Provincial Attestation Letter For A Study Permit To Canada

In a recent update by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), new changes are introduced regarding the application process for Canadian study permits. Under the new guidelines, international students aiming for college or undergraduate studies in Canada must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory when applying for their study permits.

The PAL proves that the student has been allocated under a provincial or territorial quota within the national cap on study permits. Every province and territory must have a process for issuing PALs to international students by March 31, 2024.

IRCC has clarified that any study permit application submitted without a PAL will be rejected unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.

Who Needs Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Canadian Study Permits?

Understanding the new requirements of IRCC is essential for prospective international students aiming to pursue higher education in Canada. The following categories need PAL for the study permit applications:

• Most post-secondary study permit applicants.
• Most non-degree granting graduate programs, including certificate programs and graduate diplomas.
• Exceptions to this rule are limited, encompassing only specific international students, as IRCC outlines.

Who gets the Exceptions to the PAL Requirement?

Specific categories of applicants get exemptions from the PAL requirement. Let us find out who gets the exemptions from PAL:

• Primary and secondary school students are exempt from PAL requirements.
• Postgraduate students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees are also not required to obtain PALs.
• In-Canada visiting or exchange students enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) are exempted from PAL obligations.
• Existing in-Canada study permit and work permit holders, including those seeking extensions, do not need to provide PALs.
• Dependents of study permit or work permit holders currently residing in Canada are exempt from PAL requirements.
• Students who have already received approval for a study permit and are preparing to travel to Canada for their upcoming program do not require PALs.
• Applicants who submitted their applications before January 22, 2024, are exempt from the PAL requirement.

Recent Policy Changes for International Students in Canada

Canada has recently intensified its efforts to promote the integrity of its international student program. Apart from the PAL requirement, here are some additional steps the country has taken:

1. Introducing an intake cap on international student study permit applications for the next two years

Amidst Canada's evolving educational landscape, the federal government will limit study permits over the next two years. This measure, anticipated to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, signifies a 35% reduction from the previous year. This measure aims to manage the influx of applicants and ensure a balanced distribution of resources and opportunities.

Local authorities will oversee the distribution of allocations among provinces and territories, considering population sizes. These authorities will then allocate permits to their respective DLIs. IRCC will review the cap for 2025 at the end of the year, indicating that this arrangement is subject to change.

2. Increasing the financial requirement for international students to CAD 20635 

Canada's cost-of-living requirement for international students has remained unchanged since its introduction in the early 2000s. Effective January 1, 2024, IRCC has updated the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants to CAD 20,635.

This adjustment reflects Canada's commitment to supporting the well-being of its international student community by ensuring they have sufficient funds to meet their basic needs while pursuing their studies in the country.

IRCC states this requirement will be adjusted annually when Statistics Canada updates the low-income cut-off. This suggests that the rule will evolve, aligning with economic conditions and living standards changes.

3. Establishing a new Trusted Institutions Framework to enhance oversight and accountability within the education sector

Canada has introduced a new Trusted Institutions Framework to bolster oversight and accountability in the education sector. This initiative aims to ensure that institutions meet stringent standards for quality and integrity. By establishing clear guidelines and procedures, the framework enhances transparency and fosters trust among students, educators, and stakeholders alike.

Moreover, institutions recognized as trusted within this framework will receive several benefits, including faster study permit processing. Although details about the functioning of this framework remain limited, its implementation is anticipated in the fall of 2024.

4. Updating eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), now granting three-year permits for master's graduates

IRCC has adjusted the eligibility criteria for the PGWP, ensuring international students are ineligible while others become eligible. Effective September 1 of this year, international students enrolled in study programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer qualify for a PGWP upon graduation. This measure, announced in January, explicitly affects students attending private colleges licensed to deliver curriculum from associated public colleges.

This change aims to provide extended opportunities for master's degree holders to gain valuable work experience in Canada, enhancing their post-graduation prospects and contributing to the country's workforce development.

As of February 15, international students who complete only a master's degree are now eligible for a three-year PGWP. Previously, these graduates were limited to a PGWP whose validity was tied directly to the duration of their program of study.

5. Modifying the eligibility criteria for Open Work Permits (OWP) to offer more employment opportunities for eligible international graduates

Open work permits will soon be exclusively accessible to spouses of international students in master's and doctoral programs. Consequently, spouses of international students pursuing other levels of study, such as undergraduate and college programs, will lose eligibility. However, IRCC still needs to provide further information on this measure.

Adjustments to the eligibility criteria for Open Work Permits (OWP) aim to broaden employment prospects for eligible international graduates. These modifications increase graduates' flexibility in pursuing employment opportunities in Canada, contributing to their professional development and enriching the country's workforce diversity.

6. Implementation of a new LOA verification process by DLIs

DLIs would need to verify every LOA submitted by an eligible student. This verification process will occur through the online portal, to which only DLI representatives will have access.

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are educational institutions authorized by the government to host international students in Canada. A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is a formal document issued by a DLI to an international student confirming their acceptance into a specific program of study at the institution. This document is often required for the student visa application process.

Under the updated regulations, schools will have ten calendar days to authenticate LOA. Failure by DLI to verify the LOA within this timeframe or validate a fake letter will result in the cancellation of the student visa application. In such cases, the application will be returned to the applicant, along with any processing fees paid. Additionally, DLIs will lose access to verify LOAs once the verification deadline has passed.

In conclusion, the recent updates from IRCC mark a significant shift in the application process for Canadian study permits. The introduction of the PAL requirement for international students pursuing college or undergraduate studies underscores Canada's dedication to upholding the integrity of its international student program. As these changes take effect, students must remain vigilant and thorough in their study permit applications to align with the updated guidelines.

Please feel free to contact us for any assistance regarding student visas, documentation, or the application process. ImmiLaw Global has a dedicated team of immigration lawyers and overseas study consultants ready to meet your tailored needs. Connect with us to embark on a brighter future in Canada.

Read To Know: How to Prove Your Financial Requirements for a Canada Student Visa