Immigration
Studying in Canada
What should I do if my SFU account is deactivated and I need a PAL to apply for a new study permit?
If your SFU account has been deactivated because you鈥檝e been away from studies for 3 or more consecutive terms, this means you are considered no longer enrolled at SFU.
According to , your study permit becomes invalid on the same day you are no longer enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed on your permit 鈥� in this case, SFU.
鈿狅笍 What does 鈥渘o longer enrolled鈥� mean?
IRCC defines students who:
- Have been dismissed
- Have withdrawn voluntarily
- Have transferred to another institution
So, if your study permit lists SFU and your account is deactivated, your permit is no longer valid as of that date 鈥� even if the expiry date on the permit is later.
What should I do next?
Before returning to SFU, you鈥檒l likely need to:
- Apply for a new study permit, and
- Request a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) 鈥� .
To get started, follow the instructions on the SFU Reactivation and Readmission page. This includes submitting a reactivation form, paying a deposit (if required), and receiving the documents you need for your new study permit application.
Before submitting your reactivation request, it鈥檚 important to plan ahead to avoid delays in your return to SFU.
We strongly recommend that you:
鉁� Check IRCC鈥檚 current for study permit applications.
鉁� Understand the study permit application process, including whether you need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
鉁� Submit your reactivation request at least 4 months before the term you plan to return to SFU.
This will help ensure you have enough time to receive your new study permit and be ready to resume your studies. You can find key dates, including term start dates, on SFU's academic calendar.
Checklist
If you're eligible for reactivation and planning to apply for a new study permit, make sure you've completed each of the steps below to obtain a PAL:
鈽戯笍Submit the Reactivation Form
Complete and submit the Reactivation Form for international students no later than 60 days before the start of the term you plan to return and resume your studies.
Note: The 60-day deadline only applies if you need to apply for a new study permit.
鈽戯笍Pay the Required Deposit, if applicable
If a PAL is required to apply for a new SFU study permit, you must pay $5000 CAD deposit before a PAL can be issued.
How to pay: Payment information
Note: Most students will require a PAL to apply for a SFU study permit. Visit the to check if you are exempt from submitting a PAL.
鈽戯笍Send Your Deposit Payment Receipt, if applicable
Email your $5000 payment receipt to Chelsey Acierno, Director of International Recruitment at director_internationalrecruitment@sfu.ca
Note : Include your full name and SFU student ID number in the email.
鈽戯笍Receive Your Documents
Once your reactivation is processed, SFU will issue and send the following documents to you via email:
- A Reactivation Letter which can be used to support your study permit application; and
- A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (if required)
鈽戯笍Connect with an International Student Advisor (if needed)
If you have questions about the study permit process or whether you need a PAL, contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for guidance.
Want to learn more?
- SFU website - Undergraduate Reactivation and Readmission
- SFU website - News and Updates - 2025 Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements
- SFU website - Study permit and Immigration documents application tips
- IRCC website - - see under other considerations "who doesn't need a permit to study in Canada"
- IRCC website -