How does the Provincial Letter of Attestation (PAL) work in Canada?

The process of obtaining a student visa to Canada underwent important changes in 2025. The Provincial Certificate Letter (PAL) is now mandatory for virtually all international students, including those seeking master's and doctorate degrees.

If you're planning to study in Canada, understanding how PAL works is critical to the success of your application. This document may seem complex at first glance, but let's uncomplicate the entire process.

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What is the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is an official document issued by the Canadian province or territory where you intend to study. It acts as a confirmation that your place at the educational institution is within the established annual quota for international students.

The system works as follows:

• The federal government sets an annual limit of international students per province
• Each province distributes these vacancies among its accredited institutions (DLI)
• When you are accepted, the school requests PAL on your behalf
• Without this document, your visa application will not be processed

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Why was PAL implemented?

The Canadian government implemented PAL to better manage the flow of international students. With more than 1 million foreign students in 2023, it was necessary to create a more organized system.

Key objectives include:

• Controlling student population growth
• Ensure adequate infrastructure (housing, health, transportation)
• Maintain the quality of the education system
• Distribute students in a balanced way between provinces

Like the Canada revolutionizes the distribution of study visas, these changes reflect a more strategic approach to international education.

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Who needs PAL?

The PAL requirement applies to most students applying for a student visa in Canada. This includes:

Applicants from outside Canada:

• Undergraduate and graduate students
• Students from English or French programs
• Certificate and diploma students
• Visitors to short-term programs with monthly fees

Applicants already in Canada:

• High school students transitioning to university
• People restoring expired student status
• ESL students migrating to graduate
• Students transferring between institutions

Important exceptions

Some groups don't need PAL:

• Programs with a duration of less than 6 months
• Children in elementary and high school
• Exchange students without a monthly fee
• Global Affairs Canada Scholarship Recipients
• People with protected status or eligible for permanent residence

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How to get your PAL: step by step

The process of obtaining the PAL is not done directly by the student. Here's how it works:

1. Apply to an accredited institution

First, you must be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Search for institutions that offer your course of interest and meet your criteria.

2. Get your acceptance letter

Upon approval, you will receive the Letter of Acceptance from the institution. This document is essential for the next steps.

3. Confirm your vacancy

In most cases, you'll need to:

• Formally accept the offer
• Pay the deposit or first installment of the monthly fee
• Provide additional documents if requested

4. Wait for PAL's request

Your school will then apply for PAL from the province. This process may take a few weeks, depending on demand and province.

5. Get your PAL

Once issued, you will receive the PAL and can include it in your student visa application.

As best cities to study in Canada offer different processing times, so plan ahead.

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Documents required for the process

Although PAL is required by the institution, you must be prepared with:

Academic documentation:

• Translated school transcripts
• Previous diplomas
• Certificates of proficiency in English/French
• Letters of recommendation

Financial documentation:

• Proof of funds for studies and maintenance
• Updated bank statements
• Income tax return
• Letter of financial support (if applicable)

Personal documents:

• Valid passport
• Biometric photos
• Medical tests (when necessary)
• Criminal record

To ensure that your documentation is correct, check out our guide on How to ensure your Canadian visa is approved.

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PAL Timing and validity

When to request

Processing time varies between provinces, but generally takes:

• Ontario: 2-4 weeks
• British Columbia: 3-6 weeks
• Quebec: 4-8 weeks
• Other provinces: 2-6 weeks

Validity of the document

Your PAL is valid through December 31, 2025, unless there is a specific expiration date printed on it. You must apply for a student visa while the document is still valid.

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Tips to speed up the process

Prepare in advance

Organize all documentation before you even apply to schools. This significantly speeds up the process after acceptance.

Choose institutions strategically

Some schools have more streamlined PAL processes because of their volume or relationship with provincial authorities.

Keep communication active

Respond quickly to any additional requests from the school or authorities. Delays in documents can delay the entire process.

Consider periods of lower demand

Applications for winter semesters are generally faster to process than fall semesters.

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Alternatives while you wait

If the PAL process is taking longer than expected, consider these options:

Short term programs

Courses that are less than 6 months old do not require PAL or a student visa. You can study English or take certifications while preparing your main application.

Preparatory experience

Use this time to improve your English, take online courses related to your field, or gain relevant professional experience.

The Canadian market offers several promising areas to work on, then take the opportunity to search for opportunities in your region of interest.

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Impact on the different provinces

Ontario

As the most populous province, Ontario has the highest competition for seats. Toronto and Ottawa are important educational centers, but the process can take longer.

British Columbia

Vancouver attracts many international students. The province has been proactive in streamlining PAL processes to maintain its competitiveness.

Quebec

It has its own selection system (CAQ) in addition to the federal PAL. The process is more complex but offers unique opportunities for bilingual students.

Atlantic Provinces

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland have smaller quotas but often faster processing.

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Programs that make your journey easier

For those seeking a more structured experience in Canada, the program Study and work from Be Easy offers full support throughout the visa and arrival process in the country.

Our expert advisors accompany you from choosing the institution to obtaining the PAL, ensuring that all deadlines are met and increasing your chances of approval.

Advantages of specialized support:

• Strategic selection of institutions with the best PAL record
• Complete preparation of documentation
• Monitoring deadlines and application status
• Adaptation support in Canada
• Guidance on job opportunities

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Planning is fundamental

The implementation of PAL brought another step to the Canadian visa process, but it shouldn't discourage your plans to study in the country. With proper planning and expert guidance, you can navigate this system successfully.

The important thing is to start your planning in advance, choose a quality institution and have specialized support to maximize your chances of success. Canada remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students, and PAL is just another step in that journey.

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, our expert Canadian exchange consultants know all the details of the PAL process and can guide you from choosing the institution to approving your visa. With years of experience helping Brazilians fulfill their dream of studying in Canada, we offer full support so you don't have to worry about red tape and deadlines. Our team accompanies each stage of your process, ensuring that everything is done correctly and within the necessary time frames. Contact us and make your Canadian dream a reality with the support of those who know the most about the subject.