Introduction to Provincial letter of Acceptance (PAL)

The Canadian government has put a cap on international student numbers in 2024 to control immigration and the housing crisis. IRCC announced the prerequisite in January 2024, among a series of other measures and most of the provinces have already started issuing the PAL from March 2024

The attestation letters are meant to serve as proof that students have been accounted for within the federal government's cap on international students.

When students receive an LOA from their Designated Learning Institution (DLI), they must also receive a PAL from the province or territory that their DLI is located in, before applying for their study permits.

 

PALs are a required by:

1.      Most post-secondary study permit applicants (i.e. undergraduate university and college students); and

2.      Most non-degree granting graduate programs (for example, certificate programs and graduate diplomas).

PALs are not required by:

1.      preschool, primary school or secondary school (up to grade 12)

2.      master’s degree or doctoral degree program

3.      In-Canada visiting or exchange students studying at a DLI;

4.      In-Canada study permit and work permit holders (including existing study permit holders applying for an extension);

5.      You’re a temporary resident who has completed a course or program of study that is a prerequisite to you enrolling at a DLI.

6.      You’re under a removal order, but can’t be removed from Canada at this time.

7.      You have a temporary resident permit valid for at least 6 months.

8.      In-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders;

9.      Students who have already been approved for a study permit and intend to travel to Canada for an upcoming program; and

10.  Students whose application was received before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024.

11.  member of armed forces in another country under the Visiting Forces Act

12.  an accredited foreign government representative

13.  a participant in certain sports activities or events

14.  a worker in Canada who is a member of a foreign news company

15.  a religious worker