Provincial Attestation Letters

Once you've accepted your offer and paid your admission deposit (where required), UCalgary will request your PAL from the Province of Alberta. Your PAL will be available about 3-10 days after your deposit has been received.

Your admission deposit is credited toward your first-year tuition.
 

Once we've prepared it for you, you'll be able to access your PAL in your Student Centre (my.ucalgary.ca). The university will send an email to your UCalgary email address (if created) to let you know that your PAL is available for you to download from your Student Centre (my.ucalgary.ca). If you have not yet set up your UCalgary email address, the email will be sent to the email address you used on your application.

View a how-to guide (PDF) on how to access your Provincial Attestation Letter.
 

Once you’ve received your PAL, you will submit it along with your study permit application to IRCC.  IRCC will return any application that does not include a PAL, unless the applicant is otherwise exempt (exemptions are listed on the IRCC website).

Visiting undergraduate and graduate students studying in Canada less than six months can enter Canada as a visitor. Students do not require a study permit or PAL if they enter Canada on a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTa) for short-term studies. 

Visiting students studying in Canada for longer than six months will need a study permit and a PAL.

Exchange students studying in Canada for longer than six months will need a study permit, but DO NOT require a PAL.   

Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs), please visit the ISS website for what immigration documents you will need.
 

Undergraduate students: For questions about your offer of admission, paying your admission deposit, or obtaining and accessing your PAL, please contact undergraduate Admissions for assistance.

Graduate students: For questions about your offer of admission or paying your deposit, please contact your graduate program.

If you are graduate student with questions about your PAL, please contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
 

All study permit applications submitted to IRCC will have their UCalgary letter of acceptance verified within the time frame set by IRCC. After submitting your study permit, no further action is required; UCalgary will automatically verify.

We encourage you to apply for a study permit as soon as possible. Keep in mind that to apply for your study permit, you must have:

• Accepted your admission offer
• Paid your admission deposit (where required)
• And received your PAL from UCalgary

You should accept your offer and pay your deposit as soon as possible so you can receive your PAL and apply for a study permit.

Undergraduate students: Students who apply for a study permit by July 1 and don't receive it in time are eligible for a deferral. Learn more about admission deferrals.

Graduate students: It is strongly recommended to connect with your program to inquire about the possibility of admission deferral. Deferrals are at the discretion of each graduate program and are considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information on admission deferrals, please see section G.A.5 of the University calendar. 

You can contact International Student Services for assistance.

I’m interested in undergraduate programs:

Yes, UCalgary has over 250+ program combinations for you to choose from. Experience a premier education at one of Canada's top research universities. We'll help you turn your next big idea into a reality. Access a multitude of resources designed to ignite innovation, including state-of-the-art creative labs, startup launch programs and invaluable mentorship opportunities with local entrepreneurs. Step into the spotlight, shape the future and find your voice in this transformative environment. 

Undergraduate applications are open from August 15 to March 1 each year. We recommend you submit your application as soon as possible. 

I’m interested in graduate programs:

Many programs have Spring – Fall 2025 intake opportunities still open for international graduate students. If your program of interest is accepting applications, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.

If you receive an admission offer, be sure accept the admission offer and pay your admissions deposit (if required) as soon as possible. That will allow us to work with the Province of Alberta to issue a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), which you'll need to submit with your study permit application.

We recommend that you accept your admission offer and pay your admissions deposit as soon as possible.

Current international students continuing at their DLI do not need a PAL. View more details on the IRCC website.

In order to work in Canada as an international student, you must be enrolled as a full-time student and have a valid study permit to be eligible to work. Details can be found on the ISS website.

Open work permits for spouses/common-law partners are eligible for spouses of international students who are enrolled in:

• Master's programs lasting 16 months or more
• Doctoral programs
• Certain professional and eligible programs

All UCalgary’s in-person degree programs are eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) upon graduation. To learn more, visit our website.

The length of your PGWP depends on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first. Details can be found on the IRCC website.

If you are attending UCalgary to complete a certificate or diploma program, see if your program is PGWP eligible.

Details on how to apply for a PGWP can be found on the ISS website.

Students applying for International Professional Programs (IPP) or English Language Programs (ELP) that are more than six months long require a PAL. 

Upon registration and payment in your program (IPP or ELP), the University of Calgary will request your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the Province of Alberta. Once your PAL is available, Continuing Education will notify you via the email address we have on file. You will then be able to upload your PAL as part of your study permit application. 

No. International Professional Programs are considered post-diploma graduate programs at the undergraduate level and do not qualify the spouses of students for the open work permit that has been previously available. 

Our English Language Programs are ESL/FSL programs, and the spouses of students do not qualify for open work permits.