Do post-secondary students need a PAL or TAL for a Canadian study permit?

Most post-secondary study-permit applicants need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL), subject to IRCC’s current exemptions.

The letter is separate from an LOA and study permit. Follow the intended school’s process and confirm whether a new letter is needed if circumstances change.

What to verify

Use the current official instructions from IRCC, the destination school and, where relevant, the province or territory. Requirements can change and depend on individual circumstances.

Planning advice

Keep a dated checklist, ensure all documents tell one consistent story, and obtain written confirmation before making irreversible travel, tuition or immigration decisions.