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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Study permit → PGWP → PRBefore you applyStep 3 of 13

BlockedNeeded in most cases · RequiredYou are here

3. Get a PAL or TAL, or a CAQ in Quebec

In most cases you also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (a PAL or TAL) from your school.

Waiting on: Get your letter of acceptance

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 3 of 13 · RequiredClose

Get a PAL or TAL, or a CAQ in Quebec

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepStudy permit: get the right documentscanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

In most cases you also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (a PAL or TAL) from your school. Getting one normally means accepting the offer and paying tuition, in part or in full, first. In Quebec the equivalent document is the Certificat d'acceptation du Québec.

Why it's required: This step didn't exist a few years ago, and it is the one most likely to be missing from older advice. It also means spending money before you know whether the permit will be approved.

Who issues itYour schoolOn behalf of the province or territory, not by IRCC.

Usually needsTuition paidAccepting the offer and paying some or all tuition comes first.

In QuebecA CAQ insteadThe Certificat d'acceptation du Québec, issued by Quebec.

Documents you'll need

Your accepted offer and tuition payment receipt
The PAL or TAL from your school
Or, for Quebec, your CAQ

Before this step

BlockedGet your letter of acceptance

Finishing this unlocks: Apply for the study permit