The information in this section has been reviewed by International Student Advisors on September 18th, 2023. Recent updates will be indicated in the date below.
Immigration
Studying in Canada
I am exempt from the PAL requirement. The IRCC system is asking me questions about the PAL and what exemption I fall under. How should I answer those questions and provide proof?
There are some exceptions to applicants who are required to provide a PAL for their study permit applications. A few examples include:
Applying for a study permit extension from inside Canada:
Please review our instruction guides linked below for information about how to address the PAL-related questions in your application.
To request PAL exemption, please attach following documents:
- a cover letter explaining how you qualify for the exemption.
- a copy of your study permit.
Applying for a study permit from outside Canada:
New and returning students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs.
If you are starting a master’s or doctoral degree at SFU as a new student or returning to complete these programs, you do not require a PAL.
To request PAL exemption, please attach following documents:
- a cover letter explaining how you qualify for the exemption.
- a copy of your offer letter (for new students).
- confirmation of enrollment (for returning students).
The above noted PAL exemption document must be uploaded in the "Client Information" section under "Optional Documents" of your IRCC secure account.
If none of the above scenarios apply to you and you wish to verify if you qualify for a PAL exemption, please click here.
Should you have further question, connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
This page was last updated on June 26, 2024.