Loa & Pal: Two Golden Ticket To Study In Canada

Are you dreaming of studying in Canada? Then you absolutely need to know about LOA and PAL – the two golden tickets that are essential for your journey to the land of maple leaves!

✨LOA (Letter of Acceptance) – This is an official letter of admission from a school recognized by the Canadian government as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It is a mandatory requirement for applying for a study permit (student visa). Your LOA must clearly show your DLI number, program of study, duration, tuition fees, and specific admission conditions.

Not all schools are authorized to issue a valid LOA for study permit applications, so make sure to double-check the DLI number and the school’s credibility!

✨PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) – This is a letter issued by the provincial government confirming that the school you’ve been accepted to is approved to enroll international students. Since 2024, PAL has become a mandatory requirement for study permit applications in most Canadian provinces.

You cannot apply for PAL yourself – it is requested by the school after you receive your LOA. Once approved, the school will send it to you.

Current situation:

- Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia all require PAL.

- Quebec uses CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec) instead of PAL.

- In rare cases (e.g., short-term programs or students under 18), PAL may be waived.

In other words, LOA and PAL are two essential “entry tickets” for any student who wants to study in Canada. Without an LOA, you can’t even begin your visa application. Without a PAL, your application won’t be processed. So, if you're currently preparing—or planning—to apply for a Canadian study permit, don’t overlook these two golden factors!

Need help choosing the right school, getting your LOA or PAL, or applying for a visa? Don’t hesitate to inbox PathCan – we’re here to support you every step of the way on your study abroad journey to Canada!