The information in this section has been reviewed by International Student Advisors on September 18th, 2023. Recent updates will be indicated in the date below.
Immigration
Studying in Canada
Do I need a PAL to apply for my study permit?
On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)additional changes to the International Student Program.
Starting in 2025, most new post-secondary Master鈥檚 and PhD students applying for a study permit outside Canada will be required to include a鈥�痜rom the province or territory where they intend to study with their application to IRCC.鈥疌heck our News and Updates post for more information about the Sep 18 IRCC announcement.
Note that we are waiting for more details to be announced by IRCC about when the 2025 study permit cap and PAL requirement will be implemented for Master's and Doctoral degree-seeking students from outside Canada. We will continue to update this page as information becomes available.
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 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鈥檚 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鈥�痜or 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 Oct 11, 2024.