The University of Waterloo now requires most new international students to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) before applying for a Canadian study permit, in line with updated IRCC rules. After accepting an offer, students complete a PAL eligibility quiz and pay a non-refundable deposit — $2,500 for undergraduates and $1,000 for master’s coursework and graduate diploma students.
For nationwide rules, read the new rules for Canada study visa 2026 guide.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): A New Requirement
New to the process? See how to apply for a study visa in Canada.
Many foreign students who want to study in Canada now need to show a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). The PAL, which comes from the Government of Ontario, shows that the province will pay for your tuition at the University of Waterloo.
Who Needs a PAL?
- Undergraduate, Graduate, and English Language Pathway Students: Most of the kids in these groups will need a PAL, unless IRCC says otherwise.
- Move Students Around: Students who are moving from another school to the University of Waterloo must also get a PAL.
- Incoming Master’s and PhD Students: These students need to get a PAL before they can apply for a study pass.
Who is Exempt from the PAL Requirement?
The PAL rule does not apply to the following groups of students:
- Graduate Students Enrolled Right Now: Graduates at the University of Waterloo who are already enrolled do not need a PAL.
- Extensions on Study Permits: It doesn’t apply to international students who want to renew their current study permit at the same school and program.
- International Visiting Graduate Students (IVGS): Students who are taking part in academic exchanges or visiting programs do not need to send in a PAL.
Check Also: Big Changes to Canada PGWP
What is the process of Canada Study Visa Regulations by University of Waterloo?
Step 1: Complete the PAL Eligibility Quiz
After being offered admission, take the PAL eligibility quiz via the University of Waterloo’s Quest system. Based on your school program, this quiz will tell you if you need a PAL.
Step 2: Accept Your Offer and Pay the Deposit
To move forward with the PAL request:
- Accept the Offer of Admission: Confirm that you want to study at the University of Waterloo.
- Pay the Required Deposit: Send a school deposit that can’t be returned to start the PAL process:
- Undergraduate Students: $2,500
- Master’s Coursework & Graduate Diploma Students: $1,000
Note: You will only get your deposit back if your study pass is denied or if the university pulls the offer.
Deposit Requirement for Graduate Programs:
Before getting their PAL, international students accepted into master’s coursework or GDip studies must pay a $1,000 deposit that can’t be returned. This step is very important if you want to get into college and start the process for getting a study pass.
Key Takeaways for International Students:
- A PAL is now required for most people who want to get a study pass.
- For continuing students, permit extensions, and exchange members, there are special rules that don’t apply.
- Before getting the PAL, you have to pay a deposit that you can’t get back.
- The first step in the process is to take the PAL qualifying quiz.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Common PAL Application Mistakes to Avoid
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What is the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
The PAL is a document from the Government of Ontario confirming the province will allocate you a study permit spot under IRCC’s cap, and Waterloo requires it before you apply for your study permit. Most new undergraduate, graduate, and English Language Pathway students need one, and transfer students moving to Waterloo must obtain one too.
Who is exempt from the PAL requirement at Waterloo?
Currently enrolled graduate students don’t need a PAL, and neither do students extending a study permit at the same school and program or international visiting graduate students on exchange programs. The post notes that incoming master’s and PhD students generally do need a PAL before applying for a study permit.
How much is the Waterloo deposit before getting a PAL?
Undergraduate students pay a non-refundable $2,500 deposit, while master’s coursework and graduate diploma students pay $1,000, to start the PAL process after accepting their offer. The deposit is only refunded if your study permit is denied or the university withdraws the offer, so be sure before you pay.
What is the first step to get a PAL at Waterloo?
After receiving your admission offer, take the PAL eligibility quiz in Waterloo’s Quest system — it tells you whether you need a PAL based on your program. Then accept your offer, pay the required deposit, and follow the university’s instructions to request the PAL before starting your IRCC study permit application.
Plan your budget with our list of countries for part-time jobs while studying abroad.
Later, explore a Canada work permit without a job offer.
