Canada Study Visa Regulations by University of Waterloo

For international students who intend to enroll in 2026, the University of Waterloo has issued a significant update on the application procedure for study permits. New eligibility requirements, required attestation letters, and deposit requirements for potential students are all part of these modifications, which took effect after Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) January 30, 2025 policy update.

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), which is now a necessary document to start a study permit application, is now required of international students who wish to attend the University of Waterloo.

New Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) – (NEW Requirement)

Who Needs a PAL?

Before submitting an application for a study visa, international students who intend to enroll at the University of Waterloo might need to get a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). This additional requirement verifies that your enrollment is supported by the province of Ontario.

When is a PAL required?

• Undergraduate, Graduate, and English Language Pathway Students: According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, the majority of students in these categories will require a PAL, with certain exceptions listed.
• Transfer Students: A PAL is also required for students moving to the University of Waterloo.
• Incoming Master’s and PhD Students: Prior to submitting an application for a study permit, incoming master’s and doctoral students must additionally get a PAL.

How to Obtain a PAL?

1. Complete a Quiz: In order to ascertain whether you require a PAL, you must take a quiz prior to applying for one.
2. Issued by the Government of Ontario: The PAL, which is provided by the Ontario government, is a formal document attesting to the province’s support for your enrollment at the University of Waterloo.

Who is Exempt from the PAL Requirement?

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement does not apply to several student categories. These consist of:

1. Current University of Waterloo Graduate Students
   • A PAL is not required for graduate students who are currently enrolled in and pursuing their education at the University of Waterloo.
2. International Students Applying for a Study Permit Extension
   • Obtaining a PAL is not necessary if you are an international student seeking a study permit extension for the same program and university.
3. Participants in the International Visiting Graduate Students (IVGS) Program
   • The PAL requirement is also waived for students enrolled in overseas exchange programs or the IVGS program.

How to Get Your PAL and Study Permit for Canada in 2025?

To apply for your study visa and receive your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), take the following actions:

Step 1: Take the PAL Eligibility Quiz

You have to finish the PAL eligibility test after the University of Waterloo issues your offer of admission. This test is accessible via the following link and is part of Waterloo’s Quest system:
PAL Eligibility Quiz – University of Waterloo.

Step 2: Accept Your Offer and Pay the Deposit

If you are required to obtain a PAL, you need to:

1. Accept the Offer: By accepting the offer of admission, you formally declare your desire to enroll at the University of Waterloo.
2. Submit the Tuition Deposit: Make a non-refundable tuition deposit (unless the university withdraws the offer or the IRCC denies your application for a study permit with the necessary paperwork):
   • Undergraduate students: $2,500
   • Master’s coursework & Graduate Diploma (GDip) students: $1,000

Important Updates for Graduate Students (2025 Applications)

International graduate students should be aware of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement if they want to apply for a study permit to study in Canada in 2025. What you should know is as follows:

1. PAL Requirement for Graduate Students
   Prior to submitting an application for a study permit, international graduate students enrolled in any of the following programs must fulfill the PAL requirement:
   • Master’s coursework and research programs
   • PhD programs
   • Graduate Diploma (GDip) programs
2. New Deposit Rule for Master’s Coursework & GDip Students
   Prior to receiving the PAL, graduate students accepted into coursework-based master’s or GDip programs are required to make a $1,000 non-refundable deposit. This deposit is a crucial step in securing your spot at the University of Waterloo and is necessary to move on with the PAL process.

Conclusion:

Significant changes have been made to the University of Waterloo’s study visa application procedure for overseas students starting in 2026. The modified deposit regulations and the new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement are two significant developments. To obtain their study permits and make sure the province of Ontario supports their enrollment, international students must adhere to these new protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions