As of January 1, 2026, international master's and doctoral students at public universities do not require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
Students pursuing a graduate certificate program, postgraduate diploma or coming as a Visiting Research Student (VRS) for more than six months will still require a PAL.
The IRCC has developed a webpage for graduate-degree audiences, consolidating information on special measures, work-permit eligibility, PGWP access, and permanent residence pathways to better inform prospective students.
Visit the webpage now. The federal government issues PALS to individual provinces and territories who in turn distribute them to universities and colleges. Distribution processes may differ between provinces. PALS are issued to universities by calendar year. We receive an allocation of PALS for graduate-level programming that are distributed to the department level.
If a student is applying for a student permit extension at the same Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and level of study as your current study permit, they are not required to submit a PAL with your renewal application. However, if a student's study permit has expired, they may require a PAL. The student should contact ISSAC (international@usask.ca) immediately to discuss their situation.
Proof of financial means required as part of study permit application
As listed on the IRCC website, study permit applicants must demonstrate they have the necessary funds to support themselves while in Canada through at least one of the following:
- proof of a Canadian bank account in their name, if they've transferred money to Canada
- a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- proof of a student or education loan from a bank
- their bank statements from the past four (4) months
- a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
- proof that they have paid tuition and housing fees
- a letter from the person or school giving them money, or
- proof of funding paid from within Canada, if they have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program
To study in a province outside of Quebec, after September 1, 2025, study permit applicants must demonstrate that they have at least $22,895 for 12 months of living expenses plus enough money for the cost of tuition for their first year of study. The living expenses amount is increased if the student will be accompanied by their spouse or dependents while studying in Canada.
Who to contact with PAL-related questions?
Questions related to the processing of specific PALS to students: Technical questions about PALS (e.g. issues with MyCreds, how long it takes to get it, etc. can be sent via the CGPS Service Desk.
Immigration-related questions (e.g. study permit requirements, refusals, extensions, travel, does a specific case need a PAL, who needs a PAL, who is still exempt, etc.): Contact international@usask.ca.