What a PAL is

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a letter from a province confirming that your study permit application counts toward that province’s share of Canada’s yearly international student cap. Since January 22, 2024, most people applying for a new study permit must include one. Without it, IRCC will normally return your application without processing it.

In British Columbia you don’t apply to the government directly. Your school requests the PAL on your behalf using BC’s yearly allocation, then sends it to you — usually alongside or shortly after your letter of acceptance.

Who needs a PAL in 2026

You generally need a PAL if you are applying for a new study permit for:

  • a college diploma or certificate program
  • a bachelor’s degree
  • a master’s or doctoral program at a private institution
  • most other post-secondary programs

You don’t need one in 2026 if you are:

  • a master’s or doctoral student at a public institution (new exemption from January 1, 2026)
  • a K–12 student (kindergarten to grade 12)
  • extending your study permit at the same school and the same level of study
  • in certain priority or vulnerable groups named by IRCC

If you applied for your permit before January 1, 2026 as a graduate student, the old rule still applied and you needed a PAL. The exemption depends on the date IRCC receives your application.

How to get your PAL from a BC school

  1. Get accepted. Your school can only request a PAL for an admitted student.
  2. Pay any required deposit. Many BC schools issue the PAL only after you confirm your seat — for example, BCIT asks for a commitment fee before registration.
  3. Watch your student portal or email. Schools send the PAL electronically. Check that your name and date of birth match your passport exactly.
  4. Apply for your study permit right away. Upload the PAL with your application.

Why timing matters

BC’s allocation is limited. For 2026, IRCC set BC’s target at 24,786 study permits for applicants who need a PAL, with 32,596 application spaces to account for refusals. Popular schools can run out of PAL spaces before their intake starts, so:

  • apply to schools early — many September intakes open the previous fall
  • confirm your offer and pay deposits promptly
  • don’t wait until you have every other document before applying for the permit, if your school has already issued your PAL

Common mistakes

  • Changing schools after getting a PAL. A PAL is tied to the school that issued it. If you switch, you will usually need a new one.
  • Name mismatches between the PAL, acceptance letter and passport.
  • Assuming graduate students never need one. The exemption applies to master’s and PhD programs at public institutions only.

Next steps

Once your PAL arrives, the next big piece is showing you can pay for your first year — see our guide to proof of funds and GICs. You can also build a personal timeline with our arrival checklist.