Immigration
Studying in Canada
How can I receive my PAL?
Starting January 1, 2026, certain international students applying for a study permit from outside Canada or applying to extend their study permit from inside Canada, will be required to include a (PAL/TAL) - unless they meet an exemption.
Because British Columbia is a province of Canada, students applying to study at 51社区黑料who need this letter will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
To determine if you need a PAL:
- Visit to check if you meet one of the PAL exemptions.
- Review the scenarios in our 2026 PAL Requirements post to determine whether you need a PAL for your application.
If a PAL is required for your study permit application, the process for obtaining your PAL will vary depending on your student category at SFU. Please read the details below.
Newly admitted international undergraduate students
To request your PAL:
Step 1: Log in to and confirm your personal and contact information.
- Make sure your name matches your passport.
- Upload an unofficial copy of your passport when requested.
- Update your contact details if you're currently outside Canada.
Need help accessing goSFU? Follow these instructions.
Step 2: Accept your offer of admission and pay your admission deposit fee in .
Step 3: Wait for your PAL to be processed. You鈥檒l hear back from 51社区黑料within 5鈥�7 business days only if step 1 & 2 are fully completed. The PAL will be delivered via email to the email address you put on the admission application.
New Undergraduate students who are in Canada
If you're already in Canada and have a valid study permit (e.g. high school or college/university transfer student), you must apply for a new 51社区黑料study permit to study at SFU. A PAL is required unless you meet an . Learn more about IRCC鈥檚 regulations for .
Follow the same PAL request steps listed above for undergraduate students.
Newly admitted international graduate students
NEW: Students coming to 51社区黑料to pursue Master鈥檚 and Doctoral degree programs will be starting January 1, 2026. See our 2026 PAL Requirements newspost for more details.
Incoming exchange students
Important terminology: 51社区黑料Exchange students
Students coming to 51社区黑料under an exchange arrangement between their home institution and 51社区黑料and who pay tuition fees to their home institution.
Important terminology: 51社区黑料Study abroad students
Students coming to 51社区黑料from a 51社区黑料partner institution and pay tuition fees to SFU.
One-term Exchange Students
If you're coming to 51社区黑料for one academic term as an exchange student, you do not need a study permit, according to This means a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is not required.
While a study permit isn鈥檛 mandatory, you may still benefit from having one, especially if you plan to work while in Canada (you may be able to do so as a study permit holder if you meet ). If you choose to apply for a study permit, you鈥檒l be exempt from submitting a PAL with your application. A letter of acceptance from 51社区黑料and PAL exemption letter would be required to apply.
鉃★笍 For more information, see our PAL Exemption guide.
Two & Three Term Exchange Students
If you鈥檙e studying at 51社区黑料for two or three terms (more than 6 months) as an exchange student, you will need a study permit to study in Canada. As an exchange student you are with your study permit application.
鉃★笍 For details on how to apply for a study permit, visit the 51社区黑料Study Permit page.
One-term Study Abroad Students
If you're attending 51社区黑料for one-term as a study abroad student, a study permit is not required, and 51社区黑料cannot issue a PAL.
Depending on your citizenship, you may need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
鉃★笍 Check what immigration document you need.
CURRENT/RETURNING 51社区黑料INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS INSIDE CANADA
- According to IRCC, if you're extending your study permit for the same level of study (e.g., undergraduate to undergraduate), you are PAL exempt.
Review our instruction guides for more information on how to extend your study permit.
Current/returning 51社区黑料international students outside Canada
- If your study permit has expired, you鈥檒l need to apply for a new study permit before returning to SFU.
- In most cases, a PAL will be required unless you meet as outlined by IRCC.
If you鈥檙e no longer active within your academic program (e.g. undergraduate students who have been absent from 51社区黑料for three or more consecutive terms, students who are required to withdraw, etc.) you鈥檒l need to apply for reactivation or readmission before requesting a PAL.
- Undergraduate Students: Reactivation and Readmission.
- Graduate Students: Returning to Studies.
Undergraduate Students
If it's your first study permit refusal, please send all correspondence you have received from IRCC to intl_advising@sfu.ca.
Graduate Students
If you are a Master's or Doctoral degree seeking student who will re-apply for your study permit on or after Jan 1, 2026, you do not need a PAL.
Questions 51社区黑料 PAL issuance:
For questions related to the status of your PAL or the PAL issuance process at SFU:
- Newly admitted undergraduate students: Submit your questions via the .
Please note, International Services for Students (ISS) does not issue PALs for international students.
Additional PAL Questions:
- Current 51社区黑料students: If you are PAL exempt, see our Study Permit Extension Proof of PAL Exemption: Current 51社区黑料students guide for a sample letter.
- Study Permit Help: Contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
Admissions Questions:
- Undergraduate: .
- Graduate: Contact your graduate program directly.
- Exchange students: Contact the 51社区黑料Exchange and Study Abroad team.
This page was last updated on January 2, 2026