PALs for International Student: Navigating Provincial Attestation Letters
Alberta and Manitoba have initiated the issuance of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to international students who have secured admission to educational institutions within their provinces.
Gurmeet Sharma
These PALs are being distributed through Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), the exclusive entities in Canada authorized to admit international students. However, specific details regarding the allocation of PALs and the distribution process remain undisclosed.
To obtain a PAL in Alberta, international students must follow procedures outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of March 1st, Alberta has commenced the issuance of PALs, though comprehensive information regarding the process is currently limited.
According to Alberta's provincial government website, post-secondary institutions (DLIs) will initiate PAL requests on behalf of accepted international students. Students are advised to directly communicate with their school's registrar for additional information and clarification.
To qualify for a PAL through a DLI, international students may be required to demonstrate their commitment to studying at the institution. For instance, prospective students may need to pay a deposit in addition to accepting their admission offer.
Similarly, in Manitoba, PALs are being issued by the provincial government to international students effective March 4th, 2024, as per information available on IRCC’s official webpage. PALs in Manitoba are facilitated through DLIs, and students may need to submit a deposit to their chosen institution before a PAL application can be made.
For example, the University of Manitoba's official website stipulates a non-refundable tuition deposit requirement, payable by credit card, for PAL application processing. This deposit must be remitted within a specified timeframe following the decision on the student’s application.
It's important for international students to thoroughly review the specific requirements for PAL application with their chosen institution’s registrar during the application process.
For further details on PAL acquisition, eligibility criteria, and essential information on obtaining a study permit, please visit our dedicated webpage.
