Federal Update Makes Graduate Education More Accessible for International Students

The University of Calgary Graduate Students’ Association is happy to see that international graduate students at designated public institutions will no longer be required to submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL), starting January 1st, 2026.

“I’m encouraged by IRCC’s decision to exempt international graduate students from PAL requirements,” Irtaza Sohail, UCGSA President, said. “It sends a clear message that Canada values the talent, research, and community leadership that international graduate students bring.

“This decision means students can pursue the programs that fit them best while worrying about one less barrier to their education and contribution to Canada.”

UCGSA has been advocating for graduate students to be exempt from any form of enrollment restrictions since IRCC first implemented their system of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). Our October 2024 release argued that the restrictions would harm Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem, and furthered the demonization of international students. At a townhall hosted by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), we questioned then-Minister of Immigration Marc Miller as to how the federal government could solve our productivity crisis while restricting the country’s ability to attract international talent. And in our letter to the leaders of all the major federal parties, we outlined the importance of reversing these requirements for building a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous Canada.

Many post-secondary stakeholders were active in advocating for international graduate students. The University of Calgary submitted a brief to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) recommending that graduate students be exempt from PALs, and also testified to the committee about these recommendations. The U15—which represents all the research-intensive universities in Canada, including UCalgary—submitted a brief, authored a study, and testified to the committee—that graduate students must be exempt from these requirements in order to keep our post-secondary system, and economy more broadly, competitive.

“We deeply appreciate all the advocacy that the University of Calgary and U15 more broadly did on this issue,” said Sarah Kromm, UCSA Vice President-External. “This win shows how powerful the post-secondary sector can be when we join our voices for the common good.”

UCGSA continued its advocacy for international graduate students at the federal level this past month, as we met with federal MP’s and IRCC to discuss issues surrounding study permit (SP) extension delays and processing delays for post-graduate work permits (PGWP).