Document Guide

Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)

The cap-year letter from the province or territory, obtained through your school

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

Educational only — not legal advice.

What it shows

A PAL or TAL is a letter from the province or territory, provided through the school, confirming you have a place under the study permit cap. Quebec issues a CAQ with the attestation instead. Most students need one; some groups, such as master's and doctoral students at a public DLI, are exempt and must show proof of the exemption.

Strong vs. weak

Strong

Issued for the current cap year and naming the same school as the letter of acceptance
Valid on the day the application is submitted
For an exempt applicant, a letter of acceptance showing the qualifying programme

Weak

A letter issued in a previous cap year
A letter that names a different school or has expired
Claiming an exemption with no document that proves it

How to prepare it

Ask the school how and when it provides the PAL/TAL
Check the expiry date and the school named on the letter before you apply
After changing schools or a refusal, plan for a new PAL/TAL

Common mistake

Assuming the letter only needs to be valid when classes start. It must be valid on the day you submit.

Where this evidence is used

CA-SP Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)

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