LOA and PAL: The Dual Keys to Your 2026 Canada Study Permit

In 2026, getting accepted into a Canadian college is only half the battle. To secure your Study Permit, you now need two distinct "golden tickets": the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).

If you apply without both (unless you're exempt), your application won't just be refused—it will be returned as "incomplete," costing you precious time and potential intake slots. Here is everything you need to know to navigate this two-step process.

1. The Letter of Acceptance (LOA): Your Academic Foundation

The LOA is issued by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It proves that a school has vetted your grades, English scores, and background, and has officially offered you a seat.

Key Components of a Valid LOA:

• DLI Number: A unique code starting with "O" that proves the school is authorized to host international students.
• Program Details: Exact start and end dates and the level of study (e.g., Undergraduate Diploma vs. Master's Degree).
• Tuition Details: Clear breakdown of fees and the deposit required to lock in your seat.
• Expiry Date: Most LOAs have a deadline. If you don't accept and pay by this date, the offer vanishes.

2. The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): The 2026 Gatekeeper

As of 2026, Canada has strict caps on the number of study permits issued per province. The PAL is the province’s way of saying: "We have space for this specific student in our annual quota."

Who Needs a PAL in 2026?

Note: Even if you are a Master’s student (exempt), if you must take a prerequisite course (like a 4-month English prep) before your degree starts, you will need a PAL for that initial program.

3. The 4-Step Process to Getting Both Documents

1. Apply & Receive LOA: Apply to your chosen DLI. If successful, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer or a Conditional LOA.
2. Pay the Deposit: Most provinces only issue a PAL after you have "skin in the game." You typically must pay your first semester or full year of tuition.
3. School Requests PAL: You do not apply to the government for a PAL. Your school applies on your behalf once your deposit is cleared.
4. Download & Apply: Once you have the LOA + PAL, you can submit your IRCC Study Permit application.

4. Critical Warnings for 2026 Applicants

• The Expiry Trap: PALs issued in 2026 generally expire on December 31, 2026. Apply immediately.
• The Non-Transferable Rule: A PAL is tied to a specific school. If you change schools, you must obtain a new PAL.
• Refusal & Re-application: If your Study Permit is refused, you must request a brand-new PAL.

5. Summary Table: Comparison at a Glance

Navigating the New Era of Canadian Study Permits

As we move through 2026, the Canadian international student landscape has shifted from a period of "mass growth" to one of "managed quality." The introduction of the PAL alongside the LOA signals a system prioritizing students aligned with provincial needs and high-level research.

Key Takeaways for Your 2026 Application:

• The "Double Lock" System: An LOA secures your classroom seat, but only a PAL secures your quota spot.
• Graduate Priority: Master’s and PhD students benefit from PAL exemption.
• Zero-Sum Competition: With the national study permit target capped at 155,000 new arrivals for 2026, every PAL matters.
• Authenticity is Non-Negotiable: With stricter verification and a $22,895 cost-of-living requirement (plus tuition), weak applications are risky.

Final Thought

The "easy access" era may have passed, but for the genuine student, Canada remains a premier destination with strong post-graduation opportunities. By securing a valid LOA and PAL early, you aren’t just applying for a visa—you are successfully navigating a competitive system designed to welcome the world’s best talent.