The PAL system explained

Article By : Acme Immigrations

What is a PAL?

PAL stands for Provincial Attestation Letter, which is a document that confirms your “spot” in the provincial allocation for study permits and is included in the yearly federal cap to submit a study permit application. There are certain exempted groups that do not need a PAL such as the following groups –

PAL exempt groups

Preschool
Primary school (including kindergarten)
Secondary school (up to grade 12)
Degree-granting graduate programs at the master’s or doctoral level at a public DLI
Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMSCP Schools)
Federally designated military college or school in Quebec in a vocational training program that leads to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS), an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS) or a skills training certificate (STC)
Exchange students studying under an exchange arrangement between their home institution and a DLI in Canada coming through Go Global programs
You received a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada
You’re in Canada or entering Canada at a port of entry and eligible for an exemption from certain study permit requirements based on a public policy as a response to a migration crisis
You’re exempt from certain study permit requirements under the temporary measures to reunite families of indigenous people separated by Canada’s border
You’ve entered Canada and one of the following situations applies to you:

1) You’re applying for a study permit extension at the same DLI and level of study as your current study permit

2) You’re under a removal order, but can’t be removed from Canada at this time

3) You have a Temporary Resident Permit valid for at least 6 months

4) You’re a protected person

5) You’re eligible for permanent residence based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, a current public policy or a spouse or common-law partner in Canada class application

Who does need a PAL

Most undergraduate international students both inside and outside of Canada
Students changing institutions (ie. from high school to university)
Students who have a parent holding a study permit or a work permit
Students who are diplomats or who are a dependent of a diplomat
Visiting students, including visiting international research students
Work permit holders
Students whose study permit applications were refused
Students who are applying to restore their study permit

Who may need a PAL in the future?

The following groups can begin their program without applying for a study permit and needing a PAL, but may require a PAL in their study permit application in the future –

Changing levels of studies – If you applied for your study permit with a Letter of Admission (from a DLI), you could begin your next program at a different level of study with the same study permit, so long as it is still valid. For example, you are an undergraduate student who will begin a Master’s degree within 150 days of completing your first program. If you are a Master’s Degree or Doctoral degree student changing to undergraduate studies, you will require a PAL. If you took time away from studies and/or studied at another institution (other than an exchange program), contact us for support.

Work permit holders without a study permit – If you are a work permit holder who is eligible to study without a study permit under the temporary policy for workers, you do not need a PAL at this time to continue your studies with your work permit. Otherwise, you will need a PAL if you do not qualify or if your program is beyond your eligibility for the temporary policy, then you will need to apply for a study permit as soon as possible. Master’s or Doctoral students in this case would be PAL exempt.

If you need a PAL

Contact your university or college and ensure that they have your correct name, date of birth and address as this information is included in the PAL. It is important that the PAL information matches the Admission Letter of your school. Once issued, the details on your PAL cannot be changed and the PAL cannot be reissued. If the details of your PAL are not correct, you will need to address this in a letter of explanation as part of your study permit application.

PAL Validity

Your PAL only needs to be valid at the time you submit your study permit application and does not need to be valid when you travel to Canada or when you begin your program. PALS issued in 2026 will usually expire at the end of the year Eastern Standard time (ET). Study permit applications are based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not local time zones, so be sure to apply at least one day before your PAL expires.

If you applied to multiple programs at a university or College that has multiple campuses. and then you decide to change programs or campuses after you accept your admission offer, you do not need a new PAL, since most colleges and universities use the same DLI number for all of their campuses. Your PAL remains valid and can be used.

How and when to get your PAL

Most colleges and universities will issue PALs to most newly admitted undergraduate level students automatically via email within about 3-5 business days after accepting your admission offer. Contact your college or university directly or review all policies in relation to PALs on their websites.

If you are outside Canada

You must apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Admission and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). You cannot travel to Canada until your study permit application is approved and you receive your Letter of Introduction (study permit approval letter) and visa (if required).

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