process for obtaining a PAL is handled by your chosen university. 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.
What Next?
By March 31st, all Canadian provinces are expected to have implemented the process for obtaining Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) for international students. We are expecting a highly competitive process this time so while you wait for your provincial attestation letter, make the most of the time by getting ahead of the game on your study permit application!
Access our video on Common Study Permit Errors to Avoid and get everything in order so when that letter arrives, you're ready to submit your study permit application!
If you're still thinking about studying in Canada, starting the application process early is crucial. We recommend scheduling a consultation with our Consultants to discuss your options and develop a personalized strategy for your Canadian study aspirations.