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Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Most international students now require a Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) as required by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for most study permit applications. Once you have received your offer of admission from us, you'll want to get started on this process as there are a limited number of PAL's available. PALs will only be issued until the study permit application capacity is reached. Additionally, you need to have an approved study permit before you can begin your studies, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processing times vary by region. 

 If you are a new Ontario Tech student or applicant, follow these steps to obtain a PAL.

  • Step 1: Accept your offer
    If you haven't already done so, accept your offer! Complete this step before you apply for a PAL. You can accept your offer in two ways, depending on how you applied to Ontario Tech. You must accept your offer through the OUAC or our internal portal. You can check the most up-to-date information on your application in our Applicant Portal.  
  • Step 2: Pay your tuition deposit
    You'll then need to pay your non-refundable tuition deposit before proceeding with the PAL process. Payment is accepted online using MasterCard or Visa. You will need your OntarioTech student number at the top of your offer letter and in the Applicant Portal. It can take 2 to 3 working days for your payment to update in our system. The tuition deposit is only refundable after a study permit application is denied.
  • Step 3: PAL Determination Form
    Once your tuition deposit is received, you'll receive an email from our Admissions office with a PAL Determination Form. This form will review your details and notify you if you require a PAL.
    Please note: it can take two to three business days for your payment to update in our system. You'll receive this email after payment is processed.

  • Step 4: Receiving your PAL
    Once the PAL Determination Form is submitted, if you require a PAL, the Admissions office will confirm PAL availability and request the PAL from the Provincial Government. You will be notified by email once your PAL is available to download from your Applicant Portal. It may take up to 10 days to receive the PAL. Once notified, you should download the PAL and your Letter of Acceptance to start your study permit application as soon as possible to avoid any delays.
    Please note: If your study permit application to IRCC is denied, you can reapply for a study permit using this same PAL until the PAL expires.

  • Step 5: Register with BorderPass
    Ontario Tech has retained BorderPass - a visa management platform, to support you with the Canadian immigration process. As you have received an offer of admission from Ontario Tech, we encourage you to initiate your study permit application with BorderPass. Before receiving a PAL, you can complete the required forms, documents and letter requests through BorderPass. Once you receive your PAL, you can add it to your BorderPass portal for submission to IRCC. Please refer to our FAQ's below for more information.

PAL FAQ's


Co-op work permit


BorderPass FAQ's

  • What is BorderPass?

    BorderPass is a preferred, third-party service provider partner for Ontario Tech University to offer students access to its Canadian immigration services. BorderPass is a newcomer and visa management platform built, serviced and operated by Canadian immigration lawyers to streamline the immigration process for you throughout your stay in Canada. It is helpful for:

    • Access to Canadian immigration lawyers for any questions you may have. 
    • Create and manage your permanent residency pathway. 
    • Concierge services to ensure you have all the support you need. 
    • Guidance, building and review of visa applications by Canadian immigration lawyers. 
    • Notifying key dates to apply for visa extensions, work permits and residency visas.
  • Why should I sign up for BorderPass?
    Students who opt-in will receive study permit application preparation, review, and filing services through BorderPass by Canadian immigration lawyers. By combining legal expertise with advanced technology, BorderPass can make the process more efficient, and cost-effective for international students. BorderPass also provides students with stronger visibility into compliance and the entire immigration journey to help support long-term goals.
  • Is there an extra cost to me for BorderPass?

    As a result of the Preferred Partnership, the BorderPass Newcomer Pre-Arrival package costs $20.00 CAD (+ government fees), which includes a study visa permit application, premium services and access to Canadian immigration lawyers for one year.

  • I'm having issues with my BorderPass account. How do I get help?

    If you have any questions about BorderPass, please contact BorderPass via the chat option (small blue circle in the bottom right corner of their website or within your BorderPass dashboard). BorderPass also has a comprehensive self-service Knowledge Base which includes helpful articles, product walkthroughs, video tutorials, immigration tips and more.

  • Can BorderPass guarantee that my application will be approved?
    No. However, using BorderPass will provide you with a more complete, accurate, and professional application which is reviewed and submitted by a Canadian lawyer. No one can guarantee that an application can be approved as this is subject to IRCC discretion.
  • Can my dependents family's (spouse/partner, minor children) applications be submitted through BorderPass?
    Yes, BorderPass supports dependent family members and applications can be submitted online using the BorderPass platform.
  • Is BorderPass able to help students who require the services of an immigration lawyer?
    Absolutely! BorderPass offers OntarioTech students 1:1 consultation meetings at a preferred rate. Students will receive personalized guidance for their legal and immigration questions, including study and work permits, permanent residency pathways, etc. Additional help with further details, fees, or partners is available upon student request. Create an account and book a consultation here: https://app.borderpass.ca/signup?schoolId=2023010

For further information, please email us here or book an appointment with an International Student Advisor.

The information provided on this page has been reviewed by International Student Advisors who are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs). Please note that the information is subject to change without any notice and this website is not a legal document. Please refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most updated information.