Accepted to Dalhousie, Cape Breton University, Saint Mary’s, St. FX, Acadia or Nova Scotia Community College? Most international students need a Nova Scotia Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) before IRCC will process their study permit application.
Your school handles the whole process — here’s what it looks like.
How to get a Nova Scotia PAL: step by step
- Get accepted by a Nova Scotia DLI. You need a valid Letter of Acceptance first.
- Accept your offer and pay the tuition deposit to confirm your seat.
- Give consent for your school to share your information with the Province of Nova Scotia — schools collect this as part of the PAL process (your name, DOB, address, program details).
- Your school requests the PAL from the province on your behalf. There is no student application to the government.
- Download it from your student portal. Once issued, the PAL is typically uploaded to your applicant account (e.g., the Future Student Account portal), and you’re notified by email.
- Include the PAL with your study permit application to IRCC.
How long does a Nova Scotia PAL take?
Allow about 1–2 weeks from when your deposit and consent are in. Timelines vary by school and intake season — confirm with your school’s admissions or international office.
Do you need a PAL to study in Nova Scotia?
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. Full list: who needs a PAL for Canada in 2026.
Nova Scotia PAL FAQs
What if my deposit is paid but I’m ineligible for a PAL?
Schools generally refund the deposit in that case — check your school’s refund policy.
Can I hold PALs from two Nova Scotia schools?
No — one PAL per student. Finalize your choice first.
Who do I contact with questions?
Your school’s admissions or international student office.
Does the PAL guarantee approval?
No. It confirms your place under Nova Scotia’s allocation; IRCC still decides your application on its merits.
Planning your timeline? See PAL processing times for 2026 to plan your intake properly.
Page last reviewed: September 2026. PAL rules follow IRCC’s yearly instructions — check for the latest year’s guidance before applying.