International Centre

Immigration Updates for International Students

Page updated: May 27, 2024

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Study Permit Updates

The Government of Canada has implemented changes that affect the study permit application process for some new international students. Students who are affected by this change are now required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit application.  

The new PAL system represents an effort by the Canadian government to more sustainably manage the growth of international student numbers across Canada. Each Canadian province and territory has been allocated a maximum number of PALs that can be issued on an annual basis. In turn, educational institutions within each province and territory have also been allocated a maximum number of PALs that can be issued to new international students. 

The new PAL system has resulted in changes to the application and acceptance process at Dalhousie. It has also resulted in changes to the study permit application process. Please read the following sections carefully to learn if/how the new application processes may affect you.

For international students currently outside of Canada

The following groups now need a PAL when applying for a study permit:

  • Students applying to an undergraduate degree program.
  • Exchange/visting students coming to Dalhousie for longer than 6 months.
  • Joint degree students coming to Dalhousie for longer than 6 months.
  • Students applying to a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate (non-degree) program longer than 6 months.
  • Students applying to a professional program.
  • Master’s level students enrolled in a qualifying program longer than 6 months.

For students in the above groups, you will receive instructions on how to request a PAL after you have:

  • Been formally admitted to Dalhousie; and,
  • Paid the required admission deposit (if applicable).

For more information about which documents you require to enter Canada, and how to apply, visit the New Student Immigration Information page on the International Centre website.

For international students currently inside Canada

If you are currently in Canada on a valid study permit, you do not need a PAL. You can apply to extend your current study permit prior to the expiry date with your Letter of Acceptance (new students) or Confirmation of Enrolment (current students) from Dalhousie. It is recommended to apply for renewal at least 2-3 months before your current permit expires.  

Who does not need a PAL?

Not all new international students require a PAL. The following groups do NOT require a PAL:

  • Students applying to a Master’s or Doctoral degree program.
  • Master’s level students applying to a qualifying program less than 6 months.
  • Exchange/visiting students who are coming to Dalhousie for less than 6 months.
  • Students applying to an online Master’s or Doctoral degree program.

Who else does not need a PAL?

  • Students applying to extend their study permit from inside Canada.
  • Students applying to restore their study permit status from within Canada.

For more information about which groups require a PAL and which groups are exempt, visit IRCC’s Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) page.

For more information about which documents you require to enter Canada, and how to apply, visit the New Student Immigration Information page on the International Centre website.

Where do I go for more information?

For questions about your Dalhousie application and the application process in general (including PALs), please contact the Admissions Office at international.admissions@dal.ca

For immigration-related questions, please contact the International Centre at international.centre@dal.ca.