New international undergraduate students will require a Provincial Attestation Letter

As of January 22, 2024, most new international undergraduate students studying in Canada must provide a Provincial Attestation Letter from a province or territory with their study permit application.

The Provincial Attestation Letter will serve as proof that the student has been accounted for under a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap. Some students are exempt, including master’s students directly entering the program as well as in-Canada study permit and work permit holders.

Provinces and territories, including British Columbia, have been asked to have a plan in place for issuing the letters by March 31, 2024. Those students who require a letter should not apply for a study letter until the process has been determined; however, students can prepare by putting together the required documents. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will return any applications received that do not include a Provincial Attestation Letter, unless otherwise exempt.

International students whose applications were received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before 8:30 am on January 22, 2024, as well as those who have already been approved for a study permit and intend to travel to Canada for an upcoming program, do not need to take further action as a result of the cap.

Who needs a Provincial Attestation Letter?

• Most post-secondary study permit applicants
• Most non-degree granting graduate programs (for example, certificate programs and graduate diplomas)
• MBAF and/or UAP students, even those entering the Masters Program
• Anyone else not included in the exception list below

Who does not need a provincial attestation letter?

• Master’s or doctoral degree students directly entering the program
• Primary and secondary school students
• Visiting or exchange students
• in-Canada study permit and work permit holders (includes study permit holders applying for an extension)
• In-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders
• Students whose application was received before 8:30 am EST on January 22, 2024

See Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website for more information.