Latest Updates
Get timely updates on immigration, work eligibility, and health insurance for international students.
Disclaimer
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
Overview
Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new requirement for the Study Permit application process on January 22, 2024, requiring an additional document called a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
In BC, the new provincial attestation letter system is effective as of March 4, 2024. Provincial attestation letters are required for new study permit applications for those applying to non-master's/doctoral degree programs at TWU. The provincial attestation letter is a verification letter that will be sent from the Province to the institution, and then from the institution to the international applicants. Applicants will submit the attestation letter along with their study permit application to IRCC.
Effects on TWU international students
Please carefully read through the following information to understand who this new policy applies to.
- The PALs affect language program students, graduate diploma program students and graduate certificate program students, as well as undergraduate students who meet one of the following situations:
- If your very first-time study permit application was received by IRCC after 8:30 am EST on January 22, 2024, you will need a PAL.
- If you are a current TWU student with an expired student permit and you have not applied for a study permit extension application with IRCC before the expiry date, you will need a PAL for your new study permit application with IRCC.
- If you are a current TWU student and have submitted a study permit extension application with IRCC, but your extension application has been rejected by IRCC, and you need to apply for a new study permit with IRCC, you will need a PAL.
- The PALs do not affect students who meet one of the following situations:
- If you are a current international student with a valid study permit already, you do not need a PAL.
- If you have been accepted into a master’s degree or doctoral degree program (if your graduate program leads to a degree) and need to submit a new study permit application with IRCC, you do not need a PAL.
- If you have a valid study permit obtained after graduating from secondary school in Canada and are continuing your studies at TWU as an undergraduate student, you do not need a PAL.
- If you are a current student with a valid study permit and need to renew/update/extend your current study permit with IRCC in Canada, you do not need a PAL.
- If you apply for a study permit as a family member of an existing study permit or work permit holder in Canada — for example, if your spouse holds a work permit in Canada and you apply for a study permit under your spouse — you do not need a PAL.
- If you are visiting or exchange students studying at TWU in Canada.
If you are current international students at TWU, and you have questions about the new IRCC updates, please contact TWU RCICs or RISIAs through International Student Help, using this online form.
Do you have questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada?
- Workshops and Seminars: Our workshops and seminars are conducted regularly to help international students stay informed and empowered. Link to TWU Calendar.
- Service Hub: For personalized assistance in resolving immigration-related questions, please submit your inquiries through Service Hub. TWU RCICs or RISIAs is here to support TWU current international students, their spouses, common-law partners, and children about study permits, temporary resident visas, study permits related to other permits currently available in Canadian immigration programs. Just a friendly reminder that We are not authorized to submit IRCC applications and/or fill out IRCC forms on behalf of international students.