Overview
Canada has become a preferred destination for international students, contributing significantly to its academic and economic landscape. To manage this growth sustainably and maintain system integrity, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) process, effective from January 22, 2024.
Purpose of PAL
The PAL aims to align international student enrollment with provincial quotas, ensuring a balanced regional population growth while continuing to welcome students to Canada.
What is PAL?
A PAL is a letter issued by a Canadian province or territory confirming an international student’s enrollment alignment with the provincial quota. It includes the student’s full name, date of birth, and address.
Scope of PAL
- Who Needs PAL: Most post-secondary education applicants and certain graduate programs.
- Who Doesn’t Need PAL: Students in primary and secondary education, master’s or doctoral programs, visiting or exchange students, holders of Canadian study or work permits, and applicants before January 22, 2024.
Conditions for PAL
Study permit applications must include a PAL for processing. Applications without PAL will not be accepted, except for exemptions.
Provinces with PAL Process
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario (started on March 30, 2024). Other provinces will announce their process by March 31, 2024.
Validity Period
PALs are valid for one year, currently until 2025.
How to Obtain PAL
- Student receives Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the institution.
- Student accepts the offer.
- Institution informs the province, and PAL is released to the institution.
- Institution issues PAL to the student.
Importance of PAL
- Mandatory for Canada student visa applications.
- Balances international student intake across provinces.
- Validates student admission into approved Designated Learning Institutions (DLI).
FAQs
- Who issues PAL? Respective provinces issue PAL to institutions.
- Is tuition deposit mandatory for PAL? Yes, PAL issuance is based on first-come-first-serve basis after tuition deposit.
- Do current students need PAL? No, unless applying for study permit renewal.
- Is PAL required for 1+1 programs? Yes, for initial study permit applications.
- Is there a fee for PAL? No additional fee, except in Quebec.
- What if student doesn’t attend specified intake? PAL is valid until Jan 2025; can be used for deferred intakes.
- What if PAL credentials are incorrect? Provide correct details for re-issuance.
- What if visa isn’t approved? PAL is valid until Jan 2025; can be used for re-application.