Canada’s CAP: Navigating Quotas and Criteria

The implementation of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and the Canada Admission Program (CAP) aimed to streamline the visa application process and attract high-caliber international students. However, the introduction of quotas and stringent criteria has intensified competition among applicants, leading to a rise in visa refusals. Many students now face the pressure of meeting the required CRS score and demonstrating a genuine commitment to studying in Canada, adding layers of complexity to the application process.

Empowering Students with Daltin AI Portal

Amidst these challenges, Daltin AI Portal, under the guidance of immigration expert Daljeet Sandhu, serves as a beacon of support for students navigating the Canadian immigration landscape. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed to demystify the visa application process and empower students to make informed decisions.

The All Course Finder feature is a testament to Daltin AI Portal’s commitment to student success. By inputting relevant details such as academic qualifications, language proficiency, and desired field of study, students receive personalized recommendations tailored to their unique profiles. This feature not only assesses eligibility for specific programs or universities but also provides clarity and guidance to navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration policies.

Furthermore, Daltin AI Portal offers a wealth of resources to support students at every stage of the application process. From expert guidance on preparing compelling visa applications to access to a network of immigration professionals, the platform ensures that students receive the necessary support to overcome challenges and maximize their chances of success.

Daljeet Sandhu’s expertise and commitment to ethical practices underscore Daltin AI Portal’s mission to empower students and foster transparency in the visa application process. By providing accurate and reliable information, the platform instills confidence in students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals with conviction.

As students embark on the journey of studying abroad in Canada, Daltin AI Portal stands as a trusted ally, offering guidance, support, and reassurance every step of the way. With the expertise of Daljeet Sandhu and the cutting-edge technology of Daltin AI Portal, students can embark on their academic journey with confidence, knowing that they have the tools and resources needed to turn their dreams into reality.

In essence, navigating the complexities of studying abroad in Canada can be daunting for international students, given the evolving visa policies and increased scrutiny. Daltin AI Portal, led by Daljeet Sandhu, offers personalized assistance and insights through its All Course Finder feature, empowering students to make informed decisions. With transparency and support, Daltin AI Portal serves as a guiding light, helping students navigate the visa application process with confidence and clarity, turning their aspirations into reality.

Canada international student scenario

Canada is a top destination for international students seeking quality education and career opportunities. Indian students, in particular, choose to study in Canada. In 2022, there were over 800,000 international students with study permits in Canada, as per IRCC data.

Indian students are selecting programs in high-demand fields in the Canadian labor market, such as healthcare, home building, energy, engineering technology, early childhood education, and cybersecurity.

Latest announcement

Effective January 22, 2024, most incoming college and undergraduate international students must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit applications, as mandated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applications without a PAL will be returned to the applicant, with exemptions available for certain cases.

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) verifies that a student’s enrollment meets the provincial or territorial quota within the national limit. Each province and territory must establish a procedure to issue PAL by March 31, 2024.

What is Canada Provincial Attestation Letter?

In 2024, the Canadian government has imposed limits on the number of international students allowed to study in the country in order to manage immigration and address the housing crisis. According to IRCC, there will be a 35% reduction in the total number of students admitted compared to the previous year.

This document confirms that the student has been assigned to a province or territory within the national allocation cap.

Canada’s provinces and territories will determine the number of international students they can accommodate, based on government allocations. Once they have this information, they will issue provincial attestation letters to international students interested in studying in Canada within their capacity.

Once a province or territory reaches their maximum allocation for recruiting overseas students, they will stop issuing PALs.

In Canada, there are 13 provinces and territories, each with its own government and regulations for issuing attestation letters. These letters are typically required for individuals who have obtained their educational or professional qualifications outside of Canada and need to verify their credentials for employment or further education.

Guidelines for obtaining a PAL

Under the new PAL issuance systems, international students seeking to study in Canada are now required to obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from their chosen Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and confirm their acceptance by making a deposit. The specific details regarding the amount and nature of the deposit may vary depending on the DLI, so it is recommended that students communicate directly with their school to clarify the relevant information.

