SDS has ended
The Student Direct Stream closed in November 2024; Indian students now apply through the regular stream.
Canada study permit · PAL
Canada Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Explained
Since 2024, Canada caps the number of new study permits and shares the cap among provinces. A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) shows you're counted within your province's allocation.
- Needed with most study permit applications
- Issued via your institution
- Limited by provincial caps
- Get it before you apply
Talk to an expert
Get Canada visa help
A counsellor replies on WhatsApp with your checklist and next steps
Quick answer
Canada Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Explained
A provincial attestation letter (PAL), or territorial attestation letter (TAL), confirms you've been counted within a province's share of Canada's study permit cap. Most new study permit applicants need one, and since 2025 that includes master's and doctoral students. You usually request it through your designated learning institution after accepting your offer and paying a deposit, and include it with your study permit application. Without it, IRCC returns the application.
Ask on WhatsAppUpdated · Reviewed by the Visa Edu Loans loan & visa desk
Official sources: IRCC — Study permit
Steps
How to get your PAL
- 01
Accept your offer
Accept the letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution (DLI).
- 02
Pay the deposit
Most institutions issue PALs only after a tuition deposit.
- 03
Request the PAL
Your institution requests it from the province, or you apply through the province's portal (Quebec uses its own CAQ process).
- 04
Apply for the study permit
Submit the PAL with your study permit application, financial proof and other documents.
Know this
What else changed
Funds rules
IRCC raised the living-cost requirement in 2024 and 2025 and updates it periodically — check the current figure.
PGWP rules
College program eligibility for the post-graduation work permit now depends on the field of study.
Caps
Provinces may stop issuing PALs once their allocation is used, so apply early.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).
Yes, since 2025 most master's and doctoral students need one too. Check IRCC's current exemptions.
No. It only allows IRCC to process your application; the visa officer still assesses your case.
A PAL is tied to your institution. Changing usually means a new letter of acceptance and PAL.
Explore
Keep exploring
Read next
Related pages
Visa guides
More student visa guides
- DS-160 Form for F-1 Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
- SEVIS Fee Payment for the F-1 Visa
- Form I-20 Explained: What It Shows and How to Get It
- F-1 Visa Documents Checklist for Indian Students
- F-1 Visa Rejected Under 214(b)? What to Do Next
- F-1 Visa Slot Booking in India
- UK CAS Letter Explained: How to Get Your CAS
- UK Student Visa Credibility Interview
- Australia Genuine Student (GS) Requirement Explained
- All visa guides
Talk to an expert
Talk to a counsellor today
Share your profile — we reply with a checklist and next steps. Expert consultations over call start at ₹355.
Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST