Canada · study · guide
Canada study permit: Provincial Attestation Letter guide
Learn how to get and use a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter for your Canadian study permit.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 11 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/provincial-attestation-letter.html
How to get a PAL or TAL
You should contact your designated learning institution (DLI) to find out how to apply for a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL).[1]
Submitting your letter
You must submit your PAL or TAL with your study permit application, not after. Your PAL or TAL must be valid at the time you apply.[2][3]
You must submit a PAL or TAL for each study permit applicant. This rule applies even if you are applying together as a family. If you do not submit a PAL or TAL, you must provide proof that you meet one of the exceptions.[4][5]
When you need a new letter
You must get a new PAL or TAL before you reapply if your previous one has expired or is no longer valid. You also need a new letter before submitting your study permit application if your previous application was approved or refused.[6][7]
You must get a new PAL or TAL if you are changing schools. You must also obtain a new letter when applying to restore your student status. This is required even if you plan to keep studying at the same school and level of study.[8][9]
Studying in Quebec
If you want to study in Quebec, you must obtain an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Your CAQ must include a specific line. This line must confirm you have a place in Quebec's share of study permit applications or are exempt.[10][11]
Checklist
- Contact your designated learning institution to ask how to apply for a PAL or TAL.[1]
- Get a PAL or TAL for each family member applying for a study permit.[4]
- Submit your valid PAL or TAL at the same time you apply for your study permit.[2][3]
- Provide proof of an exception if you do not submit a PAL or TAL.[5]
- Obtain a CAQ with the required confirmation line if you plan to study in Quebec.[10][11]
Questions people ask
How do I get a Provincial Attestation Letter for Canada?
You should contact your designated learning institution (DLI) to find out how to apply for a PAL or TAL.[1]
Can I submit my PAL after applying for a study permit?
No. You must submit your PAL or TAL with your study permit application, not after.[2]
Do family members applying together need separate PALs?
Yes. You must submit a PAL or TAL for each study permit applicant, even if you are applying together as a family.[4]
What if my Provincial Attestation Letter has expired?
You must obtain a new PAL or TAL before you reapply if your previous one has expired or is no longer valid.[6]
Do I need a new PAL if I change schools?
Yes. You must get a new PAL or TAL before submitting your study permit application if you are changing schools.[8]
What do I need if I want to study in Quebec?
You must obtain an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Your CAQ must include a specific line confirming you have a place in Quebec's share of study permit applications or are exempt.[10][11]
Do I need a PAL to restore my student status?
Yes. You must obtain a new PAL or TAL when applying to restore your student status, even if you plan to keep studying at the same school and level of study.[9]
What if I do not have a PAL or TAL?
You must provide proof that you meet one of the exceptions if you do not submit a PAL or TAL with your study permit application.[5]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.