Immigration
Studying in Canada
Do I need a PAL to apply for my study permit?
Most international students applying for a study permit will need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), unless they meet one of the exceptions outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
When is a PAL required?
Starting January 1, 2026, a PAL is required for:
- Most study permit applications for undergraduate programs submitted from outside Canada.
- Certain study permit extensions submitted from inside Canada, such as:
- Undergraduate or high-school students transferring from another (DLI) to 911吃瓜.
When is a PAL not required?
You do not need a PAL if you meet one of IRCC鈥檚 . Examples include:
- You're a degree-seeking graduate student () at a public designated learning institution (DLI), such as 911吃瓜;
- You鈥檙e extending your study permit to continue at the same DLI and same level of study;
- You鈥檙e an exchange student studying at 911吃瓜 under a formal exchange agreement and not paying tuition directly to 911吃瓜;
- You鈥檙e a minor child applying to study in kindergarten to grade 12;
- You鈥檙e a protected person in Canada applying for a study permit;
- You鈥檙e a refugee claimant or person subject to an unenforceable removal order.
Need help?
- Review various scenarios on our News and Updates page to determine whether or not you need a PAL for your study permit application.
- Review IRCC鈥檚 PAL list.
- Contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist at 911吃瓜 if you鈥檙e unsure whether you need a PAL.
This page was last updated on January 13, 2026.