International Student Program Changes
What you need to know
On January 22, 2024, the Government of Canada announced a temporary two-year limit (cap) on international study permit applications and changes to the post-grad work permit (PGWP) program.
As of January 22, 2024, most NAIT students requesting a new study permit must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) . Any study permit application submitted without this letter will be returned unprocessed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), unless you are exempt.
Learn more about announcement
At NAIT, we take pride in fostering a dynamic learning community that embraces students from diverse backgrounds, with our international students holding a unique and valued place within this community. Our unwavering commitment is to provide comprehensive support for all students, ensuring their success and well-being.
We know this announcement may cause uncertainty, and we’re here to support all international students navigate these changes. NAIT will continue to closely monitor developments, collaborate with the federal and provincial governments, and adapt our support services to best meet the evolving needs of our international student community.
In the meantime, we’ve created the following FAQ to provide you with the information currently available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: May 7, 2024
Admitted Students
What is a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is a formal document that confirms details about a student. It also proves that you've been accounted for under the national study permit application cap.
As of January 22, 2024 most new study permit applications submitted to IRCC for a NAIT program must include an attestation letter from the Province of Alberta.
Do I need a PAL?
Most NAIT international students will need to include a PAL with their application for a new study permit.
There are a few exemptions where students may not need a PAL when applying for their study permit.
If I already have a study permit, do I need a PAL?
If you already have your study permit or submitted a study permit application before January 22, 2024, you do not need a PAL.
You do not need a PAL when applying for a study permit extension.
I was recently accepted to a NAIT program. When should I apply for my study permit?
If you do not already have a study permit, you will need to:
- Pay your tuition deposit to accept your offer of admission to NAIT.
- Wait for the required PAL. NAIT will notify you by email when this letter is available. In most cases, you can expect your PAL within seven (7) business days of paying your deposit.
- Submit your PAL with your study permit application (not after).
If you require a PAL, we’ll send a notification to the email listed on your MyNAIT profile once your PAL is available. Please check your email frequently.
How do I get a PAL for my study permit application, and when will it be issued?
Once you have paid your tuition deposit to accept an offer of admission to NAIT, NAIT will request a PAL for you. Please ensure that you have met any admission conditions and continue to check your email frequently for instructions about your PAL.
In most cases, you can expect your PAL within seven (7) business days of paying your deposit. Once available, you can download your PAL in your MyNAIT portal.
Where can I find my PAL?
When your PAL is available, it will be posted to your MyNAIT portal, under the ‘Submission of Documents’ section. You will be sent an email once your letter is available.
To access the letter:
- Log in to your MyNAIT portal
- Select "Open Self Service"
- Click on the "Admissions" tile
- Select your NAIT application
- Click "NAIT Submission of Documents" where your PAL has been uploaded.
What should I do if my study permit process is delayed because of these changes?
Make sure you pay your tuition deposit early to allow adequate time to receive your PAL and to apply for and receive your study permit.
Under certain circumstances, if your study permit is delayed, you may qualify for a deferral of your admission to a future term. Please review NAIT's Admissions Deferral process for more information about your options if your study permit is delayed.
Applicants/Future Applicants
Can I still apply to NAIT as an international applicant?
Will NAIT continue to process international applications?
Yes, NAIT will continue to evaluate and process applications from international students. If you’re accepted for admission, you will receive an e-letter in your MyNAIT portal and an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from NAIT.
If you are admitted to NAIT, you will need to pay your tuition deposit first in order to be issued a provincial attestation letter to use when applying for your study permit.
The Jan.22 IRCC announcement mentions curriculum licensing agreements between public and private institutions. Does NAIT have any programs like this?
NAIT does not participate in any public-private partnerships (PPP), and the Post-Graduation Work Permit changes announced about these partnerships will not impact NAIT students in any way.
Current International Students
How does the Jan.22 announcement impact current international students?
Current students who already have a study permit will remain unaffected, and the processing of study permit extension applications will proceed without any impact.
Are spouses of NAIT international students impacted?
International students in Canada and their dependents are exempt from these new regulations. Current students and their dependents, in Canada, will continue to be able to submit applications for permit extensions as required.
Have the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria changed?
Post-Graduation Work Permit rules for NAIT programs have not changed.