Conestoga College Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Request Process Canada

If you are considering enrolling at Conestoga College, you should know that obtaining a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is an important step on the path to studying in Canada, as it makes the process of applying for a study permit much easier.

In this article, we will guide you through the detailed Conestoga College PAL application process, outline the eligibility criteria, and answer frequently asked questions to help make your path to studying in Canada a smooth one.

What is the Conestoga College Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

The PAL is a document that supports visa and study permit applications and thereby confirms the student's acceptance and provides information regarding all details of the program, including the start date, duration, and other relevant details, such as pre-departure instructions. PAL makes it possible to streamline the visa application process for international students entering Canada.

There is a difference between the PAL and other forms of acceptance letters or documents provided by Conestoga College, and here are the differences:

• Visa Applications: The PAL serves to fulfill IRCC's requirements for study permit applications, while the General Letter of Acceptance (LOA) serves to notify the student of their acceptance into the program.
• Content and format: PAL includes everything about program duration, start dates and enrollment confirmation in much more detail than other documents
• Provincial Compliance: The PAL ensures that documentation complies with provincial guidelines for international students, while other documents such as the LOA are focused on institutional admissions criteria.
• Pre-Departure Information: While the PAL is focused on key information for visa processing, other documents provide broader information about orientation, housing, and student services.
• Purpose: The main purpose of the PAL is to facilitate the study permit application, while other documents provide information regarding the student's overall enrollment and preparation.

PAL enables you to successfully go through the entire application process by meeting all the necessary conditions for starting your studies in Canada.

Every college has its own PAL, for example, Faneshawe College’s PAL differs from Conestoga’s, or University Canada West’s PAL.

What is the Conestoga College PAL Request Process?

To request a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from Conestoga College, you must first secure a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and pay a tuition deposit. You should then access the college's online student portal or contact the International Admissions Office to officially request a PAL. You then fill out a specific PAL application form, after which the college reviews your application and checks that all requirements are met before issuing a PAL.

We'll go through each step in more detail below.

Receive LOA from Conestoga College

A comprehensive application process, which includes submitting an online application through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS), providing all required academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and any additional documents required for the specific program, precedes receiving a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Conestoga College. When your application is complete, the college will issue an LOA and confirm your admission to your chosen program.

Here are the specific terms and timeframes in which the LOA is valid:

• The LOA may require the completion of an additional course or the provision of missing documentation.
• The LOA is usually valid for the admission period specified in the letter. Make sure you pay the deposit on time, which is usually within a few weeks of the issue date.

Pay First-Term Tuition Fee

Payment of tuition for the first term is a prerequisite for the PAL request, as it confirms your intention to attend a specific program at Conestoga College.

Payment methods and any currency considerations for international transactions:

• You can make the payment through various methods, such as credit cards, bank transfers, or online payment platforms such as Flywire.
• International transactions are made in Canadian dollars (CAD), so please be aware of potential currency conversion fees and processing times.

Receive the PAL Request Form from Conestoga

The next step after paying your first term's tuition and meeting all LOA requirements is to fill out the PAL request form, which you can find on the Conestoga College student portal, or simply contact the International Admissions Office. Here, you should provide personal information about yourself and your program.

Typical information and documents you must prepare to complete the PAL request form are:

• Student identification data (name, student ID)
• Program details (name, start date, duration)
• Proof of tuition payment for the first term
• Any additional documents required by the college or the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU)

Submit PAL Request to MCU Ontario

The completed PAL application form is submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) by the college on behalf of the student.

any fees associated with the submission and any acknowledgment receipt that the student should expect:

• There may be a fee for processing PAL applications, so it is advisable to confirm this with the college
• You should receive an acknowledgment from MCU when the request is submitted, stating that the form has been received and is being reviewed

MCU Ontario Reviews and Approves PAL

There is a review process by MCU Ontario which involves verifying the information provided in the PAL application form and checking that all criteria, such as eligibility, program details and financial status, are met before the PAL is approved.

