Canada’s Alberta & Manitoba start issuing Provincial Attestation Letters

• International students looking to study in Alberta or Manitoba, here’s some exciting news! Canadian provinces Alberta and Manitoba have started issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to international students accepted in Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in the respective provinces. 
• This means international students who have applied for admission in the above mentioned provinces, can now expect an answer regarding their international student visa soon!
• Details regarding the number of PALs allocated to either province or how they will be distributed are not out yet.
  
  

What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

• A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a formal document issued by a provincial government in Canada to international students who have successfully gained admission to educational institutions within that specific province. The PAL serves as an official confirmation of the student’s acceptance to study in the province and may be a crucial component of the visa application process or other administrative procedures related to studying in Canada.

• Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) play a central role in the administration of PALs. DLIs are educational institutions that have been officially approved by the provincial government and the federal government to enroll international students. These institutions include universities, colleges, vocational schools, and language schools across Canada.

• The issuance of PALs through DLIs ensures that international students have met the necessary admission requirements and have been accepted into reputable educational programs within the province. It also helps streamline the visa application process for students by providing a standardized document that confirms their status as accepted students in Canada.

Who needs a Provincial Attestation Letter?

• most post-secondary study permit applicants
• most non-degree granting graduate programs (for example, certificate programs and graduate diplomas)
• anyone else not included in the exception list below

Who doesn’t need a provincial attestation letter?

• primary and secondary school students
• master’s or doctoral degree students
• in-Canada visiting or exchange students studying at a designated learning institution Corrected on February 27, 2024
• in-Canada study permit and work permit holders (includes study permit holders applying for an extension)
• in-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders
• students whose application we received before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024

Getting a PAL in Manitoba

• International students pursuing a PAL from the Manitoban provincial government may find it necessary to provide a deposit to their selected DLI before the institution proceeds with the PAL application on their behalf.
• While various DLIs throughout the province may impose distinct requirements concerning PAL applications, the University of Manitoba, requires a non-refundable tuition deposit of $2,000 CAD as a prerequisite before initiating the PAL application process on behalf of the student. 

Getting a PAL in Alberta

• Similarly to Manitoba, obtaining a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in Alberta may entail students meeting the requirement of submitting a deposit alongside accepting their offer of admission to their chosen educational institution. This deposit serves as a prerequisite for their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to initiate the PAL request to the Alberta government.

Upon the successful processing of the PAL, most universities in Alberta send an email to the address provided during the application process. This email alerts students that their PAL is available for download.