Recent IRCC Announcements

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

On January 22, the Government of Canada affirmed the value and world-class caliber of Canada’s public university system with reforms to the issuance of study permits, post-graduate work permits, and spousal work permits. Please see the information below that clarifies how this may affect international at Lakehead University students.

For complete details, visit the following IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) announcements:

What is a PAL?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily limited the number of international study permit applications that can be made for most post-secondary programs. The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) serves as proof that the applicant has been accounted for under a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap.
How do I get a PAL?

Lakehead University is currently processing PALs for the September (Fall) 2025 and January (Winter) 2026 intakes. Admitted applicants will receive an email with more information as soon as the process begins.

After you Accept your Letter of Acceptance, we will email you about the next steps related to requesting your PAL. This will involve completing a request form and paying a International PAL + Confirmation Deposit. This deposit will be applied to your student account and go toward tuition and fees. It is non-refundable unless you provide proof that your study permit application was refused.

Important note: The number of PALs made available by the Government to each post-secondary institution is limited. We encourage you to accept your offer, complete your PAL request form and pay your deposit (if applicable) as early as possible.

International Masters and PhD Students
  • International Masters and PhD students admitted to Lakehead University and applying for their study permit on/after January 22, 2025, will be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) along with their study permit application. Please check your email for details on receiving your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) after you have accepted your Letter of Acceptance.
  • International Masters and PhD students who meet the eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as of February 15, 2024, can expect a three-year work permit for programs of 8 months or longer. 
  • The spouses of international students will be eligible to apply for a open work permit if their spouse is enrolled in
    • Master's program 16 months or longer, or
    • Doctoral programPhD students in programs of 16 months or more will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit.
    • Other exceptions may apply, please find the full Notice here.
International Undergraduate Students
  • International Undergraduate Students admitted to Lakehead University and applying for their study permit on/after January 22, 2024, will be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) along with their study permit application. Please check your email for details on receiving your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) after you have accepted your Letter of Acceptance.
  • The spouses and common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit if their partner is studying in of the following professional programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Education and/or Bachelor of Engineering.
  • Other exceptions may apply, please find the full Notice here.
Visiting or Exchange Students
  • In-Canada visiting students or exchange students studying under an exchange arrangement between your home institution and a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, and you don’t pay tuition fees to the DLI will not need a provincial attestation letter (PAL)
  • Visiting students or exchange students that are studying longer than 6 months will need to apply for a study permit and may also require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). 
Post-Graduation Work Permits
  • Restrictions are being made on select public college programs, as well as private, for-profit institutions that deliver their own programs, or those administered through a curriculum-licensed program. Some programs in public colleges as well as private, for-profit institutions may see their number of study permits restricted, and their students will no longer be eligible for PGWP, and no longer be eligible for spousal work permits. As a public university, Lakehead University does not fall into this category.