Provincial Attestation Letters
As of Jan 22, 2024, most students submitting a study permit application from outside Canada must include a valid Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in their study permit application.
As of Jan 22, 2025, all students outside Canada (except exchange students through Go Global) and most new to UBC students submitting a study permit application from inside Canada must include a valid PAL with their study permit application.
Check UBC’s Provincial Attestation Letter page for more information on the PAL and how to get a PAL, if you need one.
If you have travel plans
If you are a current student, plan ahead if your documents expire soon and you have travel plans. You would need to get a PAL if you apply for a study permit from outside Canada.
Changing institutions
As of Nov 8, 2024, you must be enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on your study permit. If you change institutions, you must apply for a study permit for your new institution and most students need to receive the new study permit before beginning studies at your new institution.
Check important considerations for details.
On Dec 11, 2024, IRCC announced a temporary policy allowing students to begin studies between Jan 1, 2025 to May 1, 2025, while their study permit extension was being processed. This temporary policy has not been extended.
Canadian high school students
On July 4, 2025, IRCC published an update for students transferring from Canadian high schools to post-secondary institutions. As long as you apply for your UBC study permit extension inside Canada before your study permit expires or within 90 days of finishing high school—whichever comes first—you can begin studies at UBC while your study permit extension application is being processed. If you apply, then leave Canada after your study permit becomes invalid, you will lose maintained status and will not be able to study until you receive your study permit.
Students transferring to UBC from another post-secondary institution must wait to receive their new study permit before beginning studies at UBC.
Check important considerations for details.
Living expenses
As of Sep 1, 2025, the proof of funds required for one year of living expenses in study permit applications will increase from $20,635 to $22,895 for an individual. If you have dependents, check IRCC’s table for details.