IRCC Provincial Attestation Letter: What You Need to Know

Have you recently received a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university or college, only to hear news about the updated IRCC policy on requiring an attestation letter to obtain your study permit? You’re not alone – many have been left with a series of questions about the implication of this announcement. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what an attestation letter is, who needs one, and how you can get yours in time for your study permit application. Our goal is to help you understand this requirement better, in turn guiding your next steps.

What is an Attestation Letter?

An attestation letter serves as proof that you’ve been accepted as an international student within Canada’s annual enrollment caps. Each province and territory sets limits on the number of overseas students it can support across its educational institutions. The letter confirms your spot has been reserved under the allocation for your chosen place of study.

Without this proof of eligibility, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – the department processing your study permit – has no way to verify that you have a valid place in the Canadian post-secondary system. Beginning from January 22,  2024, all undergraduate and some graduate applicants must provide an attestation letter along with their usual application documents.

Who Needs an Attestation Letter?

Most new post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return any application received that does not include a PAL, unless otherwise exempt.

However, there are exceptions. The following categories of students do not 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
  • 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 was received before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024

How to Obtain an Attestation Letter?

Each Canadian province and territory develops its own process for issuing attestation letters. These procedures are still being finalized and educational institutions will provide guidance on requesting a letter from the relevant jurisdiction once the application methods are in place by March 31st.

With the introduction of attestation letter requirements, the study permit process in Canada has seen some adjustments. However, by understanding what these letters are, who needs them, and how to obtain one, you’re able to move ahead without challenges.

While each province finalizes its application system over the coming months, be sure to maintain open lines of communication with your designated learning institution. They are your strongest resource for updates and guidance specific to your location of study.

If you have any other questions along the way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for additional advice or clarification. Remember you can still submit your application