Maple News reports that Alberta and Manitoba have officially started issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to international students accepted into schools within their jurisdictions. These letters are now a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Canadian study permit following recent changes announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In both provinces, PALs are being distributed through Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). These are the only educational institutions authorized by the Canadian government to enroll international students. The PAL serves as confirmation that a student has been accepted into an approved institution, which is now a prerequisite for study permit applications.
Although federal authorities have not disclosed how many PALs have been allocated to Alberta or Manitoba, or the exact process for their distribution, both provinces have begun moving forward with implementation.
In Alberta, PALs are issued only through DLIs such as the University of Alberta or the University of Calgary. According to provincial guidelines, these institutions request PALs directly on behalf of their accepted students. Typically, students are required to show commitment to their chosen program, often by paying a deposit in addition to formally accepting their admission offer. Once available, the PAL is usually shared via email, making it easily accessible for students to include in their final study permit application.
Manitoba, meanwhile, began issuing PALs as of March 4, 2024. The process is similar to Alberta’s, where DLIs initiate the PAL request, contingent on the student fulfilling specific institutional requirements. For example, the University of Manitoba requires a non-refundable tuition deposit of $2,000 CAD to be paid within 10 business days of admission. Requirements may vary across institutions, so students are strongly encouraged to consult their school’s registrar’s office for detailed guidance.
This rollout follows IRCC’s new cap on international study permits, introduced in early 2024, which requires provinces to issue these PALs to manage admissions and ensure system sustainability. The PAL confirms that the student’s acceptance aligns with the province’s assigned quota.
As Canada adapts to new immigration and international education policies, PALs are becoming a key element in the study permit process. For prospective students, it’s critical to understand the evolving requirements and ensure they coordinate closely with their chosen institutions.
Maple News will continue to track developments regarding PAL allocations and changes in study permit policies across Canada.