A Provincial Attestation Letter, commonly called a PAL,
is a document issued by the Canadian province or territory where a student
plans to study. It confirms that the student has been allocated one of the
available spaces within that province or territory’s share of study permit
approvals. In most cases, IRCC expects a PAL to be included as part of a study
permit application.
Why PALs Exist
PALs were introduced as part of IRCC’s approach to managing
study permit volumes by requiring provinces and territories to confirm that an
applicant’s intended studies fit within their allocation. In practical terms,
the PAL is an added verification step that sits alongside the Letter of
Acceptance from a school. A Letter of Acceptance confirms admission by the
institution, while a PAL confirms allocation under the province or territory’s
process.
Who Issues the PAL
A PAL is issued by the province or territory, not by IRCC
and not by the school directly. However, in many provinces the process is
coordinated through the student’s designated learning institution, which may
provide instructions after an offer of admission.
What Information a PAL Typically Includes
While formats can vary by province or territory, PALs
generally contain identifying and verification details so IRCC can match the
letter to the applicant and program.
PALs usually should include core personal identifiers such as the
student’s name (as shown on a passport) and date of birth, along with
study-related details needed for verification.
Practical Points for Applicants
● A PAL is different
from a Letter of Acceptance, and you may need both in your study permit
package.
● Because the PAL is
issued outside IRCC, applicants should plan for processing time and confirm
province-specific instructions early.
A PAL is a straightforward document but missing it when
required can delay processing or lead to refusal. Ensuring the PAL
details match the study permit forms and supporting documents is an important step in a well-prepared application.
A PAL confirms your allocated study space and complements
your Letter of Acceptance. Including it accurately in your study permit package
is crucial to avoid processing delays.
For professional support in preparing a complete and
compliant study permit application, contact
