International students hoping to pursue their higher education in Canada can now rest easy knowing that the much-anticipated update has finally arrived. Along with announcing earlier this year that study permits would be subject to a temporary cap, the federal government also significantly updated the procedure for applying for study permits. Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) are the most recent advancement. This official document, which will be provided by the Provincial or Territorial Government of Canada, will be required for all new international post-secondary students whose study permit applications are submitted after January 22, 2024. Nonetheless, the need for a PAL is waived for students intending to pursue a master’s or PhD in Canada. Students do not need to have PAL to renew their study permits, even if they are currently in Canada. 

intended to improve and reorganize the international student application process. In the news that follows, let’s learn more about PALs.

Given that, within the parameters of its allotment, the PAL will function as documentation of international students’ acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). These are the new Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), which are being issued by a few Canadian provinces already. 

1. British Columbia

One of Canada’s most popular provinces and study destinations is British Columbia (BC). The Ministry of British Columbia has started the process of issuing new Provincial Attestation Letters under Canada’s International Student Cap, with effect from March 4.

British Columbia has confirmed that 83,000 undergraduate permit applications will be processed for the year 2024, in accordance with reports and the new cap system. 

2. Quebec

The Quebec government has also provided instructions regarding their PAL requirements. They differ slightly from other provinces, though. International students will receive a “Quebec Acceptance Certificate or CAQ” as their PAL following their policies. In addition, the government has started releasing the additional terms that will be included in this CAQ as of February 13, 2024.

3. Alberta

Alberta has also launched the PAL system within this framework, indicating that overseas students can now get in touch with their universities for further information. Your institution will upload your PAL on their portal as soon as your tuition fees deposit has been received. After that, you’ll get an email saying that your PAL is ready for download.

4. Nova Scotia

In addition to the aforementioned provinces, 12,900 applications for study permits have been assigned to Nova Scotia for the upcoming academic year. This suggests that shortly after the province starts the process, almost the same amount of PALs will be processed.

Furthermore, each province’s public and private institutions will equitably share these study permit applications. Additionally, by the beginning of April 2024, it is projected that the majority of Canadian Provinces and Territories will issue PALs.

This update signals a new era of change in the application process for those considering studying abroad in Canada. Don’t worry, though; the introduction of Provincial Attestation Letters guarantees a more seamless transition into the Canadian academic scene with an application process that is more streamlined and transparent, in addition to simplifying the administrative obstacles.

Keep checking back for more updates on Canadian higher education and learn more about the specifics of this new procedure. Remain calm; Canada awaits you with a bright future full of limitless chances for both personal and academic development. Please contact our experts at KC Overseas Education for further details about the application process and other insights.