While all other provinces had already announced the provincial attestation letter system, Ontario was the only province left out. On, March 27, 2024, Ontario has finally announced their PAL acquisition procedure in compliance with the federal government, limiting how many international students can come to Canada in the next two years. They want to make sure that international students study things that will help them get good jobs in Ontario.
What the Minister Says
Jill Dunlop, who is in charge of colleges and universities in Ontario, says they want the best international students to come to Ontario.
They’re working with colleges and universities to make sure these students study things that will help them get good jobs.
Changes to Applications
In 2024, the federal government allocated 235,000 study permits to Ontario for universities and colleges in Ontario.
Most of the spots for international students will go to public colleges and universities, this will be around 96% allocation given to public colleges and only 5% to private colleges and universities. Some will go to language schools and private universities. But career colleges won’t get any.
How They Decide
- They will pick programs based on the high demand, like skilled trades, healthcare, STEM, hospitality, and child care.
- They won’t let too many international students join one school.
- They will also prioritize students who want to study in French.
Getting an Ontario Attestation Letter Study Permit
If you want to study in Ontario, you need a letter to prove it through Ontario attestation letter. You can get your attestation letter from the college or university you want to join, they will ask for this letter from the Province of Ontario on your behalf.
You can check the ministry website or ask the admissions office if you’re unsure how.
How to get the PAL for Ontario
- First, get your admission letter from an Ontario college or university. To receive an admission decision, meet the specific requirements of each college or university.
- You will receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your college, this is must-have document before requesting a PAL letter from your Designated Learning Institutes.
- After getting your LOA, you shall pay the required tuition deposit to request an Ontario Provincial Attestation Letter for your study permit.
- Most universities require this deposit to confirm your spot and request PAL. You don’t need to do anything yourself; the college will take care of it. The college will ask for PAL on your behalf.
- Once the Ministry of Colleges and Universities approves the request and the PAL is ready, the college will inform you. They will provide you with a copy of the letter. The method of notification may vary depending on the institution.
- After receiving your PAL, you must submit it to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) along with your study permit application, payment receipt, and the acceptance letter from the college.
- If you have any questions about how your college is managing the PAL process, you can contact them directly or contact your college first.
Note: An admission or offer letter doesn’t assure PAL eligibility. International applicants must meet the conditions stated in their offer letters. PAL availability is limited and given on different criteria that could be a field of study, language and other factors.
Helping Students
Ontario wants to make sure international students have a good experience. They’re making sure there’s housing for them and giving money to support mental health.
After School
After students finish their studies, they can apply for a work permit. But they can’t get this permit if they study at a private college starting May 15, 2024.
Why It Matters
These changes help Ontario get the workers it needs. They also make sure international students have a good experience while studying in Ontario.
