Study Permit PAL Requirement: What You Need to Know

The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is now a mandatory component for nearly all study permit applications outside graduate (master's or doctoral) and exchange programs. Without one, IRCC will refuse your application as incomplete.

Who issues a PAL?

Each province administers its own PAL system through its Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). When you receive a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, the DLI applies to the province on your behalf for the PAL.

Who is exempt?

• Master's and doctoral students at universities
• Primary and secondary school students (K-12)
• Existing study permit holders applying for an extension at the same institution
• Students whose program is under 6 months (no permit needed anyway)

What this means in practice

Apply for your study permit only AFTER you have both your Letter of Acceptance AND your PAL in hand. Many recent refusals stem from students applying with only the Letter of Acceptance, expecting the PAL to follow — IRCC will not process the application without both documents at the time of submission.

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