Understanding the Provincial Approval Letter (PAL) for Studying in Canada – Alberta Edition
It is important to understand the Provincial Approval Letter (PAL) when you are studying in Canada. As the global economy recovers and borders reopen in the post-pandemic era, Canada, one of the most popular study destinations worldwide, is once again welcoming international students with open arms. Many people view obtaining a Canadian student visa and studying in Canada as the first step toward immigrating to the country. However, since January 2024, Canada has introduced a policy to temporarily reduce the total number of student visas and, in March 2024, announced the implementation of the Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL) system. While this new policy may seem like an additional burden from the applicant’s perspective, it actually offers potential benefits for those applying for student visas.
Through this policy, the federal government has delegated the authority to select students to local governments, and each year, the number of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) spots allocated to provincial governments increases proportionately. This means that students selected through the PAL system will face less competition when applying for provincial nomination after graduation. As the federal government continues to increase PNP allocations annually, a positive cycle is formed. From a positive perspective, the PAL system provides more opportunities for students aspiring to study in Canada.
Next, let’s delve into how the Provincial Approval Letter (PAL) operates in Alberta.
Overview of the Application Process
The application process for Canadian post-secondary institutions generally involves the following steps:
- The institution sends an offer letter (Letter of Offering) and instructions for creating a student portal account.
- Upon receiving the offer, the student must reply or log into the student portal to accept the offer.
- The institution sends a notice for the deposit payment (Notice of Deposit Payment).
- The student completes the deposit payment, and once the institution confirms receipt, they issue a Letter of Acceptance.
- After receiving the Letter of Acceptance, the student prepares to complete their visa application.
In Alberta, admissions offices typically assist students in applying for the Provincial Approval Letter (PAL) from the provincial government. Most major public post-secondary institutions in Alberta offer this service to newly admitted international students.
Importance of the PAL
The PAL is an essential document for international students planning to enroll in specific courses or vocational training programs. Its importance is reflected in the following aspects:
- Support Document for Study Permit: The PAL is a crucial document when applying for a study permit, as it verifies the student’s admission and the compliance of the course, thereby increasing the likelihood of the study permit being approved.
- Program Compliance and Government Oversight: During the PAL issuance process, the provincial government reviews the application to ensure that the program meets Alberta’s educational standards, guaranteeing the quality of education and ensuring that students can smoothly transition into their professional fields after graduation.
- Advantages in Immigration and Career Development: Choosing a program that meets PAL requirements not only facilitates the study permit application but also potentially benefits future immigration applications, especially for courses related to professional certification or immigration plans.
Alberta's Student Visa Quota for 2025
According to the latest policy released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 24, 2025, Canada has implemented a quota-based allocation system for international student permits. In 2025, a total of 437,000 student permits are expected to be issued nationwide, of which 316,267 permits will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) / Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). This represents an approximate 10% reduction compared to the previous year.Additionally, the PAL requirement has now been extended to master’s and doctoral students, meaning that most students enrolling in post-secondary diploma or higher-level programs in Canada will be required to provide a PAL when submitting their student permit application to IRCC. As per the official announcement, the province of Alberta has been allocated 32,660 PAL permits for 2025, with 3,887 permits reserved for graduate students and the remaining 28,773 permits allocated to other post-secondary students.
Important Considerations for Student Applications
Under the current process, the admissions offices of Alberta’s major public post-secondary institutions usually submit the PAL application to the provincial government’s specialized office on behalf of the student. Once the provincial government approves, the PAL is stored in the student’s account folder within the student portal, and the student is notified to download the necessary documents for their student visa application.
When you receive the notification about your approved PAL, carefully check the following sections in the letter:
- Student Personal Information: Including the student’s name, date of birth, passport number, etc.
- Details of the Admitted Program: Including the program name, start and end dates, and study mode (full-time or part-time).
- Provincial Certification Information: Indicating that the program has been approved by the Alberta government or the designated educational institution and meets relevant educational and immigration standards.
- Institutional Seal: The PAL should be stamped by the issuing educational institution or provincial government department to confirm the document’s authenticity.
Ensure that the information matches your passport details and the acceptance letter. If there are any discrepancies, report them promptly to correct the information.
Conclusion
Overall, the Provincial Approval Letter (PAL) plays a crucial role in studying in Alberta. It is not only a necessary support document for applying for a study permit but also ensures that the course chosen by the student meets provincial standards and enables a smooth transition into a career or further immigration applications after completing their studies. With the 2024 student visa policy reforms, Alberta has received more student visa quotas, providing more opportunities for international students who wish to study in the province. Understanding and correctly applying for the PAL will be an important step for every international student to successfully enter Canada’s academic world, ensuring a smooth study experience and paving the way for a bright career in the future.
