PAL LETTER – Effective from January 22, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. ET, we have implemented new regulations regarding post-secondary international students applying for study permits in Canada. As part of this update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now requires most international students at the college or undergraduate level to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory along with their study permit application. Please note that IRCC will return applications received without a PAL, unless otherwise exempting them.
The PAL confirms that the student has been factored into the provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap. Provinces and territories are diligently working to establish processes for issuing PALs by March 31, 2024. Additionally, discussions are underway between the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec to explore integrating the certificat d’acceptation du Québec pour études as a valid PAL.
It’s essential to understand who needs a PAL:
– Most post-secondary study permit applicants
– Most non-degree granting graduate programs (e.g., certificate programs and graduate diplomas)
– Others not included in the exception list provided below
Exemptions from requiring a PAL include:
– Primary and secondary school students
– Master’s or doctoral degree students
– Visiting or exchange students at designated learning institutions (In Canada)(Corrected on February 27, 2024)
– In-Canada study permit and work permit holders (including those applying for extensions)
– In-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders
– Students with applications submitted before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024
For those exempted or already approved for study permits intending to travel to Canada for their programs, no further action is needed due to the cap.
For more information and updates, please stay tuned to official announcements from IRCC and respective provincial authorities. We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to ensure a smooth transition for international students seeking educational opportunities in Canada.