Immigration
Studying in Canada
I'm a current SFU student. Do I need a PAL for a study permit extension or a visitor visa (TRV) application?
Study permit extension
If you currently have a valid study permit, and you are applying to extend your study permit to complete your current SFU program at the same level of studies (e.g. undergraduate to undergraduate), you are exempt from submitting a provincial attestation letter (PAL).
If you are a SFU student who is extending your study permit to study in a SFU graduate degree program (Master's or PhD) you are also exempt from the PAL requirement.
You can review the current PAL exemptions on 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 'Proof of PAL Exemption' in this case. We recommend that you write a letter of explanation (LoE) addressing the PAL exemption that you fall under and uploading it under the Proof of Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL) Exception section of your online document checklist together with some additional documents, depending on your situation.
yReview our Proof of PAL Exemption Guide for SFU students applying to extend their study permit for more information and the recommended documents to include to demonstrate the PAL exemption you fall under.
⚠️ IMPORTANT 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 if you do not know if you completed the DLI transfer process.
Temporary Resident Visa
A PAL is a requirement for most study permit applications with some exceptions. If you apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) [visa counterfoil in your passport for travel], you are not required to include a PAL in your TRV application.
In the come to Canada wizard questionnaire, 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, along with a copy of your valid study permit.
yReview our Temporary Resident Visa guide on page 2 for a sample letter of explanation. You can modify this letter and upload under the Proof of Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL) Exception section of your online document checklist with a copy of your valid study permit.
Want to learn more?
- SFU website - News and Updates - 2026 Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements
- SFU website - Application guidelines for a study permit extension
- IRCC website - Provincial Attestation Letter