What Is a Canada Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a formal document issued by a Canadian province or territory that confirms a student has been allocated a spot under that province’s study permit cap...
As of January 22, 2025, IRCC mandates PALs for most new study permit applicants...
How to Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter?
Here's an overview on how to get one:
Obtain a DLI's acceptance letter.
Check your province's specific PAL criteria (every province has its own system).
Apply for the PAL using the provincial government's official platform.
Wait for processing (timing varies by province).
Receive your PAL.
Include the PAL with your study permit application.
Remember that the process may differ significantly depending on your chosen province, so always go to the official provincial websites for the most up-to-date information.
PAL Requirement by Province: Process, Fees & Timelines
Each province and territory has unique processes for issuing PALs. Here’s a breakdown:
Ontario
- Process: Request initiated by DLI after tuition deposit.
- Fee: $2,000–$3,000 deposit (non-refundable).
- Processing Time: 5–10 business days.
- Sample Code: Starts with ON25...
- Institutions: York University, Western University, etc.
British Columbia
- Process: DLIs submit applications through B.C.'s education portal.
- Fee: ~$2,500–$5,000 deposit.
- Time: ~7–10 working days.
Alberta
- Process: Institutional request to Alberta Advanced Education.
- Fee: Varies per institution.
- PAL Code: AB25...
- Estimated Time: 7–15 business days.
Quebec
- Quebec uses the CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec) instead of a PAL.
- If the CAQ includes attestation confirmation, it is accepted as PAL.
- Authority: Ministère de l'Immigration, Francisation et Intégration (MIFI).
PAL Update 2025 As Per IRCC Guidelines
IRCC continues to update guidelines on PAL issuance to manage study permit caps:
- Cap for 2025: ~550,000 applications (nationwide).
- Deadline: PALs issued for 2024 cap valid until Jan 21, 2025.
- New 2025 PALs: Valid until Dec 31, 2025.
- Online Portal: Many provinces now require DLIs to use centralized portals.
- Who’s Exempt: Graduate students, K–12, and in-Canada study permit renewals.
Sample of a Canada Provincial Attestation Letter
A PAL typically includes:
- Student’s full name and DLI
- Unique PAL number (e.g., ON25-XXXXXX)
- Date of issuance
- Province's ministry or issuing authority stamp
- Validity confirmation
How to Find Your PAL Number
To locate your PAL number:
- Open your official PAL document (PDF).
- Look for the number on the top/header (e.g., ON25-…).
- Can’t find it? Contact your DLI’s international student office.
Who Doesn't Need a PAL?
There are certain conditions where an international student may not need a PAL. Our study visa consultants outline the following:
Quebec-bound students: Quebec has its own system, so no PAL needed.
Elementary and Secondary Students: PAL not required for primary/secondary education.
Short-term Students: Programs under 6 months are exempt.
Certain Provinces: Some provinces haven't implemented PAL yet.
Returning Students: Study permit extensions don't require PAL.
Exchange Students: May be excluded from PAL requirements.
Conclusion: Why PAL Is Crucial for Your Study Permit
The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is now mandatory for most new international students. Each province controls issuance via DLIs. To ensure a smooth application:
- Choose a DLI authorized to issue PALs
- Understand the provincial process
- Confirm any exemptions
Working with a Regulated Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can simplify your PAL process and keep you IRCC-compliant.