After confirming admission, DLIs will apply to the relevant provincial government on behalf of the student for a PAL. Once received, the schools will provide the PAL to the student, who can then use it, along with their LOA and other necessary documents, to obtain a Canadian study permit.

The necessary information for a PAL should be included

Per ministerial instructions from IRCC, a PAL for international students should include the following information at a minimum:

An individual applying as an international student:

1. Full name
2. Date of birth; and
3. Address

Getting a PAL in Ontario

Ontario has received an allocation of 235,000 reportedly.

PALS scheduled for 2024.

The number of PALs is equivalent to the number of study permit applications, however, it does not guarantee approval from the IRCC for all applications.

This is a sample sentence for the Ontario PAL.

The total number of study permits expected to be approved is anticipated to be lower than the PAL number stated.

Getting a PAL in Quebec

Quebec has started offering PALs to international students.

Currently, there is limited information on obtaining a PAL in Quebec. However, IRCC has stated that a Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) can serve as a PAL if it includes specific confirmation language.

A Certificate of Acceptance to Quebec (CAQ) is a document issued by the Quebec provincial government to certify that an applicant has met the province’s admission criteria. International students are required to submit a CAQ, in addition to a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), when applying for a study permit to IRCC.

Getting a PAL in British Columbia

For 2024, British Columbia has been assigned an undergraduate study permit application quota of 83,000, which is slightly lower than the approximately 97,000 applications received for undergraduate programs in 2023.

According to recent data on acceptance rates, the federal government expects approximately 50,000 international student approvals in 2024, down from 60,000 in 2023.

Getting a PAL in Alberta

Alberta started issuing PALs on March 1, 2024. The province has reportedly allocated 41,000 PALs for study permit approvals, although the exact details have not been made public.

Educational institutions in Canada must obtain Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) just like in other provinces.

Getting a PAL in Manitoba

Manitoba implemented its PAL system on March 4th, however, the specific number of PALs has not been disclosed yet.

For further information on the PAL procedure, students are encouraged to contact their selected DLI.

It is necessary to contact your educational institute in Manitoba before applying for a study permit to request a PAL and a letter of acceptance.

Getting a PAL in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia received 12,900 applications for 2024, a decrease of about 7,000 compared to the total number of applications received in 2023.

Out of that total, 11,565 (90%) will be distributed among the ten institutions in the province and Nova Scotia Community College.

There are 710 spots allocated to twelve private career colleges and 526 spots for nine language schools. Additionally, there are 99 application places available for consideration.

Getting a PAL in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has allocated 12,000 PALs for distribution to potential overseas students in 2024.The first step for students is to apply to their desired institution and secure a letter of acceptance.

The institution will inform the Ministry of Advanced Education if their application is approved.

Getting a PAL in New Brunswick

On March 18, New Brunswick implemented its PAL system. Students, similar to those in other provinces, are required to reach out to their specified DLI for information regarding PAL application requirements.

In certain circumstances, schools may require a deposit fee from international students after receiving a letter of acceptance, at which point the school will handle the PAL application process on their behalf.

To obtain your PAL in New Brunswick, please contact your school directly.

Getting a PAL in Newfoundland and Labrador

Starting on March 19th, PALs are now being issued through Newfoundland and Labrador’s systems.

International students in Newfoundland and Labrador now have the option to obtain their PAL for studying.

Pupils can obtain a PAL by contacting their preferred school in the province directly. The school will handle the application process on the student’s behalf and provide a copy once it has been processed.

Getting a PAL in Prince Edward Island

Starting on March 27th, international students in Prince Edward Island (PEI) are now able to obtain PALs.

The federal government has allocated 2,000 study permits to the province in 2024. The University of Prince Edward Island will receive 59% of these allocations, Holland College will receive 35%, and College de l’Ile will receive 6%.

According to media reports, Prince Edward Island is allocated approximately 3,200-3,300 PALs for 2024.

Conclusion :

Canadian Provincial Attestation Letters serve an important function by certifying various matters within the province. Requesters are advised to adhere to the proper procedures and provide accurate information to ensure prompt issuance of these letters.