Everything You Need to Know About PAL/TAL for Studying in Canada

What is a PAL or TAL?

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) is an official letter issued by the Canadian province or territory where you plan to study. It confirms that you’ve been allotted one of the limited study spaces available for international students in that region.

In most cases, you must include a valid PAL or TAL with your study permit application—unless you meet one of the exemption criteria.

Do You Need a PAL or TAL?

You must submit a PAL or TAL:

Along with your initial study permit application—not afterward.

If you're applying for any prerequisite programs or courses, including language training.

Even if you're applying as a family, each individual applicant must provide their own PAL/TAL.

How to Get a PAL or TAL

To obtain your PAL or TAL:

Contact your designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for guidance on the application process.

Once you receive your PAL/TAL, you can proceed to apply for your study permit.

Note: If you are applying to study in Quebec, you will need to follow a different process involving a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead of a PAL or TAL.

Validity of PAL/TAL

Unless specified otherwise on the document, PALs and TALs are valid for:

Until January 21, 2025, for documents issued between January 22, 2024, and January 21, 2025.

Until December 31, 2025, for documents issued between January 22, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

⚠️ A PAL/TAL is only valid for the specific study permit cap year in which it was issued. You cannot use an old PAL/TAL from a previous cap year for a new application.

When to Apply for a New PAL/TAL

You can reapply using the same PAL/TAL if:

The PAL/TAL is still valid, and

Your previous study permit application was either:

Withdrawn voluntarily before a final decision, or

Not accepted for processing (meaning you were refunded and notified accordingly)

You must obtain a new PAL/TAL if:

Your previous PAL/TAL has expired

Your prior study permit application was approved or refused

You’re switching schools or changing your level of study (e.g., from undergraduate to graduate level or vice versa)

If you're reapplying to a school in Quebec, be sure to check if you need to renew your authorizations or CAQ.

Studying in Quebec

If your chosen institution is in Quebec, you are required to apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead of a PAL or TAL. The CAQ serves as proof that you’ve been approved by the Quebec government to study in the province.

Who is Exempt from a PAL/TAL?

You do not need to submit a PAL or TAL if any of the following apply:

Educational Exemptions:

You're applying to study at:

A preschool

A primary school (including kindergarten)

A secondary school (up to grade 12)

You’ve been accepted by a school participating in the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) and your acceptance letter mentions this.

You’re enrolling in a federally designated military college

You plan to study in a vocational training program in Quebec leading to:

Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)

Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)

Skills Training Certificate (STC)

Program or Status-Based Exemptions:

You are part of a student exchange program and will not be paying tuition to a Canadian institution.

You’ve received a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada.

You qualify for exemptions due to a public policy response to a crisis or humanitarian situation.

You’re covered under special temporary measures to reunite Indigenous families.

In-Canada Exceptions:

You also don't need a PAL/TAL if you're already in Canada and:

Applying for a study permit extension at the same DLI and same level of study

Under a removal order but can’t yet be removed

Hold a temporary resident permit valid for 6 months or more

Are a protected person

Are eligible for permanent residence under:

Humanitarian and compassionate grounds

Public policy

As a spouse or common-law partner of someone applying under the Spouse in Canada class

📌Important: If you qualify for an exemption but do not include a PAL/TAL with your application, you must provide evidence that proves your exemption status.