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What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

The New Provincial Attestation Letter System for Study Permits in Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rolled out a big change to how international students apply for their study permit in January 2024. The change adds the need for Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) for many new undergraduate and non-degree graduate study permit applications. It means international students who are coming to Canada to study will likely be required to apply for study permit in different ways than before, starting in British Columbia (B.C.), one of the first provinces to roll out the new system.

What is the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document confirmed by provincial or territorial government indicating that the student has been accounted for within the province’s assigned quota for the validity of study permits. The province sends the PAL to Designated Learning Institutions (DLI), who in turn send it to the student. This also makes sure that certain number of international students are issued study permits in conformance with the federal government’s cap on the number of the study permit in place.

The provincial attestation letter will be used to verify the international students applying to study at colleges and universities and to language institutions in British Columbia. To IRCC, students at the same time need to submit the PAL in support of their study permit application, and their application needs to come under the federally prescribed cap of study permits in each province, year.

Impact of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement on Study Permit Applications

In introducing the PAL system, the manner in which international students apply for study permits will be changed. The added layer of paperwork translates to students still being required to first get the PAL from the province they want to attend school in before applying to the federal government. It guarantees fair study permits distribution in line with quotas.

To get the PAL, students must contact their selected Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) or school in the province. When the institution confirms the student’s eligibility and finds capacity, it then seeks from provincial government to issue the PAL. The student then transfers the letter into their study permit application to confirm that the application is in line with the federal government’s limits.

The Situation of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in British Columbia

Beginning March 4, 2024, British Columbia will be one of the first provinces to roll out the new PAL program. For the year 2024, the province has been given 83,000 study permits, down from the 97,000 that were given in 2023. It is part of the federal government’s push to better control the streams of international students. Yet, using historic approval rates, it’s projected between 50,000 and 60,000 international students will receive study permits in B.C. this year but only about 40 percent of the 60,000 issued in 2023.

In B.C., the allocation system for study permits will allocate 53 percent to public post secondary, and 47 percent to public post secondary institutions. The distribution is designed to sustain public institution’s international student programs while new enrolments are managed. Specifically, if private institutions, have experienced uncontrolled growth, they will have fewer permits available for accepting their students.

Exemptions to the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement

There are exceptions to having to submit a PAL if most international students applying for study permits in B.C. and other provinces. Certain categories of students will not be required to submit a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), including:

Primary and secondary school students: Exemptions are given to those who wish to study at the primary school or at the secondary school level.
Master’s and doctoral degree students: Graduate programs that grant a degree: exempt for students applying for those programs.
Students already in Canada: International students who haven’t applied for a permit to enter Canada do not need an online PAL, unless they are already in Canada with a valid study or work permit and their in Canada family members.
Students who applied before 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time) January 22, 2024: The PAL requirement doesn’t apply to applications filed before the new federal cap was announced.
Students in specific graduate programs: Some graduate programs (e.g., certificates and diplomas) that do not authorize a degree require a PAL.
In addition, other categories of applicants could be exempted, on other grounds lacking humanitarian grounds or as they result from certain public policies applied.

Furthermore, certain categories of the applicants may be exempted under other circumstances, for example, humanitarian and from public policies.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements for Schools Outside Quebec

The Provincial and Territorial Attestation Letters (PAL/TAL) are now also available. If students plan to study outside of Quebec, they will have to contact their school to learn how to submit a PAL/TAL application. Students apply for a study permit only once they possess their PAL or TAL.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements for Schools in Quebec

However, under certain conditions students who wish to study in Quebec are not required to submit a PAL/TAL. The following categories of students are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement when applying for a study permit:

Preschool, primary, or secondary school students: From kindergarten to grade 12 including.
Students attending specific programs in Quebec: This includes, for example, those already with a letter of acceptance from a school in a Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) or on a vocational training program (Diploma of Vocational Studies, Attestation of Vocational Specialization, Skills Training Certificate).
Students of Master’s or doctoral degree.
Global Affairs Canada scholarships recipients.
Exemptions based on public policy: If the applicant is a study permit exemption case for a crisis migration response or other public policy.
Students already in Canada: Secondly, those who are currently studying in Canada, applying for extension or restoration of their study permit, holders of work permits, temporary residents, or students participating in exchange programs of which Canada is part.

In addition, family members of foreign nationals in Canada who are in certain categories (such as work permit holders, study permit holders or temporary residents) also do not require a PAL/TAL.

How to Apply for a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Before registering with the provincial government to apply for a PAL, students must first get accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in the province in which they wish to study. The process typically involves several steps:

Apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): To begin, it must win the acceptance of a recognized DLI in the province. It could be a university, college or language institution.
Confirm Availability of PAL/TAL: Students should once accepted to contact their preferred institution to confirm if they are eligible to apply for a PAL. The provincial quota may not allow all institutions to accept international students beyond the large population of international students already within the province.
Submit Required Information to the Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Personal and academic details are going to be required from the student, meaning that the institution will need proof of acceptance, passport information and program details. Students must ensure they gave all asked for the documents so that process can be expedited.
Institution Requests PAL: The provincial government will issue the PAL on behalf of the student if the institution has available capacity within the provincial quota. It makes sure the student gets included in how many study permits the province gets.
Receive the PAL: When the student has met the provincial government and the institution has room under the provincial quota, the PAL will be issued. After that, the DLI will forward the letter to the student.
Include the PAL with Study Permit Application: The PAL must be submitted along with the study permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), following the receipt of the PAL. You have to do this before you apply for the study permit in order for it to comply with the federal limits in place for study permits.

If students follow these steps, their PAL will be secured in a decent time frame. In order to avoid any errors while applying for a PAL, it’s crucial to get in touch with the institution early enough in the process to learn of their requirements, requirements, and deadlines for PAL issuance in that province you wish to study.

Conclusion

The advent of management for admissions of international students via the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) system signifies a major departure from how the Canadian government has previously handled admission of such students. It’s an extra step towards providing documentation of how study permits are distributed, but it’s meant to make sure that study permits are circulated fairly among postsecondary schools in Canada and to ensure that our international student program remains sustainable.

If you are an international student wanting to study in Canada, it is important to know about PAL/TAL requirements and in touch with your chosen college to obtain the necessary guidance and avoid delays. The rollout of the system across provinces will allow students to better understand the process which, in turn, will result in a better process for both students and educational institutions Canada wide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any age restriction for converting visitor visas to study permits?

There are no age restrictions for transitioning from visitor to a study permit in Canada, provided that individuals can adequately justify their reasons for pursuing studies within the country.

Do you have to leave Canada when you change your Visa status from visitor visa to study permit?

You are not required to leave Canada if you satisfy the requirements outlined by IRCC for applying for a study permit.

Regarding the necessary expenses for the entire procedure?

The total costs vary depending on the course you select and other factors such as accommodation expenses during your stay.

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To learn about the financial documentation required by IRCC when applying for a study permit, refer to the following information:

Note: For 2024, a single applicant studying outside Quebec will need to show they have CAN$20,635, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This change applies to new study permit applications received, on or after January 1, 2024. This amount reflects updated cost-of-living requirements. Going forward, this threshold will be adjusted each year, similar to other immigration programs, as Statistics Canada updates the low-income cut-off (LICO).

source : IRCC

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In summary, to apply for a study permit in Canada offers significant advantages. Create Career College (CCC) provides expert guidance alongside our consultant partner, TWA, ensuring a smooth transition from visitor to student status.

With CCC’s tailored programs and support, students can confidently pursue their academic and career goals. Visit our website for more information and embark on your educational journey with CCC today.