PAL: what it means for students
Provincial attestation letter. What it means, who decides it and where to check the official source.
A PAL is a letter issued through a province or territory that some study permit applications need; whether yours does is set by IRCC.
In more detail
A provincial attestation letter is a document that confirms a province or territory supports a student's application at a particular school. It is obtained through the school or the provincial process, not through IRCC.
Whether a study permit application requires one, and who is exempt, has changed before and may change again. A friend's experience from a different year or a different province may not apply to you.
Do not buy a PAL from a third party. The letter comes through the school and the province or territory according to their published process.
Who decides
Provinces and territories issue the letters; IRCC decides whether one is required for an application.
Where to check
- Government of Canada
Check the current study permit requirements.
What to ask a counsellor
- How can I find out whether a PAL applies to my intended school and program?
- Who at the school handles the PAL process, and what should I ask them?
Questions about a term?
Bring it to a free counselling session. We explain how schools and programs work and help you prepare questions. We do not give immigration advice.
Independent advice
- Study Master Canada is an independent education counselling firm. We are an authorized agent of certain colleges and universities, directly and through recruitment partners, and the institutions compensate us. Our counselling is free to you.
- We help you choose a program and connect you with the college.
- We do not determine eligibility or funding, and we are not affiliated with any government.
- Regulated immigration work is done only by Visa Master Canada, a licensed RCIC partner, and only when you retain them directly.