PAL/TAL (Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter)
A PAL (provincial attestation letter) or TAL (territorial attestation letter) is a letter from a Canadian province or territory confirming that your place at a school counts within its share of the national study permit cap. Most study permit applicants must include one.
How it works
Canada caps new study permits each year; the 2026 cap is about 309,670. The federal government gives each province and territory an allocation, and they issue PALs or TALs to schools or students within that number.
You usually get the letter through your DLI after admission. Some applicants are exempt, including primary and secondary students and some people extending a permit at the same school; check IRCC's list.
Without a required PAL/TAL, IRCC will return your study permit application. See our study permit page and 2026 study permit cap.
Frequently asked questions
Do master's students need a PAL?
In most cases yes, under current IRCC rules. Check the exemptions list for your situation.
How do I get a PAL?
Usually through your school after you are admitted. The province issues it.
Does Quebec issue a PAL?
In Quebec, the CAQ process covers this requirement.
Official sources
- IRCC: Study permitcanada.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.