Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

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Disclaimer

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information. 

Overview 

Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new requirement for the Study Permit application process on January 22, 2024, requiring an additional document called a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). In BC, the new provincial attestation letter system is effective as of March 4, 2024. Provincial attestation letters are required for new study permit applications for those applying to non-master's/doctoral degree programs at TWU. The provincial attestation letter is a verification letter that will be sent from the Province to the institution, and then from the institution to the international applicants. Applicants will submit the attestation letter along with their study permit application to IRCC.

Effects on TWU international students as of March 4, 2024

Please carefully read through the following information to understand who this new policy applies to.

  • The PALs affect language program students, graduate diploma program students and graduate certificate program students, as well as undergraduate students who meet one of the following situations:
    • If your very first-time study permit application was received by IRCC after 8:30 am EST on January 22, 2024, you will need a PAL.
    • If you are a current TWU student with an expired student permit and you have not applied for a study permit extension application with IRCC before the expiry date, you will need a PAL for your new study permit application with IRCC.
    • If you are a current TWU student and have submitted a study permit extension application with IRCC, but your extension application has been rejected by IRCC, and you need to apply for a new study permit with IRCC, you will need a PAL.

  • The PALs do not affect students who meet one of the following situations:
    • If you are a current international student with a valid study permit already, you do not need a PAL.
    • If you have been accepted into a master’s degree or doctoral degree program (if your graduate program leads to a degree) and need to submit a new study permit application with IRCC, you do not need a PAL.
    • If you have a valid study permit obtained after graduating from secondary school in Canada and are continuing your studies at TWU as an undergraduate student, you do not need a PAL.
    • If you are a current student with a valid study permit and need to renew/update/extend your current study permit with IRCC in Canada, you do not need a PAL.  
    • If you apply for a study permit as a family member of an existing study permit or work permit holder in Canada — for example, if your spouse holds a work permit in Canada and you apply for a study permit under your spouse — you do not need a PAL.
    • If you are visiting or exchange students studying at TWU in Canada.

 On September 18, 2024, Canada announced changes to the temporary residence programs, which includes study and work permits. We recognize that some announced changes likely have raised concerns for prospective and current students. We are committed to supporting our students during this time. 

At this time, based on ongoing conversations with the provincial government and anticipated enrolment plans, we are confident that international students who accept a TWU graduate program offer will receive a supporting provincial attestation letter for their study permit application. 

Please take note of these important details relevant to graduate program applicants/current students in 2025: 

  • As of 2025, master's and doctoral students will be included in the cap and require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Admitted applicants will receive a PAL from TWU Admissions Team after they accept their offer of admission.
  • Graduate certificate, graduate diploma and visiting students already required a PAL since 2024.
  • The cap does not impact study permit validity or study permit extension applications in Canada.
  • As of 2025, if your study permit is expiring and you need to extend it to start a new/different program, you will need a PAL. You will not need a PAL to extend your study permit to continue in the same program.
  • You can review the original governmental news release for background information.  

TWU RCICs/RISIAs will keep an eye on updates to the IRCC website and will update our records for TWU international students as new information becomes available.

If you are a TWU student with a valid study permit and need further clarification regarding the new IRCC policies, you can use the following methods to access the most up-to-date information on IRCC policies from TWU RCICs/RISIAs:

  • Method 1: Contact TWU RCICs/RISIAs through our Service hub online form ⁠HERE. We will need to review your study permits and academic records to follow up on any immigration-related concerns. DO NOT send emails to us. 
  • Method 2: You are welcome to sign up for weekly immigration advising  workshops. Even though each workshop has a specific topic, we still provide the most up-to-date IRCC policies every week to students who attend the workshops. Students can register at any time whenever works for them. Explore our most updated weekly workshop schedule on the TWU Event Calendar.
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