Immigration Updates for International Students

Page updated: April 1, 2024

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Study Permit Updates

The Government of Canada has implemented changes to the study permit application process for most new international students. Students may now be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit application.  

Study permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is recommended that you apply for your study permit through IRCC as soon as you have the required documents in place as the application and approval process can take some time. For new study permit applications from outside Canada, you must also receive a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in most situations.  Refer to Preparing and Applying for a study permit page on IRCC’s website for more information about the requirements.

For a list of groups that do not require a PAL, refer to the Provincial Attestation Letter information page on Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) website.

For international undergraduate students outside of Canada: 

You can apply for your study permit as soon as you pay your deposit, fill out the Provincial Attestation Letter Request Form and receive a PAL from Dalhousie. 

For international undergraduate students on a study permit inside of Canada:

If you are presently in Canada on a valid study permit, you can apply to extend it prior to the expiry date with your letter of acceptance (LOA) from Dalhousie. It is recommended to apply for renewal at least 2-3 months before your current permit expires.  Please note: Students on a study permit do not require a PAL. You can confirm that you’re exempt from requiring a Provincial Attestation Letter on the IRCC website.

If you are required to submit proof of English proficiency, the deadline for submission is noted in your acceptance letter if you have been offered admission. Options to meet Dalhousie’s English language requirement can be found at dal.ca/englishtest. Please connect with a member on our international admissions team at dal.ca/connect if you require support on how you can meet the requirement by this date.

For questions about immigration regulations, study permits, and visas, please contact the International Centre international.centre@dal.ca.

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

How to apply as a first time International Undergraduate Student:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the most up-to-date information on Canada’s changes to the study permit requirements?

Information on what is required to apply for or extend a study permit can be found at Canada.ca. With some exemptions (refer to the next question), most new international students will need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application.

I already have a study permit. Do I need a PAL?

No, you do not need a PAL if you already have a study permit. Students can apply to extend their permit with a letter of acceptance to their program if necessary. Refer to Extend your study permit or restore your status on IRCC’s website.

Who else doesn’t need a PAL?

For a list of groups that do not require a PAL, refer to the Provincial Attestation Letter information page on Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) website.

I already paid a deposit to confirm my offer. Why am I being asked to pay an additional deposit?

The deposit amount was updated for all international students, including those with study permits, to better align with the updated financial requirements announced by the Government of Canada. As of January 1, 2024, new international students and those requesting an extension of their study permit students outside of the province of Quebec must show they can cover the first year of tuition and travel costs plus $20,635. 

Deposits are applied as a credit to your tuition, which you will pay when you enroll in classes. 

Can I still apply for the September 2024 entry? Will I be able to get a PAL?

Applications remain for most programs and can be completed online at dal.ca/applynow. Refer to dal.ca/deadlines for program-specific deadlines. If you are admitted to your program and require a PAL, your application portal will note the next steps in applying for it.

I have already applied. Where can I find the steps available to apply for a PAL if I need it?

Students who require a PAL can obtain an update in their application portal.  Students will need to pay a deposit and complete the PAL Request form. Students will be notified via their application portal whether they qualify for the PAL as soon as it’s been reviewed by the Registrar’s Office.

Why was a cap placed on the number of study permits issued in Canada?

The Government of Canada has set an intake cap on study permits to stabilize new growth across the country. This measure will result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits for the 2024 intake, a decrease of 35% from the year prior.

This cap is distributed across Canadian provinces and territories, weighted by population, and provincial and territorial governments in each region are responsible for distributing the allocation among the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). The cap will be in place for 2024 and 2025. IRCC will assess the study permit cap for 2025 at the end of this year.

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 the Canada.ca website.

Students with specific questions can contact our immigration advisors at the International Centre.

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

Who can I contact if I have questions about my application and the application process in general (including PALs)?

Please contact the Admissions Office admissions@dal.ca. 

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.

Can international students still apply for scholarships for the September 2024 entry?

The General Entrance Award application deadline was February 15th, 2024. Given the continued uncertainty about the study cap and permit process, this deadline was extended to April 1st, 2024, for international students. 

Is my deposit refundable?

The deposit is non-refundable unless: 

1. Your request for a PAL is denied 
2. You are refused a study permit from IRCC

Am I guaranteed a PAL if I pay the deposit and complete the PAL Request Form?

Payment of a deposit and completion of the PAL Request Form does not guarantee a PAL will be issued.

What if I decide to defer?

If you request to defer your offer and have paid the confirmation deposit, the Deferral Form will become accessible in your Application Portal.