Provincial letter of attestation (PAL) process
Most international students are required to submit a  with their study permit application. In some cases, students who are already in Canada will need to submit a PAL with their study permit extension application.  
Once you are accepted to study at Ä¢¹½AV and pay your deposit, the university will send you a PAL (if applicable) to include in your study permit application. 
For more information about the PAL process in Nova Scotia, please view thisÌýGovernment of Nova Scotia documentÌý°Ú±Ê¶Ù¹ó-184°µþ±Õ.
For more information about the PAL process at Ä¢¹½AV, visit the International Admissions page. 
For questions about your Ä¢¹½AV application and the application process in general (including PALs), please contact the Admissions Office at international.admissions@dal.ca. Ìý
Do I need a PAL?
For more information about which groups require a PAL and which groups are exempt, visit . 
Students applying to a Ä¢¹½AV certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree program that’s longer than 6 months in duration. ÌýNote: If you're applying from outside Canada and do not yet have a study permit, you will also require a study permit.
Current study permit holders who graduate from a Canadian high school and move directly to a Canadian college or university (Designated Learning Institution - DLI).ÌýStudents in this category must apply for a new study permit before beginning their studies at the DLI. Apply for a new study permit by following the study permit extension process.
- Current study permit holders who transfer from one Canadian college/university (DLI #1) to another Canadian college/university (DLI #2).ÌýStudents in this category must applyÌýfor (and wait to receive)Ìýa new study permit before beginning their studies at the new DLI. Apply for a new study permit by following theÌýstudy permit extension process.
- Students who apply to restore their student status from within Canada. Ìý
For more information about changing your school or program, visit theÌý. 
New students applying to a graduate-level degree program (e.g. Master’s, PhD).
Current study permit holders who are moving from an undergraduate degree program to a graduate-level degree program.
Current study permit holders who apply to extend their study permit because they need more time to complete their current academic program. Learn more about extending your study permit.
Current study permit holders who are changing programs at the same degree level (e.g. Bachelor of Arts to Bachelor of Science) at the same DLI (e.g. Ä¢¹½AV). Apply to extend your study permit as normal before your current study permit expires. ÌýLearn more about extending your study permit.
Exchange students who are coming to Ä¢¹½AV for one semester do not require a study permit and do not require a PAL. Exchange students who are coming to Ä¢¹½AV for two semesters require a study permit, but do not require a PAL. 
Students applying to a qualifying program that is shorter than 6 months.  
How long is it valid?
Your PAL needs to be valid when you apply for a new study permit or a study permit extension. In Nova Scotia, PALs are valid for 12 weeks from the date of issue.
Students who are eligible to apply for a study permit at the border or their first Canadian port of entry (e.g. United States citizens, United States permanent residents, and residents of Greenland or Saint-Pierre et Miquelon) should apply for their PAL less than 12 weeks before they plan to enter Canada.
Processing times for PALs vary depending on the time of the year, but most are processed within 5 business days. 
Proof of PAL exemption
As part of the study permit and study permit extension application process, IRCC is now asking applicants to confirm if they are exempt from the PAL requirement. If you are exempt, you should include a letter explaining why you are exempt. 
Note: If you are applying for a study permit for the first time and qualify for a PAL exemption, you can modify the same letter to make your request. Full-year exchange students will receive a sample exemption letter from Ä¢¹½AV’s study abroad advisor as part of your welcome package/email.