The rapid growth of the International Student Program in recent years has led the Canadian government to implement new reforms to ensure the program’s sustainability.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) requirement, effective as of January 22, 2024. This new document has become a crucial part of the study permit application process for most prospective international students in Canada.
If you’re planning to apply for a Canadian study permit, it’s essential that you understand the PAL/TAL requirement and how it will impact your application. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
About Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) System
The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document that serves as proof that your study permit application has been accounted for within your province or territory’s allocation under the new national cap on international study permits.
Starting on January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must provide a PAL or TAL from their province or territory when submitting their study permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If your application does not include this document, it will be returned without being processed.
The Canadian government recognizes the immense value that international students bring to our campuses, communities, and economy. However, the rapid expansion of the program has created challenges in areas like housing, healthcare, and labour market integration.
By implementing a national cap on new international study permit applications and the PAL/TAL system, the government hopes to strike a balance – continuing to welcome international students, while ensuring the program’s long-term integrity and sustainability. The PAL/TAL, in particular, gives provinces and territories more control over the international student population within their borders.
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Who needs a Provincial Attestation Requirement (PAL)?
The PAL/TAL requirement applies to most post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level, as well as those enrolled in non-degree graduate programs like certificates and diplomas.
Specifically, you’ll need to provide a PAL/TAL if you’re applying for a study permit to:
- Attend a college or undergraduate program at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Enroll in a non-degree graduate program, such as a graduate certificate or diploma
Who Does Not Require PAL?
There are some important exceptions where a PAL/TAL is not required, including:
- Primary and secondary school students
- Master’s or doctoral degree students
- In-Canada visiting or exchange students studying at a DLI
- In-Canada study or work permit holders applying for an extension
- In-Canada family members of study or work permit holders
- Students whose application was received by IRCC before 08:30am ET on January 22, 2024
It’s also worth noting that international students applying to study in the province of Quebec have a slightly different requirement. Rather than a PAL/TAL, they must obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) that includes a specific line confirming they have a place within Quebec’s share of study permit applications.
BC Implements Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) System for International Students
How do I get a Provincial Attestation Letter for Canadian Study Permit?
The process for obtaining a PAL/TAL will vary depending on your province or territory. Your designated learning institution (DLI) will be the best source of information on the specific steps you need to take.
In general, you’ll need to contact your school’s international student office or admissions department to find out how to apply for a PAL/TAL. They should be able to guide you through the required documentation and submission process.
Once you’ve obtained your PAL, you can submit it alongside your study permit application to IRCC. It only needs to be valid when IRCC receives your application. This means you can reuse the same PAL/TAL document if you need to resubmit your study permit application.
How long is the Provincial Attestation Letter valid for?
As mentioned, the PAL is only required to be valid at the time IRCC receives your study permit application. Unless the document has an explicit expiry date, it will remain valid until January 21, 2025.
However, it’s crucial that you carefully check the validity period on your PAL/TAL. If it does have an expiry date before January 21, 2025, you’ll need to obtain a new one before submitting your study permit application.
What happens if I don’t have a PAL/TAL?
If you submit a study permit application to IRCC without a valid PAL/TAL (or Quebec Acceptance Certificate, for students applying to study in Quebec), your application will be returned without being processed.
There are no exceptions to this rule – IRCC will not accept your application unless you provide the required provincial or territorial attestation document. The only exceptions are for the specific categories of students who are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement, as outlined earlier.
To avoid any delays or issues with your study permit application, be sure to obtain your PAL/TAL well in advance and include it in your submission to IRCC. Reaching out to your designated learning institution early on is crucial, as the application process for these documents may still be in development in many provinces and territories.
Other Changes to the International Student Program
The introduction of the PAL/TAL requirement is just one part of the broader reforms being implemented for the International Student Program. Here are a few other key changes to be aware of:
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) updates
- Graduates of master’s degree programs under 2 years in length will be eligible for a longer, 3-year PGWP.
- New restrictions will be placed on PGWP eligibility for graduates of public-private partnership college programs, due to concerns over program quality.
Open work permit eligibility for spouses
- Eligibility for open work permits will be limited to spouses and common-law partners of international students in graduate (master’s and doctorate) and professional degree programs only.
IRCC New Updated 2024: Study Permits Capped, PGWP Rules Change
Take Professional Help from Licensed Consultants
The introduction of the provincial attestation letter (PAL) requirement is just one of many changes impacting international students looking to study in Canada. With evolving regulations and complex application processes, it’s crucial to have experienced guidance to ensure a smooth and successful immigration journey.
That’s where licensed immigration consultants can make all the difference. At ELAAR immigration, our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) specializes in supporting international students through the latest policy shifts.
Led by Keshav Sharma, a seasoned RCIC, we can provide invaluable assistance with:
- Assessing your eligibility under the new PAL and other regulatory requirements
- Preparing a comprehensive study permit application that meets all updated criteria
- Understanding the implications of the PAL, PGWP, and other changes for both students and their families
- Exploring alternative pathways to study, work, and potentially immigrate to Canada
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