Immigration Updates

Page updated: February 28, 2024

On January 22, the Government of Canada made an important announcement regarding changes to the study permit application process for new international students.  Effective immediately, most new international students (see list of exemptions below) applying for a study permit will require a Letter of Attestation from the province or territory where their institution is located. The federal government has set a March 31, 2024, timeline for provinces to finalize the process of issuing Letters of Attestation to international students.

Universities, colleges, and other designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Nova Scotia are actively working with the provincial government to determine the new Letter of Attestation process.  Students are advised to not submit their study permit application until this process is determined. Further updates will be posted here and communicated directly to new students by Dalhousie’s Admissions Office.

Please note this recent announcement does not impact the following groups: 

  • An international student who submitted a complete study permit application on or before January 21, 2024.
  • Current international students with a valid study permit
  • A minor child applying to study in a primary or secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12)
  • A student applying for a Masters, PhD or other post-graduate program
  • A student applying to extend their study permit

You can obtain additional information on this matter at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.

For undergraduate admissions questions, please don’t hesitate to contact international.admissions@dal.ca. For all other questions, please contact international.centre@dal.ca.

Frequently asked questions

Please review the answers to these questions for informational students regarding the current study permit application process and updates. 

Q1: What is the key requirement for most new international students applying for a study permit under the updated process?

Most new international students, with some exemptions, will require provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application.

Q2: Which groups are exempt from the recent announcement's impact?

The announcement does not impact international students who submitted a complete study permit application on or before January 21, 2024, current international students living in Canada with a valid study permit, minor children applying to study in primary or secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12), students applying for a Masters, PhD, or other post-graduate program, and students applying to extend their study permit.

Q3: What is the deadline set by the federal government for provinces to finalize the process of issuing Letters of Attestation to international students?

The federal government has set a deadline of March 31, 2024, for provinces to finalize the process of issuing Letters of Attestation to international students.

Q4: Who can I contact if I have questions about my study permit/visa application?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the authority on all matters related to study permits and visas. Answers to most questions can be found at:  https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html.

Students with specific questions can contact our immigration advisors at the International Centre. Web: www.dal.ca/internatinalcentre

Phone: +1 902-494-1566. Email: international.centre@dal.ca

Please note that immigration advisors do not have additional insights on the PAL process and when it will be in place at this time. Each province or territory is developing a process to issue PALs, and they are expected to be in place by March 31, 2024. Dalhousie will share updates as soon as possible after the process is confirmed and identify any additional steps needed to secure the PAL.

 

 

Q5: When will I know if I can obtain a PAL from Dalhousie University?

The Government of Canada has given all provinces a deadline of March 31st, 2024, to implement a process to issue the PAL. Dalhousie University will share updates with all impacted students as soon as possible, including any additional steps that may be required.

Q6: Who must obtain a provincial attestation letter, and who is exempt from this requirement?

Effective Monday, January 22nd, 8:30 AM EST, most post-secondary study permit applicants and non-degree granting graduate programs must provide a PAL.

Primary and secondary school students, master’s or doctoral degree students, visiting or exchange students, and certain in-Canada permit holders are exempt from this requirement.

Q7: I heard changes have been made to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP); what are they?

Starting February 15, 2024, graduates of master’s degree programs less than two years in length will be eligible for a longer, 3-year PGWP. This change aims to give these graduates more time to gain Canadian work experience, enhancing their prospects for permanent residence.

Students currently enrolled in public-private partnership college programs will remain eligible for the PGWP if they meet other program criteria. However, new students enrolling in these programs will not be eligible for a PGWP, reflecting concerns about program quality and student support. IMPORTANT: Dalhousie University does not have any established partnerships with private colleges

Q8: Can I still apply for the September 2024 entry?

Yes, applications remain for most programs and can be completed online at www.dal.ca/applynow. Refer to www.dal.ca/deadlines for program-specific deadlines.

Q9: Can international students still apply for scholarships?

Due to the impact of the proposed student cap on international students, the deadline for submitting the general entrance awards has been extended from February 15th to April 1, 2024.

Q10: What advice is given to students regarding the submission of their study permit application in light of the ongoing changes?

Most new international students, with some exemptions (refer to Q2), will require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application. Those requiring PALs in support of their study permit should not submit their study permit application at this time.  Updates will be provided by Dalhousie’s Admissions Office as soon as possible.