Every year, many international students begin to prepare themselves to successfully arrive in Canada, they research about what they want to study at the university, as well as the province, the campus and the program of their preference, they even read about the cultural characteristics of the region they long for to make new friends, and they are already learning English or French, however, there is current information that in this 2024 they should know because it depends on it that enthusiasm during that preparation will be maintained until they successfully arrive in the country of their dreams, there is current information that in this 2024 they should know because it depends on it that the enthusiasm during this preparation is maintained until they successfully reach the country of their dreams, with the above I refer specifically to the provincial attestation letter (PAL, for its acronym in English) or provincial letter of acceptance, an inescapable requirement that undergraduate students must meet to come to Canada. 

My name is Yvanna Sol from Planeta Immiland, a language academy dedicated to the preparation of English and French for academic and immigration purposes to Canada; since our students are preparing in different courses and many want to study in Canadian universities, I wrote this informative article about the last thing you should know before applying for your study visa "blindly", so first you should read this article so you can get more details about the attestation letter or provincial acceptance letter and this way you will be more on track in the process. Let's go there!

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Federal changes for new international students

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The first thing you should know is that with these changes the number of international student visas will be reduced by 35% this 2024 and 2025; it is not a percentage that will affect master's or postgraduate degrees, but it will affect undergraduate students. 

The new measures you should be aware of are as follows:

1. There is now a two-year time limit on new international student permits, with a national cap on attestation of applications for 2024.
2. Applicants must now provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) with their study permit application, effective immediately. Provinces have until March 31, 2024 to develop the certification system.
3. Changes in the post-graduation work permits and open work permits are established, you can find more information here.

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What is the provincial attestation letter?

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It is a government document from the province that authorizes, approves or consents to the availability of places to study in the region, thus allowing the student to submit an application for a study permit.

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When do you start issuing acceptance letters?

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According to January 22, 2024 news on immigration for international students, the date they begin to be issued is March 31 of this year; however, last March 4 British Columbia launched the acceptance letter system, being the first province to make this issuance. 

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British Columbia issues first provincial acceptance letters in Canada

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According to the B.C. provincial government website, the letter of acceptance system came into effect on March 4, as part of an education policy line encompassed in the following quote from the Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials, Ravi Parmar.

"Our government is acting promptly to ensure there is as little disruption as possible given the new federal requirements and the cap on international visa applications."

This provincial allocation covers 83,000 applications for undergraduate study permits.

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How does the acceptance letter and college application work?

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The provincial acceptance letter is a letter of verification that will be sent from the province to the institution, and then from the institution to the international applicant. The letter will serve as proof that the applicant has been accounted for within the maximum set by the federal government. Applicants will submit the certification letter with their study permit application. Institutions that use their full allotment will not be allowed to submit further applications until the federal government issues a new allotment for the following year.

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It is important to be updated in a timely manner, in our academy we preserve the concept of learning the language to cross borders, but we are also attentive to new news so that clients and users in general do not lose time or money for not knowing the immigration changes in Canada. Before concluding, here are some key recommendations to plan your study trip:

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• Choose the study program.
• Request a letter of acceptance from your Canadian university (DLI).
• Wait until March 31 to start receiving a provincial acceptance letter or as early as now in British Columbia.
• Apply for your study permit.

If you are traveling to Canada to study, do not apply for your study permit unless you have this letter. Remember that this letter is for new students, it does not include students in Canada, masters or PhD. More about the acceptance letter, here.

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Also, improve your English and/or French as a student or professional, did you know that speaking English can lead you to work remotely and with very good remuneration? In the following article, you will learn about the most in-demand professions and jobs in English online.

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Visit Planeta Immiland Education and learn about our English and French courses, we have a conversation club that will further help you learn professional and on-the-job English. Contact us here and we will be happy to help you with whatever you need.

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With love,

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Immiland