FAQ: Provincial Attestation Letters
The following frequently asked questions (FAQ) are designed to provide clarity on the processes and requirements involved in obtaining a provincial attestation letter (PAL) when applying to study in Canada.
A provincial attestation letter affirms for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that a student has been accounted for within the provincial or territorial allocation of study permits. If required, you must include a PAL with your study permit application. Please see “Will I need a PAL for my study permit application?” below to know if you require a PAL.
Please visit the Government of Canada Provincial Attestation Letter web page for more information.
Most post-secondary study permit applicants and applicants of non-degree granting graduate programs (for example, certificate programs and graduate diplomas) will need a PAL.
For a detailed list of individuals who do not need a PAL, visit the Government of Canada Provincial Attestation Letter web page.
Based on the truthful information you provide on your application; one of three outcomes will occur:
If you submitted your study permit application prior to 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on January 22, 2024, you do not need to submit a PAL.
Please note that you do not need a PAL if you have a study permit and are applying for a study permit extension.
For a detailed list of individuals who do not need a PAL, visit the Government of Canada Provincial Attestation Letter web page.
If you are exempt from the PAL requirement, you may continue with the application process to receive an OOA and LOA.
PALs are issued 3-5 business days after all admissions requirements are met and received.
Contact your agent or applicantsupport@canctb.ca should you need additional information regarding PAL requirements.
Please note that PALs and CLOAs/LOAs will be issued together for applications received after March 18, 2024.
You will be notified via the email address used in your application that your PAL is available on your Student Portal. You will be notified 3-5 business days after all PAL requirements are met and received.
To access your PAL, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Log in to the Student Portal using your email and password.
Step 2: Click on“ Provincial Attestation Letter” under “Issued Letters” on the home page.
Corrections to PALs are not permitted. Once a PAL has been issued, it cannot be revised. Please ensure all personal information provided for the PAL is accurate and up to date.
PALs being issued at this time are valid until January 21, 2025, unless otherwise specified. Current PAL holders may defer their enrolment to one of the following intakes:
Please note that all deferrals must comply with the CCTB Deferment of Enrolment Policy.
PALs being issued at this time will remain valid until January 21, 2025, unless otherwise specified. Eligible CCTB intakes for current PAL holders include:
Your agent is permitted to assist you with your application upon your request.
Contact applicantsupport@canctb.ca if you require further assistance or additional information regarding the PAL process.
We acknowledge that the territories on which CCTB and its campus are situated are the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We thank them for having cared for this land since time immemorial, honour their graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here, and iterate our dedication to valuing the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities.