Navigating Canada's New Path: The 2024 Provincial Attestation Letter Quota and Its Impact on International Students

Akshat Singla
Apr 9, 2024
2 min read

With the introduction of a cap on new international students' applications and the mandatory requirement of a provincial attestation letter (PAL) for the next two years, starting January 2024. This move, aimed at managing the influx of international students, has stirred discussions and raised questions about its implications.

A Closer Look at the Federal Cap

The federal government has placed a cap at approximately 360,000 approved study permits for 2024, marking a 35% reduction from the previous year. This decision reflects the government's strategy to balance the quality of education with the number of incoming international students, ensuring that Canada remains a top choice for education.

Province-Wise Implementation and Allocations

The distribution of study permit allocations is intricately tied to the population of each province, with an annual allocation unveiled by most provinces for 2024. These allocations, monitored through the issuance of PALs.

Exploring Province-Wise Allocations

British Columbia leads with an allocation of 83,000 undergraduate study permit applications for 2024. Despite a reduction from the previous year, the province anticipates the approval of around 50,000 international students.

Alberta has set its sights on issuing 41,000 PALs.

Saskatchewan aims to distribute 12,000 PALs.

Manitoba, with an allocation of 15,233 PALs.

Ontario, the most populous province, has been allocated 235,000 PALs. However, this number does not guarantee an equivalent number of study permit approvals, with historical data suggesting a lower approval rate.

Nova Scotia, facing a decline in applications, received an allocation for 12,900 applications for 2024. New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island have also rolled out their PAL systems, with specific allocations tailored to their needs.

Exemptions to the Cap

It's crucial to note that certain groups are exempt from this capping, including primary and secondary school students, master’s or doctoral degree students, and students already in Canada with a valid study permit or work permit holders and their family members.

Implications and Future Outlook

The introduction of the PAL system and the cap on international student applications signify Canada's commitment to maintaining the quality of its education system while managing its growth. As provinces navigate this new landscape, the impact on international students, educational institutions, and the broader community will unfold in the years to come. This strategic approach, while imposing certain limitations, also opens avenues for a more sustainable and quality-focused educational ecosystem in Canada.