Planning to study in Alberta — at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, SAIT, NAIT, Bow Valley College or another designated learning institution? Most international students need an Alberta Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) before IRCC will process their study permit application.
The good news: you don’t apply to the Alberta government yourself. Your school handles the request for you. This page explains exactly how the Alberta PAL process works.
How to get an Alberta PAL: step by step
- Get accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Alberta. You need a valid Letter of Acceptance first.
- Accept your offer and pay the required tuition deposit. Alberta DLIs ask for a deposit before they will request your PAL — the exact amount varies by school, so check with your registrar’s office.
- Your school requests the PAL from the Government of Alberta on your behalf. There is no separate student application to the province.
- Watch your email. Once the PAL is issued, your school notifies you, and you download the letter from your MyCreds account — Canada’s national digital wallet for academic credentials like transcripts and letters.
- Include the PAL with your study permit application to IRCC. Without it, your application is incomplete and will be refused.
How long does an Alberta PAL take?
The full process can take up to about two weeks from the time your school submits the request. Start as early as possible — your study permit application has its own IRCC processing time on top of that.
Do you need a PAL to study in Alberta?
Most undergraduate, college, and non-degree post-secondary applicants do. From January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are again exempt from the PAL requirement. For the complete list of exemptions — K–12 students, exchange students, extensions and more — see our guide on who needs a PAL for Canada in 2026.
Alberta PAL FAQs
Where do I download my Alberta PAL?
From your MyCreds account. Your school emails you when the letter is ready.
Can I get a PAL for each school I was accepted to?
No. Only one PAL is issued per student, even if you hold multiple Letters of Acceptance. Decide on your school before your PAL is requested.
Who do I contact with PAL questions?
Your school’s registrar office. The Government of Alberta works through DLIs, not directly with students.
Does an Alberta PAL guarantee my study permit is approved?
No. The PAL confirms you have been counted under Alberta’s share of the national study permit allocation. IRCC still assesses your full application — funds, ties to your home country, and study plan.
Can I reuse a PAL if my study permit was refused?
Generally no. PALs are typically tied to one application and the year they were issued. If your application is refused, talk to your school about whether a new PAL is needed before you reapply.
Want the full picture? Read our ultimate PAL guide for Canada student visa for the complete study-permit journey, or check IRCC’s official provincial attestation letter page.
Page last reviewed: September 2026. PAL rules follow IRCC’s yearly instructions — check for the latest year’s guidance before applying.