Do I need a PAL to apply for my study permit? 

As of 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary students applying for a study permit outside Canada are required to submit a PAL from the province or territory where they intend to study. 

A PAL will not be required if you meet one of the exceptions as outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Some of the exception examples include the following situations:

• Students inside Canada applying to extend or change the conditions of their study permit;
• Students applying for an initial study permit to study in a Master’s or PhD degree program; 
• Students whose complete study permit application was received by IRCC before 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024;
• Minor children applying to study in a primary or secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12)

For the complete exception list, please review the IRCC website for more information. 

If you have questions about the PAL exemptions, or if you require a PAL, please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for support.  

This page was last updated on May 13, 2024.