Attestation Letter Canada: Everything you should know

attestation letter canada text with a picture of the canadian flag and forest in the background by temmy.net is somewhere under the image

The Canadian Government recently announced that effective January 22nd, 2024, if you want to study in Canada as a student, you would have to submit an attestation letter from the province or territory where you are applying, except you are exempted together with your study permit.

For you to be exempted from having to submit an attestation letter, you must either be a minor or a student renewing your student permit or a student applying to a Masters, PhD or other postgraduate program.

IRCC, the Canadian Government Department in charge of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada made this announcement as part of ongoing efforts to reduce immigration into Canada

What is the meaning of an Attestation Letter?

An attestation letter in this case is a letter written by the Canadian province you want to study in confirming your actions, your behaviour, importance in that province.

Based on the new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recent declarations, It's something that provinces and territories have to issue to you as an immigrant.

How you can get an attestation letter from your province in Canada?

As of today (January 30th, 2024), you cannot obtain an attestation letter from your province where you would like to study in Canada.

The procedures have not yet been mapped out by the Provinces. Provinces have until the 31st of March, 2024 to draft their method for issuing out Attestation Letters.

Even students in Quebec will also need to have an attestation letter from the Quebec province.

How to Apply for Canadian Study Permit without an Attestation Letter

After the 22nd of January, 2024 which is about 8 days ago before this article was first written, any application you make for a study permit will be considered incomplete without an attestation letter.

What this means essentially is that you cannot apply for a new study permit between the 22nd of January 2024 and March 31st, 2024 when the Provinces would have mapped out a plan for how they want to issue out Attestation Letters.

Applications without an attestation letter will be considered incomplete and returned except you are exempted from the requirement.

"We’ll return any application received on or after January 22, 2024, without this letter, unless you’re exempt." - IRCC

How you can get an attestation letter for a study permit?

As of January 30th, 2024, you cannot really get an attestation letter. This means that you cannot apply for a study permit, except if you meet their limited exceptions (i.e. minor, study permit extension or master/PhD/post-graduate program).

IRCC indicates that they will update this page as more information is available from each province. Subscribe to our newsletter above and get an email as soon as attestation letters are available.

Who does not need an attestation letter for a Canada Study Permit?

If you fall into any of the categories below, then you do not need an attestation letter for a Canadian Study permit:

You are a minor (Basically a child entering Primary or Secondary school - Kindergarten to Grade 12)
You are applying for a Masters, PhD, or another Post-graduate program.
You are already a student but you are seeking to extend your Study permit.

What is the important of an Attestation Letter to Canadian Government?

The attestation letter is basically a tool designed by the Government of Canada to limit the number of applications for Study Permit that will be received by the IRCC.

Note that getting a letter of acceptance from your school in Canada does not mean that you will automatically get an attestation letter from your province.

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Sample Attestation Letter Canada

John Hopkins
Department Head,
University of Quebec
[Quebec Province Logo]
30th January, 2024

Efe Eledumare
3, Quebec street, Canada

Subject: ATTESTATION LETTER

Dear Efe,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. It is with great pleasure that I, on behalf of the Quebec Province, extend my sincere congratulations to you for your decision to pursue your studies in Canada.

Your commitment to education and the pursuit of knowledge is commendable, and we are delighted to support your aspirations. Studying in Canada, known for its world-class educational institutions and diverse learning environments, will undoubtedly provide you with a rich and rewarding academic experience.

As a representative of the Quebec Province, we understand the significance of international students in fostering cultural exchange and enriching the academic landscape. We believe that your presence will contribute positively to the educational community in Canada.

Enclosed with this letter, you will find an attestation of your intent to study in Canada. This document affirms that you have been accepted into a program of study and have met the necessary requirements to pursue education in our esteemed country.

Should you require any further assistance or have questions regarding your transition to Canada, please do not hesitate to contact [Contact Information].

Once again, congratulations on your decision, and we wish you every success in your academic journey in Canada.

Sincerely,
John Hopkins
Department Head,
University of Quebec

Sample Attestation Letter Canada PDF Download

attestation_letter_canada.pdf 36kb

Conclusion

In as much as it is obvious that an attestation letter is a tool that Government of Canada has designed to limit the number of Study Permit applications and in essence, the number of Study permits issued, we must wait till the 31st of March, 2024 to see how this whole situation pans out.

Do you have any questions? please leave a comment and I'd get to them. Good luck in your search!

Ciao!