Provincial Attestation Letter

Brock University DLI # 019394569014

To enhance the integrity of the international student system in Canada, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on January 22, 2024 that a provincial attestation letter (PAL) would be required for most new study permit applications. New rules for 2025 PALs are in effect from January 22, 2025.

Key Information

IRCC has temporarily limited the number of international study permit applications that can be made for most post-secondary programs. The PAL serves as proof that the applicant has been accounted for under a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap.

To confirm your spot at Brock, we encourage you to accept your offer early. A non-refundable tuition deposit may also be required, so please check your offer letter.

To request a PAL from Brock, you must accept your offer, pay your non-refundable tuition deposit (if applicable) and submit a PAL request form available on your student portal. Final approval by the Government of Ontario must be granted before a letter can be issued. Please monitor your student portal as applicants eligible for a PAL will have the authorized letter uploaded if approved.

Important note: The number of PALs made available by the Government to each post-secondary institution is limited. We encourage you to accept your offer, pay your tuition deposit (if applicable) and complete your PAL request form as early as possible.

It depends on the reason for the extension.

  • A PAL is not required to continue studies at the same level AND at the same institution. All other extension applications require a PAL.
  • If you are changing levels of study but continuing at Brock (e.g. ESL to undergraduate or undergraduate to graduate), you can continue to use your current study permit to start your new program, but you will need a PAL when you apply for a study permit extension.
  • If you are changing institutions, you need a PAL. You also cannot start studying at your new institution until you get your new study permit. You must comply with the conditions of your current study permit while waiting for your new study permit to be approved.

Important note: Extensions can only be made from inside Canada. Please check the expiry date of your study permit carefully. We recommend you apply for an extension 3-4 months before your study permit expires. If you need help or have questions, please join one of our study permit extension webinars as posted on ExperienceBU.

Exchange students are exempt from a PAL under the 2025 rules. If you submitted an application before January 22, 2025, you may have been exempt under the 2024 PAL rules.

If you are not an exchange student, please use our “Do I need a PAL?” tool or check the IRCC list of PAL exemptions.

No, you need a PAL. Your application will be returned without a required PAL.

Your PAL must be valid at the time IRCC receives your application. Please check the expiry date noted on your PAL carefully. PALs are issued for a specific institution and can normally only be used once. You cannot reuse a PAL after receiving a refusal. If you are changing schools, you need a new PAL.

Do I need a PAL?

Answer the questions below to find out if you require a PAL for your study permit application.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended as general information for Brock University students. It has been reviewed by Brock International’s international student advising team who are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs). Please note that this website is not a legal document.

Immigration information can change quickly and without notice, so always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for the most current information.