If you are an international student looking to pursue your studies at a university in Canada, you will need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) in order to qualify for a Canada study permit. International Business University (IBU) explains what these important documents are, who needs them, and how you can get one.
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter?
In January 2024, the Government of Canada announced that international students (with some exceptions) applying to undergraduate degree or non-degree programs would need to provide a PAL or TAL from the province or territory in which they plan to study. The government has imposed a national quota on the admission of international students and each province or territory has a specific allocation under that cap. Attestations account for each student admitted under these quotas.
Students would need to submit their PALs or TALs with their applications, even if they are applying for a prerequisite course or program, including language courses or programs.
Who Needs a PAL or TAL When Applying for a Study Permit in Canada?
PALs or TALs are mandatory requirements for most post-secondary study permit applications, as well as most non-degree graduate (certificate or diploma) programs. If you are a non-Canadian citizen applying to study at a university, college or similar institution anywhere in Canada, you will need to ask for one of these letters from your school so you can qualify for a study permit.
PALs and TALs are not required for primary, secondary or post-graduate programs. If you are applying for your child to be admitted to a school at any level from preschool to Grade 12, you will not need to obtain a PAL/TAL. You will also have no need for a PAL/TAL if you are applying for a master’s or doctoral degree. You are also exempt from needing an attestation letter if you:
- Have a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada
- Are applying to extend your study permit or restore your status
- Are a temporary resident who is visiting or an exchange student
- Have a temporary resident permit that is valid for at least 6 months
- Are a protected person
- Have entered Canada as the family member of a foreign national who is resident in the country and already has a study permit, work permit or temporary resident permit, a religious worker, a protected person or an accredited foreign government representative.
How to Obtain a PAL/TAL for Student Permits in Canada
Prospective students need to approach their designated learning institution (DLI) and apply for the course of their choice. If they are successful, they will receive their letters of acceptance (LOA) and PAL/TAL. The process of acquiring these documents and the amount they will need to deposit with their applications will differ from one institution to another. The process and requirements are also slightly different in each province and territory, as each one has a different quota to fulfill. Some of them also require a few more steps and more paperwork than others. As of March 2024, Ontario has begun issuing PALs with a limit of 235,000 study permits. Most of these allocations are given to public post-secondary schools – around 96%. The remaining 4% are for the use of private post-secondary institutions.
The bottom line is that, if you want to apply for a Canadian study permit, you will need to start by approaching your DLI of choice. If IBU is your chosen school, we can take you through the application process. If we accept your application, you will then need to pay your admission deposit. Once we receive proof of payment for your deposit, we will issue your LOA and PAL. This usually takes about three business days.
Study Permit Application Validity and Submission Guidelines
Your PAL or TAL is just one of the documents you will need to apply for your study permit. Before you submit your application, you will need the following:
- Your PAL/TAL
- A letter of acceptance from your DLI
- Proof of identity
- Proof of financial support
Depending on the circumstances, you may also need:
- A letter of explanation which tells the visa officer why you want to study in Canada, and shows that you understand your responsibilities as a student
- A medical exam
Once you have these documents, it is fairly easy to complete your application online. You would then need to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photographs). If your application is successful, you will usually be able to collect your study permit on arrival at your port of entry, or you can have it mailed to you if you are already in Canada.
IBU is a student-focused university that offers both graduate and undergraduate degree programs to a wide variety of students – both Canadian and international. Feel free to contact us if you need further information about PALs, LOAs or any other admission requirements.