Studying in Manitoba — at the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Red River College Polytechnic or another Manitoba school? Most international students need a Manitoba Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) before IRCC will process their study permit application.
You don’t apply to the Manitoba government directly. Your designated learning institution (DLI) requests the letter for you after you’ve accepted your offer. Here’s how it works.
How to get a Manitoba PAL: step by step
- Get accepted by a Manitoba DLI. You need a valid Letter of Acceptance first.
- Accept your offer and pay the required tuition deposit. At the University of Manitoba, for example, PALs are issued only to applicants who have accepted their offer and paid the $2,000 CAD non-refundable tuition deposit (applied toward your tuition on registration). Deposit rules vary by school — check your registrar’s office.
- Your school requests the PAL from the Government of Manitoba on your behalf. There is no separate student application to the province.
- Watch your email and student portal. Once the Government of Manitoba issues the PAL, your school makes it available in your applicant portal, alongside your standardized Letter of Admission. You receive an email notification when it’s ready.
- Include the PAL with your study permit application to IRCC. An application without a required PAL is incomplete and will be refused.
How long does a Manitoba PAL take?
The University of Manitoba advises allowing about 5 business days for PAL processing after your deposit is paid. Timelines vary by institution — ask your school for its current estimate, and build in buffer time for your study permit application.
Do you need a PAL to study in Manitoba?
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.
Manitoba PAL FAQs
Is the tuition deposit refundable if my study permit is refused?
At the University of Manitoba the $2,000 deposit is non-refundable. Deposit policies vary by school — read your school’s refund policy before paying.
Can I get multiple PALs if I was accepted to several Manitoba schools?
No. Only one PAL is issued per student. Finalize your school choice before the PAL request goes in.
Who do I contact with PAL questions?
Your school’s registrar or international student office. The Government of Manitoba issues PALs through DLIs, not directly to students.
Does a Manitoba PAL guarantee my study permit is approved?
No. The PAL confirms you have been counted under Manitoba’s share of the national study permit allocation. IRCC still assesses your funds, study plan, and ties to your home country.
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. Ask your school whether a new PAL is needed before reapplying.
Need the full walkthrough? See our ultimate PAL guide for Canada student visa and the University of Manitoba’s PAL page for school-specific details.
Page last reviewed: September 2026. PAL rules follow IRCC’s yearly instructions — check for the latest year’s guidance before applying.