Studying in Canada? Here’s What the New PAL Rule Means for Your Application

The Pre-Arrival Letter (PAL) is an official document issued by Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), specifically for Master’s and Doctoral program applicants. It confirms that the student has received admission into a graduate-level program that meets the eligibility for a Canadian study permit.

As per the new IRCC regulations, students applying for:

• Master’s degrees
• PhD programs
• Post-graduate research degrees

must submit a PAL along with their study permit application.

This requirement does not apply to undergraduate students or to all diploma/certificate programs unless otherwise mentioned by the DLI.

This change is part of Canada’s recent efforts to manage international student intake more effectively and protect the integrity of the study permit process.

Key goals behind PAL:

• Ensure genuine students are prioritized
• Align graduate admissions with updated permit allocations
• Help streamline processing for qualified applicants
• Provide clarity and additional validation for Canadian immigration officers

Additionally, 12% of total Canadian study permits are now specifically reserved for Master’s and PhD students, indicating a strong emphasis on higher-level academic programs.

Here’s how the PAL process works:

1. Apply to a recognized DLI offering your desired Master’s or PhD program.
2. Upon successful admission, the university will automatically issue a PAL, this document confirms your eligibility to apply for a Canadian study permit.
3. Include the PAL with your study permit application submitted to IRCC.

Note: Universities have already streamlined the PAL process, making it easier and faster to obtain. In most cases, PALs are issued along with the final offer letter.

On the contrary, this change may benefit Master’s and PhD students, since 12% of study permits are now specifically reserved for this level. It helps distinguish higher education applicants from undergraduate and non-degree students during processing.

Also, the risk of delays or refusals due to PAL is minimal as most reputed institutions now have automated systems to issue it.

Canadian universities are already adapting by:

• Automatically issuing PALs to eligible students
• Integrating PAL into the offer letter or pre-enrolment documentation
• Providing dedicated support for international students during this transition

If you’re an international student aiming for Canada in 2025 or later, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Always confirm with your university if they provide a PAL
• Do not submit a study permit application without a PAL, or it may be rejected
• Work with a reliable study abroad education consultant to avoid confusion or delays
• This requirement currently applies only to graduate-level programs
  

At My Study Offers, we stay up-to-date with all immigration and study permit changes that affect international students. Here’s how we support you:

University Selection – We help you apply only to PAL-compliant institutions
Application Guidance – From documentation to deadlines, we handle it all
Free Counselling Sessions – Get expert help choosing the right program and understanding the PAL process
Study Permit Support – We help you prepare a complete, error-free application, including the PAL
Post-Admission Support – Accommodation, travel, insurance, and more!

The PAL requirement is a crucial update for anyone planning to study in Canada at the Master’s or PhD level. While it may seem like an extra step, it is actually designed to protect and prioritize serious academic candidates. With universities cooperating closely and study abroad education consultants like My Study Offers guiding you at every stage, this update should pose no barriers.

If you’re ready to start your Canadian journey, book a free counselling session with us today. Let’s make your dream of studying in Canada a reality-efficiently, affordably, and stress-free.