New Study Visa Regulations for International Students. The University of Waterloo has officially updated its study permit application requirements for international students enrolling in the 2026 academic year. These changes align with the latest policy update from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), issued on January 30, 2025. The new regulations introduce several key modifications, including the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement, mandatory tuition deposits, and revised eligibility conditions.
These updates will impact all prospective international students, including undergraduate, graduate, and English language pathway students. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of these changes and what they mean for students planning to study at the University of Waterloo.
New Requirement: Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Who Needs a PAL?
International students who have received an Offer of Admission from the University of Waterloo must determine whether they need a PAL before applying for a study permit. PALs are issued by the Government of Ontario as an official confirmation that the province supports a student’s enrollment.
The majority of international students, including:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students (Master’s and PhD)
- English language pathway students
will require a PAL. Transfer students, master’s applicants, and PhD students must obtain a PAL before submitting a study permit application.
Who is Exempt from the PAL Requirement?
Certain categories of students do not need a PAL, including:
- Current University of Waterloo graduate students who are continuing in the same program.
- Students applying for a study permit extension for the same program and institution.
- Participants in the International Visiting Graduate Students (IVGS) program or students enrolled in an international exchange program.
For full exemption details, students should refer to the IRCC website.
How to Obtain a PAL and Apply for a Study Permit
Step 1: Take the PAL Eligibility Quiz
After receiving an Offer of Admission, students must complete the PAL eligibility quiz via Waterloo’s Quest system: PAL Eligibility Quiz
Step 2: Accept Your Offer and Pay the Tuition Deposit
If a PAL is required, students must accept their offer and submit a non-refundable tuition deposit before they can access their PAL. Deposit requirements vary based on the program:
- Undergraduate students: $2,500
- Master’s coursework & Graduate Diploma (GDip) students: $1,000
Refund Policy: Deposits are non-refundable, except if:
- The University of Waterloo revokes the offer of admission.
- IRCC rejects the study permit application (students must provide official documentation to qualify for a refund).
Step 3: Receive Your PAL
Once the tuition deposit is processed, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities will issue the PAL, which will be available for download via Quest.
Processing Time: Expect to receive the PAL within 2 to 4 business days (delays may occur if a deposit is required).
Step 4: Apply for Your Study Permit
With the PAL, students can submit their study permit application to the Government of Canada.
⚠️ Warning: Applications submitted without a PAL will be returned, leading to potential delays in visa processing and possible deferral of admission.
Additional Updates for Graduate Students (2025 Applications)
Master’s & PhD Applicants: Key Changes
International graduate students must meet the PAL requirement before submitting their study permit applications. This applies to students enrolling in:
- Master’s coursework programs
- Master’s research programs
- PhD programs
- Graduate Diploma (GDip) programs
New Deposit Rule for Master’s Coursework & GDip Students
Graduate students admitted into coursework-based master’s programs or Graduate Diploma (GDip) programs must pay a $1,000 non-refundable deposit before receiving their PAL.
Official Announcements and Additional Information: New Study Visa Regulations for International Students
For full details and updates, visit the following official University of Waterloo pages:
🔹 Study Permit Requirements for International Students
🔹 Graduate Admissions Information for International Students
These changes reflect Canada’s evolving immigration policies and are designed to streamline the study permit application process while ensuring better regulatory compliance. International students planning to enroll at the University of Waterloo in 2026 should prepare early, complete all required steps, and stay informed to avoid any delays.
For more updates on study permits and international student policies, follow our latest news section.
