Journal · Canada
Canada 2026: master’s and PhD students no longer need a PAL
From 1 January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at a public designated learning institution do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) for their study permit. IRCC plans up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including 155,000 for new arrivals.
What changed
- IRCC (25 November 2025): from 1 January 2026, master’s and doctoral level students enrolled at a public DLI will not need to submit a PAL/TAL with their study permit application.
- IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026: 155,000 for newly arriving students and 253,000 extensions.
- Up to 180,000 of these are for applicants who still need a PAL/TAL, split between provinces and territories.
What it means for you
- Postgraduate applicants to public universities and colleges have one less document to wait for.
- Undergraduate and diploma applicants still usually need a PAL/TAL, so apply early once you have your offer.
- Always confirm your institution is a public DLI on IRCC’s list before you accept.
Sources
- IRCC: 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap (25 November 2025) (checked 10 November 2026)
Rules change. Always confirm on the official page before you act.
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