Factors affecting approval time may be completeness and accuracy of provided information, or current MCU processing time, which may vary seasonally

Common reasons for delay or rejection:

• Incomplete or incorrect information
• Unfulfilled financial requirements
• Pending terms on original LOA

Conestoga Uploads PAL to OCAS Portal

Once approved by MCU Ontario, Conestoga College posts the PAL on the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) portal, which means the document is available to both the student and relevant authorities.

This is how you can access this document and any actions they must take once it is uploaded:

• You can log into the OCAS portal to download an approved PAL.
• Check for notices or emails from the college indicating that PAL is available.
• Check the accuracy of the PAL and any details that must comply with the study permit application requirements

Student Applies for Study Permit with PAL

Once you receive your PAL, it's time to apply for a Canadian study permit with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through their online portal or at a Visa Application Center (VAC).

Complete the study permit application form, upload the PAL and other required documents (proof of funds, passport, photographs), pay the application fee and make an appointment for biometrics if necessary

Tips for a smooth application process:

• Double-check that all documents are current and complete
• Make sure the PAL is valid for the planned start date
• Keep copies of all submitted documents and receipts for reference

Eligibility Criteria for PAL at Conestoga College

The general eligibility criteria for receiving a PAL from Conestoga College imply a few crucial things. 

The first step is to receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the college, indicating that you have been accepted into a specific program. Second, students provide all necessary documentation, such as proof of previous education, language proficiency test results, and any other document the institution requires. Third, you must pay the required tuition deposit.

Are Post-Graduate Certificate Students Exempt From the Study Permit Cap?

The limit for study permits refers to the number of issued study permits for a specific year by a particular institution. Specifically, it is predicted that Canada will limit the number of approved study permits for foreign students to 360,000 in 2024, which is a decrease of 35% compared to 2023.

In the case of Conestoga College, this year sees a drop of over 50 percent in current international enrollment. As of January, the federal government announced a two-year cap on foreign students being allowed to enter Canada.

From now on, please check directly with Conestoga College and IRCC for the latest policies, as regulations may change.

Which Students Are Exempt From the Study Permit Cap?

Some categories of students are exempt from the study permit cap, so they have greater flexibility in obtaining study permits. 

• Students participating in exchange programs between institutions
• Students funded by government scholarships or other official sponsorship
• Research and postgraduate students
• Short-term study programs of less than six months
• Students applying to study at the primary or secondary level, or master's and PhD programs in Canada

Key Takeaways

• The PAL allows you to complete the application process by fulfilling all the required conditions to begin your studies in Canada.
• To receive a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from Conestoga College, you must first obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and pay a tuition deposit. Then access the college's online student portal or contact the International Admissions Office to request a PAL officially. After completing the special PAL application form, the college will review your application and check that all requirements are met before issuing the PAL.
• General eligibility criteria for receiving a PAL from Conestoga College include obtaining a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), submitting necessary documentation, such as proof of prior education, language proficiency test scores and any other required documents, and paying a tuition deposit
• The study permit limit refers to the number of study permits issued by a specific institution for a particular year, and in 2024, the number of approved study permits for international students is to be limited to 360,000, which represents a 35% decrease compared to 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If a Student Gets a Letter of Acceptance but Not a PAL?

If you happen to receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Conestoga College but not a PAL, it is very important that you act effectively. To get started, contact the college, admissions office, or international student services at Conestoga to check what is happening with your PAL. They are the ones who can tell you if everything is in order with your application and if something is missing.

Can I Reuse the Same PAL to Apply for a New Study Permit?

You can reuse the same PAL for a new study permit application if it’s still valid. Besides, if the new request is to extend an existing study permit within the same program and institution, it may be fine to use the same PAL. Otherwise, it may not be possible if you change the institution or program.

Can Diploma or Certificate Students Bring Dependents to Canada?

Students with degrees and certificates (undergraduate or graduate) may bring dependents, but under certain conditions, to apply for a visitor visa or their study permit, but cannot work full-time. In addition, proof of financial resources may be required. However, check the Conestoga College policy or the official IRCC website to know if their admission is guaranteed or still partially achievable.