British Columbia Issues New Provincial Attestation Letter System 2024

On March 4, 2024, the BC Ministry issued PALs for fresh applications for study permissions. This essentially implies that any student wishing to enroll in a British Columbian institution or school may now apply for a study permit.

British Columbia is a popular choice for overseas students. The Province has announced the start of its new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) issuance mechanism.

Under the foreign student cap, every territory and province is now obliged to submit PALs. Starting on March 4, 2024, the BC Ministry issued PALs for fresh applications for research permits.

This signifies that all students wishing to enroll in a British Columbian institution or school may now apply for a study permit.

Also Read: Canada Sends Work Permit Invites in One Week

Since the IRCC announced a cap on the amount of study permits it would grant in 2024, B.C. has become the first province to implement the PAL system. To meet the deadline of March 31, other provinces are anticipated to quickly follow suit.

How many PALs will be issued by BC in 2024?

• B.C. reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved 83,000 applications for UG study permits.
• The province adds, "The federal government anticipates this to result in around 50,000 approved study permit applications for 2024 based on recent acceptance rates.”
• There were over 97,000 applicants for undergraduate study permits in 2023.
• According to the province of British Columbia, public schools will receive 53% of permits for post-secondary education, with private schools receiving the remaining 47%. In comparison to the previous year, this implies that there will be 27% fewer permits for private schools. British Columbia is doing this to curb the expansion of private institutions.

Who Can Benefit from a Provincial Attestation Letter?

The majority of applicants to graduate programs that don't require a degree, such as a diploma and certificate programs, require PAL.

Who is Exempted from PAL?

• Students in secondary schools
• Candidates obtaining master's or PhD degrees
• Students with a current study permit who are already in Canada
• Individuals with work permits in Canada as well as their families
• Students applying by January 22, 2024, not afterward 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time)

Also Read: British Columbia Cracks Down on Exploitative Practices: New Measures for International Students

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FAQs

1. What is a Provincial Attestation Letter?

The Provincial Attestation Letter is a confirmation that the province sends to the institution and forwards to the foreign applicant.

2. In 2024, how many PALs will be issued by BC?

A total of 83,000 PALs are available from British Columbia to candidates for undergraduate study permits.

3. When will the PAL system get operational?

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) system for British Columbia is operational as of March 4, 2024.