What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and do I need one for a Canada study permit?

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document issued by a Canadian province or territory confirming that your institution falls within the province's allocated cap for international students. PALs were introduced in January 2024 as part of Canada's international student reforms aimed at reducing the overall number of new study permit approvals.

Most undergraduate and college applicants now require a PAL to apply for a Canadian study permit. Your institution will usually provide guidance on obtaining a PAL, or it may be included automatically as part of your enrolment process.

Some applicants are exempt from the PAL requirement, including: students at the master's and doctoral level, students applying to primary and secondary schools, students enrolled in short-term courses under 6 months, and students applying to certain licensed private institutions in Quebec.

Without a valid PAL, your study permit application will be refused. This requirement has significantly changed the application process since early 2024, so it is critical to confirm with your institution whether a PAL is required and how to obtain it before submitting your study permit application.

Given the rapidly changing nature of Canadian immigration policy, consulting a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is strongly recommended to ensure your application meets all current requirements.