Immigration
Studying in Canada
I'm a current student at SFU. Do I need a PAL for a study permit extension or a visitor visa application?
Study permit extension
If you currently have a valid study permit and you are preparing to apply for a study permit extension to complete the current level of studies (i.e., undergraduate to undergraduate) at the same designated learning instiutiton which is SFU, you are exempt from submitting a provincial attestation letter (PAL). See the PAL from the IRCC website.
On the 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鈥�.
You will see on the personalized checklist you will need to provide a PAL exemption proof in this case. You will need to write a PAL exemption letter and upload onto the "Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) (required)" section.
See our instruction guide that can help you write an exemption letter - "Study Permit Extension Proof of PAL Exemption: Current SFU students"
Contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist if you changed/transferred to SFU but did not complete the desiganted learning instiution (DLI) transfer process before Nov 8, 2024 or are unsure if you have completed the DLI transfer process.
Temporary Resident Visa
A PAL is a requirement for some study permit applications. If you apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) [visa in your passport for travel] inside Canada, you do not require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) to make a TRV application.
On the 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鈥�.
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 in Canada.
If you then see a requirement for proof of PAL exemption in your online document checklist, you can write a brief letter of explanation to upload there. Your letter can confirm:
- That you are a student & study permit holder in Canada and you are applying for a TRV only
- That you reviewed the and understand that a PAL is not required for a TRV application
See our Temporary Resident Visa guideline page 2 for the letter instruction. You can modify this letter and upload onto the "Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) (required)" section.
Want to learn more?
- SFU website - News and Updates - 2025 Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements
- SFU website - Application guidelines for a study permit extension
- IRCC website -