Study Permit and Visa Requirements
To study in Canada, you need to obtain a Study Permit. Effective January 22, 2024, undergraduate students intending to apply for their study permit through IRCC are now required to have not only a Letter of Acceptance from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) but also a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) issued by the Province of Alberta.
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
Provinces and territories will begin issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) to certain categories of international students. These letters serve as confirmation that the student has been accounted for within the provincial or territorial allocation under the national cap.
If necessary, you must include a PAL with your study permit application when submitting it to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Further information about PALs can be accessed on the IRCC website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html#attestation.
Who needs a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
Per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines, the following groups of students are required to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):
- International undergraduate students who submitted their study permit applications to IRCC after 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time, on January 22, 2024.
- Most graduate programs that do not grant degrees (such as graduate certificates, diplomas, etc).
- Visiting/exchange students planning to attend Burman University for more than six months.
- Individuals not exempted from the requirement for a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as per the provided exception list https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html#attestation
You don’t need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if you are:
- International undergraduate student who has submitted a study permit application before 8:30 a.m., ET, on Jan. 22, 2024
- Master’s or doctoral degree student, regardless of when study permit application was submitted
- Visiting/exchange student and ESL/FSL short-term programs under six months
- In-Canada study permit and work permit holder (includes study permit holders applying for an extension)
- In-Canada family member of study permit or work permit holders
- Primary or secondary school student
When do I get a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Letter of Acceptance (LOA)?
The PAL will be issued at the same time as the Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Students must complete financial clearance by providing the Proof of Financial Support to be eligible to receive the PAL and LOA. Once your PAL is available, Burman University admission officer will contact you via the email address you used on your application to let you know that your PAL is available for you.
What is Proof of Financial Support?
Proof of financial support for international students applying for study permits to IRCC on or after January 1, 2024, entails demonstrating funds of $20,635 for living expenses for the first year, along with the first year's tuition fees and travel expenses for the applicant. Additionally, if you have your family members with you, it's necessary to show that you can financially support both yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada. More information here https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html#doc3
When should I apply for the study permit?
You should apply as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from Burman University as it may take up to several months for IRCC to process your application.
I'm studying in Canada. Do I require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
If you're currently studying at a secondary or post-secondary school in Canada, you do not need a PAL. If you're already in Canada and eligible to apply for a study permit within the country, you won't need a PAL.