Immigration
Studying in Canada
I'm a current student at SFU. Do I need a PAL for a study permit extension or a visitor visa application?
Study permit extension
If you currently have a valid study permit and you are preparing to apply for a study permit extension to complete the current level of studies (i.e., undergraduate to undergraduate) at the same designated learning institution which is SFU, you are exempt from submitting a provincial attestation letter (PAL). See the PAL exemption list from the IRCC website.
On the IRCC come to Canada wizard question, you will see the following:
Question: "Do you have a provincial or territorial attestation letter or meet an exception from submitting a provincial or territorial attestation letter?"
Answer: Select "Yes, I meet an exception from submitting a provincial or territorial letter”.
You will see on the personalized checklist you will need to provide PAL exemption proof in this case. You will need to write a PAL exemption letter and upload onto the “Proof of Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL) Exception" section along with your SFU unofficial transcript and a copy of your current study permit.
See our instruction guide that can help you write a PAL exemption letter - "Study Permit Extension Proof of PAL Exemption: Current SFU students"
⚠️ Contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist if you changed/transferred to SFU but did not complete the designated learning institution (DLI) transfer process before Nov. 8, 2024, or are unsure if you have completed the DLI transfer process.
Temporary Resident Visa
A PAL is a requirement for some study permit applications. If you apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) [visa in your passport for travel], you do not require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) to make a TRV application.
On the come to Canada wizard question, you will see the following:
Question: "Do you have a provincial or territorial attestation letter or meet an exception from submitting a provincial or territorial attestation letter?"
Answer: Select "Yes, I meet an exception from submitting a provincial or territorial letter”.
Although applying for a TRV isn't exactly a PAL exemption, this is the selection that best applies to your situation of applying for a TRV .
If you see a requirement for proof of PAL exemption in your online document checklist, you can write a brief letter of explanation to upload there.
See our Temporary Resident Visa guideline page 2 for a sample letter of explanation and what we recommend including in your application. You can modify this letter and upload onto the "Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) (required)" section.
Want to learn more?
- SFU website - News and Updates - 2025 Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements
- SFU website - Application guidelines for a study permit extension
- IRCC website - Provincial Attestation Letter