Provincial Attestation Letter FAQ

As of January 22, 2024, most undergraduate international students must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to pursue their post-secondary studies. Some exceptions apply.

To learn how these changes may affect you, please take the time to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the PAL process.

Do I need to apply for a PAL?

  • No. Students do not need to apply for their Provincial Attestation Letter. The process is automated based on acceptance letters submitted to the Provincial Government.

I have been accepted to more than one institution in Canada. Can I apply for my study permit with documents from different institutions?

  • You can only submit one PAL and one LOA when applying for your study permit to Canada. This means you must choose an institution to attend and attach the LOA and PAL for that specific institution and province.

Will I receive my acceptance letter and attestation letter at the same time?

  • No. The institution must submit requests for PALs to the Provincial Government. The Provincial Government then assess the student's eligibility and may issue a PAL according to the information in the corresponding acceptance letter, provided the student meets the eligibility criteria.

I’ve been accepted to two institutions in the same province or territory. Can I use either acceptance letter along with the PAL to apply for my study permit?

  • No. The information on the PAL is specific to your chosen institution according to the acceptance letter that was submitted.

Are the PAL and LOA the only documents I need to apply for my study permit?

  • There are several other documents required to apply for your study permit. For the most comprehensive and updated list, please contact the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to you.

I’ve been accepted to the University of Regina but I haven’t received my PAL. What do I do?

  • If you are a new student and will be applying for your study permit after January 22, 2024, you must wait until you receive a PAL that directly corresponds to your acceptance letter. PALs will be distributed by the Provincial Government.
  • Check to ensure you have paid your non-refundable deposit to the University of Regina. PALs will not be issued to students who do not pay their non-refundable deposit.

How will I get my PAL?

  • Until March 29, 2024, students will receive their PAL directly from the University of Regina.
  • Beginning April 1, 2024, students will receive their PAL directly from the Provincial Government through their digital credential wallet, known as MyCredsTM. Watch for an email from MyCredsTM (noreply@mycreds.ca) and follow the instructions to download your unique PAL to your device.

Visit the MyCredsTM FAQ page for instructions on how to access and download your letter, link your accounts, and more.

Who does the PAL requirement apply to?

  • As of January 22, 2024, the PAL requirement applies to:
    • newly admitted students in Undergraduate (e.g., Bachelor’s and Diploma) programs
    • newly admitted students in Graduate level programs that are more than six months in length and DO NOT lead to a Master’s or Ph.D. degree

For more information, please visit the IRCC website.

I’m a new student and submitted my study permit application before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024. Do I need a PAL?

  • Students who submitted their study permit application prior to 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024, are exempt from needing a PAL. For more information, please visit the IRCC website.

Who does not need a PAL?

  • Those who are exempt from the PAL requirement include:
    • In-Canada study permit and work permit holders applying to extend their stay as a student (includes study permit holders applying for an extension)
    • In-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders
    • Master’s or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree-seeking students applying for a study permit outside of Canada
    • In-Canada visiting or exchange students applying for a study permit inside of Canada
    • Primary and secondary school students
    • Students whose applications were received by IRCC before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024

For more information, please visit the IRCC website.

I’m already in Canada and will be applying to extend my study permit. Do I need a PAL?

  • No. Students who are already inside Canada who are applying to extend their status do not need a PAL.

Is my study permit application guaranteed to be approved if I have a PAL?

  • No. Final decisions on applications are made by IRCC officers and applicants must ensure they meet all the requirements to be issued a study permit.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the PAL?

My PAL has an expiry date on it. Is this important?

  • Yes. The expiry date indicates how long the PAL is valid for. You must ensure to complete and submit your study permit application before the expiry date listed in your PAL.