Canada’s Alberta & Manitoba start issuing Provincial Attestation Letters

Canadia’s Alberta and Manitoba have started issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to international students who have been accepted to schools in these provinces, says CIC news.

Both provinces have started issuing PALs via Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) within their borders. DLIs are the only educational institutions in Canada authorized to admit international students.

Details regarding the number of PALs allocated to either province or how they will be distributed are not out yet.


How to get a PAL in Alberta?
According to IRCC, as of March 1, Alberta has begun issuing PALs though not much is currently known about the system.

According to the provincial government's website, post-secondary institutions (DLIs) will request PALs on behalf of international students who have been accepted to their institutions. The government also urges students to contact the registrar of their respective schools for more information or any questions that may emerge, says CIC news.

International students seeking a PAL through a DLI may need to demonstrate additional commitment to their chosen institution. For instance, examining individual DLI pages, such as those of the University of Alberta or the University of Calgary, reveals that students may be required to pay a deposit along with accepting their admission offer to enable their DLI to request a PAL from the Alberta government.

Most universities in Alberta will notify students via email, using the address provided during their application, once their PAL is ready for download to facilitate their final study permit application.


How to get a PAL in Manitoba?
The Manitoban provincial government began issuing PALs to international students as of March 4, 2024.

Similar to Alberta, Manitoba's PALs will be distributed via DLIs throughout the province. Students in Manitoba may also be required to submit a deposit to their selected DLI before the institution can initiate a PAL application on their behalf. For instance, the University of Manitoba mandates a non-refundable tuition deposit of $2,000 CAD to be paid by credit card within 10 business days of the application decision for PAL processing.

Different DLIs in the province might have varying prerequisites for PAL applications on behalf of students. It's recommended for incoming international students to carefully review these specifications with the registrar of their chosen institution during the application process.