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International Centre

Immigration Updates for International Students

Page updated: February 4, 2025

Immigration Update ā€“ New PAL Requirements & Exemptions

In January, Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada announced changes to Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements. New in 2025, some groups of students now require a PAL when applying for their first study permit or renewing an existing study permit. For example, current study permit holders who are moving from one level of study (e.g. undergraduate) to another level of study (e.g. graduate) at the same university, now require a PAL when renewing their study permit. For more information about the new PAL requirements (e.g. who requires a PAL and who does not), visit the PAL page on theĀ Ā or refer to the PAL section on theĀ International Centre website.

Some categories of students do not require a PAL. IRCC now requires students who are PAL exempt to include a PAL exemption letter when applying for a study permit extension or a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Students can write their own exemption letter. For help in writing and formatting an exemption letter, refer to the downloadable template in theĀ Helpful GuidesĀ section on theĀ Study Permit Extension pageĀ and theĀ Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) pageĀ on the International Centre website.

November 15, 2024 - Off-Campus Work Hours

On November 15, 2024,  changes to off-campus work hours for international students. Effective November 8, 2024, international students who qualify for off-campus work while enrolled in their program of study, are eligible to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions (Fall and Winter terms). Check if you are eligible to work off-campus .

On-campus work is not counted towards the 24 hour per week off-campus work limit. All other rules related to working on campus and working off campus remain the same.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Applications at the Border No Longer Permitted 

On June 21, 2024, the  that Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications can no longer be processed at a Canadian port-of-entry (e.g. border). This effectively ends what has been unofficially referred to as ā€œflag-poling.ā€ All PGWP applications must now be submitted online. Most graduates can begin working as soon as their PGWP application is submitted, if they have met all the PGWP eligibility requirements. For detailed instructions and guides on how to apply for your PGWP online, please visit the  on the Government of Canada website.

September 18, 2024 ā€“ PAL & PGWP Updates

On September 18, 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship  to Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. These changes follow other changes that were announced .  For a summary of those earlier changes, refer to the ā€œProvincial Attestation Letter and Study Permit Updatesā€ section below. 

As per the most recent government announcement:

  • Beginning November 1, 2024, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications will include a language proficiency requirement. Applicants must submit proof of English or French language proficiency (e.g. standardized test score) as part of their PGWP application. University graduates will require a Canadian Language Benchmark (or equivalent) score of 7 or higher. Approved language proficiency tests: CELPIP (General), IELTS (General Training), PTE Core, TEF (Canada), TFC Canada. Test scores are valid for 2 years from the time of testing.

For a full list of which groups do and do not require a PAL, visit the New Student Immigration Information page on the International Centre website.

More details about the most recent government announcement will be posted on the  later this fall. The Working in Canada page  and Studying in Canada page on the International Centre website will continue to be updated accordingly.

June 21, 2024 - Work Permit Applications at the Border

On June 21, 2024, the  that Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications can no longer be processed at a Canadian port-of-entry (e.g. border). This effectively ends what has been unofficially referred to as ā€œflag-poling.ā€ All PGWP applications must now be submitted online. Most graduates can begin working as soon as their PGWP application is submitted, if they have met all the PGWP eligibility requirements. For detailed instructions and guides on how to apply for your PGWP online, please visit the  on the Government of Canada website.

January 22, 2024 - PAL and Study Permit Updates

On January 22, 2024, the Government of Canada announced changes that affect the study permit application process for some new international students Students who are affected by this change are now required to submit a  with their study permit application.  

. Each Canadian province and territory has been allocated a maximum number of PALs that can be issued on an annual basis. In turn, educational institutions within each province and territory have also been allocated a maximum number of PALs that can be issued to new international students. 

The new PAL system has resulted in changes to the application and acceptance process at pilipiliĀž»­. It has also resulted in changes to the study permit application process. Please refer to the New Student Immigration Information page to learn if/how the new application processes may affect you.

Where do I go for more information?

For questions about your Dalhousie application and the application process in general (including PALs), please contact the Admissions Office at international.admissions@dal.ca

For immigration-related questions, please contact the International Centre at international.centre@dal.ca.