If you’re an international student looking to study in Canada, it’d be helpful to get familiar with IRCC’s recent policies. The Provincial Attestation Letter requirement kicked off in March 2024. This followed IRCC’s earlier announcement of certain policies regarding prospective students moving to Canada for studies. We detailed all about it in this article, click here to read the full article.
One of the new policies introduced by the IRCC is a temporary cap on the number of international students coming to Canada. This policy aims to manage the immigration numbers and ensure Canadian residents have access to certain basic amenities.
As a result of this policy, most international students applying to study in Canada are now required to submit a PAL and a Letter of Acceptance when applying for their study permits.
In this article, we answer some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Provincial Attestation Letter.
FAQs on Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
1. What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is an official document issued by a Canadian Province to confirm an international student has been accepted to study a specific program at a Designated Learning Institution in that province. This document also confirms that your chosen program aligns with the immigration and labour market needs. The PAL requirement must be submitted with your study permit application except you are under a category exemption from this requirement.
2. Who needs a PAL?
International students applying for a study permit will need to provide a PAL from the province where their DLI is located. This is mandatory for students in the following categories:
- Applicants for undergraduate programs in universities and colleges
- Graduate certificate and diploma program applicants
- Anyone not included in the exemption list
3. Who is exempted from the PAL requirement?
Students under the categories listed below do not require a Provincial Attestation Letter when applying for a study permit:
- Students in primary and secondary education
- Students in Masters or Doctoral programs
- Visiting or Exchange students at a DLI
- Current study permit and work permit holders and their dependents
- Protected persons and refugees
4. How can I get a Provincial Attestation Letter?
As an international student looking to get a PAL, here are 3 steps you must follow:
- Apply for a study program and receive your Letter of Acceptance
- Confirm your acceptance, then your DLI will apply for a PAL on your behalf
- When approved, your DLI will provide you with the PAL to be used for your study permit application.
If you want to study in Quebec, however, you will need to apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate – CAQ, issued by the Government of Quebec. This document will serve as your provincial attestation document. You must know that for your CAQ to act as your PAL, it needs to include this statement:
“This attestation letter confirms that the applicant has a place in Quebec’s share of the distribution of study permit applications or is exempt from it.”
5. Can I still use my PAL if I defer my admission?
If there is no expiry date on your PAL, it is valid until January 21, 2025. This means that if the study permit application is done within this period, the same PAL can be used when applying.
6. Is there a fee attached to the PAL requirement?
No, you are not required to pay an additional fee before your school applies for a PAL on your behalf. However, students who apply for a CAQ from Quebec will be required to pay a processing fee of 128 CAD.
English 
Français 
简体中文