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How do I download my provincial attestation letter (PAL)?

For current/returning international undergraduate students. Can only be viewed on a desktop computer.

The Government of Canada recently announced a cap on the number of study visas to be issued as well as the requirement for a provincial attestation letter (PAL) when applying for a new study permit.

As a University of Waterloo international student, you must complete a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) request form when applying for a new study permit to return to Canada. Note: PAL is issued for the PAL calendar year (e.g., January 22, 2024, to January 21, 2025) and it does not include the term when your studies begin or resume.

Personal information that will be reflected on your PAL:

  • Your Home address in Quest must be up to date.
  • Your Legal/Primary name in Quest must match the name on your passport.
  • Your Date of Birth in Quest must match the date of birth on your passport.

Update your personal information in Quest if any of the above information is inaccurate or requires updating.

After PAL approval by one of the University of Waterloo’s licensed Immigration Consultants and the Ontario government, a PAL will be sent to the University of Waterloo and it will be posted in Quest for the student to download. This process can take 3-5 business days.

  1. Sign in to Quest.
  2. Select the Personal Information tile.
    Personal Information tile in Quest.
  3. Select the PAL Download link on the left.
    PAL Download link in quest.
  4. The PAL Download page will display. Read the information and verify the status in step 5.
    PAL Document window open in Quest.
  5. The status of the PAL request will be one of the following. Once the letter is available, select View Letter to access the letter.
    • Request Received: Questionnaire completed and submitted.
      PAL Request received status in Quest.
    • Request Sent: Criteria has been met or approved by a University of Waterloo immigration consultant, and sent to the Ontario government.
      PAL Request sent status in Quest.
    • View Letter: PAL has been granted by the Ontario Government and is available to save/download from Quest. Note: To save or download your PAL, it is recommended that your web browser allows pop-ups from Quest.
      PAL View Letter link in Quest.