Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

What Is a PAL?

Since January 22, 2024, most new study permit applications must include a PAL or TAL from the province or territory where the student will study. IRCC returns applications that do not include one, unless the applicant is exempt. See IRCC: provincial attestation letter.

PAL at CCEC

• In Ontario, the province decides how PALs are allocated to institutions. CCEC can issue a PAL only when it receives an allocation from the province.
• Under current IRCC regulations, CCEC accepts international students in vocational diploma programs in the online distance education format only, unless the applicant holds a valid study permit when applying.
• Short Study and Micro-Credential programs of six months or less do not need a study permit or a PAL. See Study Programs Without PAL.
• CCEC will post updates on this website when new information is available. We do not provide updates on this matter by phone or in person.

Who Does Not Need a PAL?

Common situations include:

• online distance learning from outside Canada, which does not need a study permit;
• programs of six months or less;
• a study permit extension at the same DLI and level of study, including a continuing CCEC student extending for a new program; and
• other exemptions listed by IRCC.

Refunds

If you received a CCEC LOA after January 22, 2024, applied for a study permit without a PAL, and IRCC returned your application because the College could not issue a PAL, you may be eligible for a refund. See the Refund Policy and the LOA Policy.