Update for November 2025
After the initial cap implemented in 2024, the government has further with reduced caps in 2025 and 2026, while extending PAL requirements and financial proof conditions.
Below are some of the most common questions and answers regarding the changes.
You will likely need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if you are applying for a study permit to attend a private international college, language school, or any post-secondary program that is subject to the study permit cap and is not exempt.
Language schools typically do require a PAL if the program length requires a study permit and the program is subject to the cap.
You do not need a PAL if you are applying to study at a primary or secondary school (K–12). International high school students are exempt from the PAL requirement.
Students applying for study permit extensions at the same institution and same level of study are also exempt.
Exchange students studying under formal exchange agreements without paying tuition to the Canadian institution are exempt.
Short-term study programs or summer camps that do not require a study permit (generally programs under 6 months) do not require a PAL.
If you finish a program and receive a new LOA and PAL for your next program, you can apply for a new study permit. You must include a PAL if the new program is a different level or at a different institution. The new institution will issue your PAL.
You can apply for a study permit up to 6 months before your program starts.
A PAL is only required when applying for a new study permit. New applications for different institutions or higher levels of study normally require a PAL.
If you plan to study for more than 6 months, you require a study permit. Short-term studies (under 6 months), including language programs, may be completed without a study permit.
Yes. New incoming international students can apply for a study permit from outside Canada once they receive a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI). The institution will issue a PAL if required.
Students must show financial proof (at least CA$22,895 for living expenses as of Sept 2025, plus tuition), biometrics, and any required medical exams.
A TRV or eTA is automatically issued once the study permit is approved.
High school applicants are exempt from the PAL requirement.
Yes. Language programs longer than 6 months require a PAL. After you receive your LOA and pay your required deposits, ILAC will issue your PAL for your study permit application.
Yes. Students can apply for an extension from inside Canada.
ILAC provides support through an on-campus immigration advisor who can help with extension applications and related questions.
You may work full-time for up to 150 days between programs if:
If the gap exceeds 150 days, you cannot work until your new program begins.
Yes. You can apply online for a study permit from within Canada. Apply 4–6 months before your current status expires. If you apply before expiry, you maintain status and may continue studying.
Your eTA/visitor visa remains valid for travel. A study permit is required for programs longer than 6 months.
A study permit extension does not include a TRV/eTA; these must be applied for separately for travel.
Applications for September 2026 open around October 2025. Recommended deadlines are December 2025–March 2026, but some institutions close earlier when seats fill. Apply early for best chances.
ILAC has many university pathway partners offering master’s degrees. Some programs require completing a pre-master’s pathway at ILAC.
Contact ILAC Admissions to receive the latest pathway brochure.
Spouses of students in language programs or short-term pathway programs are not eligible for an open work permit.
Spouses of students in private colleges (certificate/diploma) are also not eligible.
Spouses of full-time master’s degree students in programs of at least 16 months may apply for an open work permit, valid for the same duration as the student's permit.
Spouses of students in doctoral or certain professional programs also qualify.
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.
Most study permit applications submitted after 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024, require a PAL. Individual provinces will provide more information on how to apply for a PAL by March 31, 2024.
Exceptions to the PAL:
Yes. As of 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024, most students must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study with their study permit application.
No. If you have already received your study permit you do not need an attestation letter.
Yes. If you are enrolled in a program that is less than 6 months (24 weeks) you do not need a study permit. If you wish to study for longer than 6 months you must apply for a study permit, and exceptions apply on who can apply for a SP from inside Canada.
No. There is a freeze on new study permit applications expected until March 31, 2024.
Once the PAL process is confirmed by all provinces and territories in Canada the freeze will be lifted.
Yes. A PAL is required for any ESL program longer than 6 months if you did not apply for a study permit before January 22.
The following students or temporary residents inside Canada do not require an attestation letter:
Yes. In-Canada study permit holders applying for an extension are exempt from the PAL.
Only some people can apply for a study permit from inside Canada. This includes those who have completed a short-term course or study program required to be accepted at a DLI such as pathway students.
Other exemptions for those who can apply for a study permit from inside Canada:
Yes. You can apply to 100+ ILAC pathway partners, both universities and colleges. Your pathway certificate is valid for up to two years. Please contact your pathway specialist for a free consultation.
Download Pathways to Master’s Degrees
Yes. Students enrolled for May 2024 upon successful graduation will be eligible for a PGWP. The length of their PGWP will align with the length of their program.
In-Canada study permit holders applying for an extension are exempt from the PAL.
In the coming weeks, eligibility for open work permits for the spouses and common-law partners of international students will be updated.
For new applications, eligibility is now limited to the spouses and common-law partners of students in master’s and doctorate professional degree granting programs only. Spouses and common-law partners of international students in other levels of study, including college programs, will no longer be eligible for an open work permit.
Spouses and common-law partners can still come to Canada as a student or visitor.
To apply for a study permit, your spouse needs to apply for admission at a DLI, either public or private. Study permit holders enrolled as full-time students at a DLI can work for 20 hours/week off-campus or full-time on-campus and full-time during regular breaks.