Expansion of PAL Letter (Provincial Attestation Letter) Submission Requirement for Canadian Student Visa - Effective January 2025

Previously, applicants already residing in Canada could often be exempted from submitting a PAL Letter when applying for a student visa, due to various exemptions. However, starting in January 2025, under new regulations, the following applicants will now be required to submit a PAL Letter in order to obtain a study permit:

Expanded PAL Letter Submission Requirements

1. Applicants transitioning from a work permit to a study permit

2. Applicants who were on a visitor visa (TRV) preparing for studies and are now applying for admission to a college or university

3. Accompanying family members of work permit or study permit holders

4. Students entering a language school

5. Applicants enrolling in short-term programs or courses that require tuition payment

   
   
   
   

More details on the official Canadian government website (Click Here)

However, short-term language studies under 6 months do not require a study permit, and as such, students can still apply with a visitor visa, as before.

Changing Schools After Applying for a Student Visa

Previously, changing schools after receiving a student visa could be handled with just a notification of the change. Now, however, if you wish to change schools after receiving your student visa, you will need to apply for a study permit extension and get a new student visa. You must also submit a new PAL Letter along with your new letter of acceptance from the changed school.

How to change your school as a post-secondary student

Starting November 8, 2024, you will need to apply for an extension of your current study permit in order to change schools at the post-secondary level.

Changing Schools While Waiting for Study Permit Approval

If you have already submitted your study permit application and need to change schools before it is approved, you can use the IRCC web form to submit the new letter of acceptance and PAL Letter. However, if your study permit has already been approved or if your school change request submitted to IRCC is not accepted, you will need to submit a new study permit application.

For more information, visit the official website (Click Here)

Who Needs a PAL Letter?

With the new regulations, almost everyone, except for students enrolling in elementary or secondary schools, applicants extending their study permits at the same institution, exchange students, and spouses of permanent residents, will need a PAL Letter. The PAL Letter is issued by the school where the student is enrolling, and the school allocates it to students for use in their study permit applications.

If you are planning to enroll in a post-secondary institution in Canada, make sure to request the PAL Letter from your school to avoid any issues with your student visa application.

Schools ON AIR offers detailed and accurate visa application services for those who are facing difficulties obtaining their PAL Letter or need assistance with student visa applications.

If you need help with your Canadian visa application, don't hesitate to contact Schools ON AIR!