As an international student with dreams of pursuing your education in Canada, understanding the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) process is crucial. It is an essential requirement for international students in Canada!
PAL ensures that Canada has the highest standards in education and promotes a balanced distribution of students across provinces. It also safeguards the Canadian education system’s integrity and enhances your study experience.
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This article will discuss obtaining your provincial attestation letter and help you make informed decisions about your educational journey in Canada.
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter?
A Provincial Attestation Letter is an official document issued by a Canadian provincial government to confirm that an international student has been accepted into a designated educational institution within that province.
In other words, it is a method by which provinces verify that accepting a specific international student contributes to their respective allocation of international students.
Students must now receive a letter of acceptance from their Designated Learning Institution (DLI), the only school in Canada allowed to accept international students, and a PAL from the province or territory where their DLI is located before submitting their study permit application to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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This ensures that the student is enrolled in a legitimate and recognized program.
Purpose of a Provincial Attestation Letter
Provincial Attestation Letters are required to control and oversee the influx of international students into Canada. They ensure that study permits are only given to real students duly investigated, approved, and admitted into accredited programs.
This procedure aids in managing educational institutions’ capacity and preserving the educational system’s integrity by guaranteeing that only establishments fulfilling particular criteria are permitted to admit international students.
Provincial attestation letters also support quality assurance by upholding a high standard of instruction. Furthermore, PALs help ensure students are distributed relatively among institutions and geographical areas.
As such, provincial governments can gather precise statistics for planning purposes. At the end of 2023, new steps were taken to strengthen and safeguard the International Student Program. This is in response to many falsified acceptance letters and scandals involving the revocation of admission offers.
These actions further reinforce the significance of provincial attestation letters in upholding the integrity, capability, caliber, and equitable distribution of Canada’s educational system.
Who Needs a Provincial Attestation Letter?
- Post-secondary study permit applicants.
- Non-degree granting graduate programs (for instance, certificate programs and graduate diplomas).
Who Doesn’t Need a Provincial Attestation Letter?
- Primary and secondary school students.
- Students pursuing master’s or doctoral degree students.
- In-Canada visiting or exchange students studying at a designated learning institution within Canada.
- Current study permit and work permit holders residing in Canada, including those applying for an extension.
- Family members of study permit or work permit holders already in Canada.
- Students whose applications were received before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024.
How to Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter
You must apply for a Provincial Attestation Letter before filing for your study permit. For information on specific application processes, contact your educational institution.
You can proceed with your study permit application when you obtain your PAL, and to apply for your study visa, you must first get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Your provincial attestation must also be obtained if you intend to study in Quebec. The Government of Quebec issues this certificate, and for information on applying for a CAQ, contact your institution.
The CAQ must contain the following language to serve as your province’s attestation letter: “This attestation letter confirms that the applicant has a place in Quebec’s share of the distribution of study permit applications or is exempt from it.“
It’s crucial to remember that CAQs do not call for this particular statement for applications submitted by January 22, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Importance of a Canada Provincial Attestation Letter
- The provincial attestation letter is now a crucial puzzle for international students applying for a Canadian study permit. It’s become essential to include it with your visa application.
- This document is critical in helping Canadian provinces manage the number of international students they accept through institutions. It ensures a more balanced distribution across the country.
- The PAL also acts as a verification tool for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It confirms that your admission to a designated learning institution (DLI) has been approved by the specific province where you plan to study.
- The issuance process involves a collaboration between the province and your chosen institution. The province issues the PAL to the institution, which then forwards it to you.
Final Thought
The introduction of the Canada Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) represents a significant change for international students requesting undergraduate and graduate school study permits.
By verifying that student enrollment corresponds with the set quota for international students in that region, the PAL system seeks to guarantee a more equitable allocation of the population growth of international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does getting a provincial attestation letter in Canada take?
The processing time for a PAL may vary depending on the province or territory where you intend to study. It is recommended that you apply for a PAL well in advance of your planned arrival in Canada.
Why was the Canada Provincial Attestation Letter introduced?
The PAL was introduced to ensure a more equitable distribution of international students across Canada and to confirm that international students are admitted to universities and colleges fairly and equally.
What information does the Canada Provincial Attestation Letter contain?
The PAL typically includes vital information about the student, such as their full name, date of birth, and address.
This information allows Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm that the student’s application aligns with the specific provincial allocation for study permits.
Is there a fee for obtaining a Canada Provincial Attestation Letter?
When applying for a Canada Provincial Attestation Letter, it’s important to note that the fee and payment options can vary depending on your province or territory.
Each province or territory has its designated authority that sets the fee for obtaining a PAL. You should also check with your local designated authority for updated information and determine payment options.
Can I apply for a study permit without a Canada Provincial Attestation Letter?
You can only apply for a study permit with a PAL if one is required for your program of study. Your study permit application will only be complete if you provide a PAL when needed.
Can I apply for a Canada Provincial Attestation Letter after I have submitted my study permit application?
Yes, you can apply for a PAL after you have submitted your study permit application. However, obtaining a PAL before submitting your study permit application is recommended to avoid delays or potential rejection.
Which provinces are issuing Canada Provincial Attestation Letter?
The Canadian provinces currently issuing Canada Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for international students applying for undergraduate and college study permits in Canada include Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Other provinces issuing the PAL include Alberta, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
It’s important to note that the number of study permits varies by province. It is also crucial to check with the specific institution and province to determine if a PAL is required for your program of study.