HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN CANADA
On January 24, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada additional groups of students who are now required to have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) when applying for a study permit. Some highlights of the expanded PAL requirement are:
- These changes will apply to study permit applications that are submitted on or after January 22, 2025. They will apply to both in-Canada study permit extensions and outside Canada study permit applications.
- Master鈥檚 and PhD students are required to have a valid PAL.
- Students are exempt from submitting a PAL if they are extending their study permits within Canada at the same designated learning institution and same level of study as their current study permit.
For more information about who will be exempt from a PAL, review IRCC鈥檚 website
If you need a PAL for your study permit application, please review our FAQ page here on how to obtain a PAL from SFU. We will continue to update our webpages and online resources to reflect the expanded PAL requirements. Thank you for your patience.
As of November 08, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) a new study permit requirement. If you are joining SFU from a Canadian high school (or secondary school), you are required to obtain a new SFU study permit before you can start your studies at SFU. For more information about applying for a new SFU study permit, review our webpage here. In addition, you will be required to have a valid Provincial Attestation Letter(PAL) in support of your study permit application.
If you finish your highschool studies earlier than your study permit expiry date, your study permit will become automatically invalid in 90 days after you complete your studies, regardless of the expiry date that is shown on your study permit.
If you are currently in Canada, you should apply for a new SFU study permit by exending your current one as soon as you have an offer letter from SFU (see Extend your study permit & News and Updates pages for details) while having a valid study permit. When applying, you must also include a letter of explanation addressing your plan to study at SFU to pursue your undergraduate degree and include a provincial attestation letter, unless .
If you have plans to travel outside of North America before beginning your classes, ensure your temporary resident visa or (if required) is also valid.