How to Obtain an Attestation Letter for Your Study Visa Application in Canada

If you plan to study in Canada in 2024, there are a few ways to obtain an attestation letter for your study visa application in Canada. International students make major contributions to Canada’s communities, campuses, and economies.

What exactly constitutes a Provincial Attestation Letter for Your Study Visa?

Attestation letters are permission forms issued by the province or territory where you plan to study.
They allow you to study in a certain province. However, if you go to a low-quality private college, you may not get these papers.

Because this need is new and varies by province, it is recommended to check with your institution that issued your Letter of Acceptance for information on their attestation letter requirements.

Each province is assigned a specific number of international students based on the number of institutions in the province, housing capacity, and other factors.

The province will issue attestation letters depending on the allocation, following which you can apply for a study permit.

Note: Study permit applications have been delayed until March 31st to allow provinces to prepare procedures for obtaining attestation letters.

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Why do we need a PAL?

The Canadian government has set a two-year intake cap on international student permit applications, from 2024 to 2025.

For 2024, the maximum number of awarded study permits is 360,000, a 35% decrease from 2023. This cap has been further allocated across Canada’s 13 provinces and territories based on population. This attestation will serve as confirmation that the student was included in the national limit based on a provincial or territorial allocation.

Who Will Need an Attestation Letter?

If you choose to pursue postsecondary education.
If you select non-degree-granting graduate programs (such as certificates and graduate diplomas).

Who Does Not Require an Attestation Letter?

If you filed for a study visa outside of Canada before January 22, 2024 and provided a copy of your college’s acceptance letter (LOA), you are eligible.
Students who are currently in Canada and wish to extend their study permit do not require an attestation letter.
A study visa or permit is not necessary if you are pursuing online distance education (e-learning, correspondence, or Internet courses) in or outside Canada. A study permit is not necessary for short-term courses (6 months or less), either full-time or part-time, in any field.
Minor children in elementary or secondary education (kindergarten through grade 12)
Students pursuing a master’s or PhD

For those who already live in Canada:

You have a work permit.
You are both a temporary resident and a visiting or exchange student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
You have already finished a course or program that allows you to enroll in a DLI.
You have a removal order but are unable to leave Canada right now.
You want to extend your study permission.
You have a temporary residency permit valid for at least six months.

If your family member lives in Canada, who

Holds a study permit.
Has a work permit.
Has a temporary residency visa valid for at least six months.

How can I receive an attestation letter from the province?

According to the IRCC website, each province and territory is developing a system for obtaining an attestation letter, which has been scheduled to be available before or on March 31, 2024.

If you apply for a study visa before January 22, 2024, it will be handled under the current procedures.

Unless exempt, the IRCC will return applications received on or after January 22, 2024, that do not include an attestation letter.

For Colleges in Quebec

Quebec does not have an attestation letter, but it has something similar. If you intend to study in Quebec for more than six months, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Government of Quebec, which is separate from the previously mentioned attestation letter. Your school can help you apply for the CAQ.

If you plan to study for less than six months, you do not need a CAQ from the province. Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador have issued attestation letters outlining their PAL acquisition procedure, which will be made public on or around March 31.

How can I get a PAL in British Columbia (B.C.)?

International students can apply for study permits in British Columbia, which has 83,000 open spots.
The province has established that 53% of these spots will be allocated to students at public colleges and institutions, with the other 47% going to students from private schools who meet the PAL conditions described below.

Here’s what occurs in British Columbia:

Schools regulated by the government (known as DLIs) will provide international students with two important documents: a PAL and a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
Students use these documents to apply for authorization to study in Canada.

How Can I Get a PAL in Alberta?

Alberta, which has around 11.5% of Canada’s population, receives only 6.8% of all study permit applications.

Alberta is also distributing PALs through its schools, but it has not said how many. Here’s how it works.

First, the kid receives a Letter of Authorization from their school.

After the student decides to attend that school and accepts the offer, the school will request PAL on their behalf.

The student can then apply for study permission by submitting both the PAL and the LOA.

Conclusion

Due to the IRCC’s stringent criteria, an Attestation Letter for Your Study Visa is required to get a study permit and begin your academic journey in Canada. Furthermore, understanding the process and following regulations is essential for a smooth educational experience.