Study Permits for Canada
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Study Permits for Canada
On January 22, the Canadian government introduced a new cap on study permit approvals for 2024 and implemented a provincial attestation letter policy for international students applying for their study permit.
Below are some of the most common questions and answers regarding the changes.
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document issued by a provincial or territorial government confirming your studies and that your program aligns with immigration and labour market needs.
No. PALs are not required for programs shorter than 6 months.
- Primary and secondary school students
- Master’s and PhD students
- Visiting or exchange students
- Students applying for study permit extensions within Canada
PALs are issued by the province or territory where you will study, usually through your designated learning institution (DLI). Contact your school for guidance.
Your study permit application will be refused unless you are in one of the exempt categories.
Yes. Each province and territory has been allocated a share of Canada’s total study permit cap for 2024. PALs are limited and subject to quotas.
No. Students already in Canada applying for a study permit extension do not need a PAL.
Yes, unless the program is shorter than 6 months.
Yes, they require a PAL to apply for a study permit.
No. They are exempt from this requirement.
The cap and PAL system are currently planned for 2024 but may be reviewed for future years.
You still need a PAL unless you fall under an exempt category.
No. Each PAL is tied to a specific program and institution. You need a new PAL if you apply to a different program or school.