Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements
As of January 1, 2026, the government of Canada has changed requirements relating to which student groups require a PAL in order to submit their study permit application. Please select your student group category below to read the latest updates.
The Government of Canada affirmed the value and world-class caliber of Canada’s public university system with reforms to the issuance of study permits, post-graduate work permits, and spousal work permits. Please see the information below that clarifies how this may affect international students studying at Lakehead University.
| What is a PAL? |
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is issued by the institution you intend to study at in partnership with the province of Ontario. Your PAL allows you to submit your study permit application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to pursue your studies in Canada. Which international students will require a PAL in order to submit their study permit application is determined by the program you intend to study at Lakehead University. Selecting your student category group below will advise on whether you require a PAL. |
| How do I get a PAL? |
Lakehead University is issuing PALs on an ongoing basis to applicants who require one to submit a study permit application. Admitted applicants will receive an email with more information if and when they are eligible for a PAL. See your student category below to determine your PAL requirements. If you require a PAL to submit your study permit application, after you Accept your Letter of Acceptance, we will email you about the next steps to request your PAL. This will involve completing a request form and paying an additional PAL Deposit above any previously paid Confirmation Deposit. This deposit will be applied to your student account and go toward tuition and fees. It is non-refundable unless you provide proof that your study permit application was refused. Important note: The number of PALs made available by the Government to each post-secondary institution is limited. We encourage you to accept your offer, complete your PAL request form and pay your deposit (if applicable) as early as possible. |
| International Masters and PhD Students |
As of January 1, 2026, certain graduate students won't need a provincial attestation letter in order to apply for their study permit. As of the Government of Canada's announcement in November 5, 2025, international applicants applying to study at a public university in a graduate master's or PhD degree program will no longer require a PAL in order to apply for their study permit. Lakehead University graduate programs that fall outside of a master's or PhD degree program (eg. graduate diploma), may still be subject to a PAL requirement. We will update this notice page as additional details are released by the Government of Canada. Please take note of the following:
Note: Any deposits paid to Lakehead University will be applied to your Student Account. |
| International Undergraduate Students |
As of January 1, 2026, undergraduate students will need a provincial attestation letter in order to apply for their study permit.
Note: Any deposits paid to Lakehead University will be applied to your Student Account. |
| Visiting or Exchange Students |
As of January 1, 2026, international students seeking to study as a visiting or exchange student may require a provincial attestation letter in order to apply for their study permit.
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