If you are applying for a Canadian study permit from Nepal in 2026, the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is one of the first documents you need to understand. It is the document a Canadian province or territory issues to confirm your application fits within its share of the federal cap on new international students. Without a PAL, IRCC will not accept most post-secondary study permit applications outside Quebec.
The important change for 2026 is straightforward: from 1 January 2026, master and doctoral students at public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) do not need to submit a PAL and are also exempt from the federal cap. Below is what actually applies to Nepali applicants.
Who needs a PAL in 2026
- Most post-secondary applicants outside Quebec need a PAL to apply for a study permit.
- In Quebec, the equivalent is a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), not a PAL.
- Students under the federal cap need to secure a PAL through their offer province after receiving their letter of acceptance.
Who is exempt from the PAL requirement
IRCC lists the following exemptions:
- Master and doctoral students at public DLIs (from 1 January 2026).
- Primary and secondary school students (K to 12).
- Exchange students.
- Holders of a temporary resident permit valid for 6 months or more.
- Study permit renewal applicants who are already in Canada.
The 2026 study permit cap in numbers
IRCC has published the 2026 provincial and territorial allocations. In 2026, up to 180,000 study permits are expected to be issued to applicants who require a PAL/TAL. To reach that target IRCC allocates a total of 309,670 study permit application spaces across provinces and territories (the higher figure accounts for anticipated refusal and withdrawal rates). Provincial shares are population-based; check your target province’s allocation on the IRCC site before applying.
How to get your PAL
- Receive a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution.
- Confirm the DLI is authorised to issue PALs under its provincial share. Public DLIs typically issue on receipt of a paid tuition deposit; some private DLIs and language schools cannot issue PALs.
- The DLI or the province requests a PAL on your behalf through the provincial portal.
- Once issued, the PAL contains a unique ID and expiry date. Upload it in your IRCC study permit application under the required document field.
- Master or doctoral applicants at a public DLI do not need to upload a PAL; the exemption applies from 1 January 2026.
Proof of funds: the CAD 22,895 rule
Applications submitted on or after 1 September 2025 must show at least CAD 22,895 per year for a single applicant outside Quebec, in addition to first-year tuition and travel costs. Family members add to the required amount. Acceptable evidence per IRCC:
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name with the funds transferred.
- Proof of a student or education loan from a bank.
- Bank statements from the past 4 months.
- A bank draft in convertible currency.
- Proof of tuition paid and housing fees.
- A letter from the person or school giving you money.
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational programme.
Showing only the minimum may not suffice if the overall case suggests higher costs; IRCC assesses the file as a whole.
PGWP field-of-study restrictions
For study permit applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024, PGWP eligibility depends on the programme type:
- Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programmes at eligible Canadian universities: no field-of-study restriction. Any accredited degree programme qualifies.
- College and other non-university programmes: the graduate must be in an eligible field of study (Agriculture and Agri-Food, Healthcare, STEM, Trade, or Transport, per the IRCC eligible programmes list) and meet a language requirement of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across the four skills.
Applications submitted before 1 November 2024 continue to operate under the previous rules with no field-of-study restriction.
The Nepali applicant workflow in practice
- Shortlist a public DLI that is well suited to your target course. If PR is the goal, favour a Bachelor, Master or Doctoral programme so PGWP is not restricted by field of study.
- Secure a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
- Pay the tuition deposit and request the PAL (unless you are Master or Doctoral at a public DLI, in which case the PAL is not required from 1 January 2026).
- Arrange proof of funds meeting the CAD 22,895 rule plus first-year tuition and travel.
- Complete the study permit application on the IRCC portal.
- Book biometrics at the Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu.
- Track processing on the IRCC portal.
Common issues we help Nepali students avoid
- Applying to a private DLI or language school that cannot issue a PAL. Verify the institution can issue a PAL for your programme before you deposit tuition.
- Showing only CAD 22,895 without tuition and travel evidence. IRCC expects proof covering all three separately.
- Choosing a college programme outside the eligible field-of-study list without realising the PGWP consequence.
- Missing the CLB/NCLC 5 language requirement for college graduates.
- Confusing the Quebec system: Quebec uses a CAQ, not a PAL.
Book Canada counselling with The Next
We help Nepali applicants pick a public DLI with a clear PAL pathway (or a Master/Doctoral programme where PAL does not apply), meet the CAD 22,895 proof of funds, and plan the PGWP alignment for PR. Reach us at info@thenext.edu.np or your nearest branch.
Frequently asked questions
Do Nepali students need a PAL for Canada?
Most do. Master and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from 1 January 2026.
Who is exempt from the PAL requirement?
Master and doctoral students at public DLIs, K to 12 students, exchange students, and study permit renewal applicants in Canada.
What is the Canada study permit proof of funds?
CAD 22,895 per year for a single applicant outside Quebec, plus tuition and travel, for applications submitted on or after 1 September 2025.
Do PGWP field-of-study rules apply to universities?
No. Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programmes at eligible universities are exempt. College and non-university programmes must be in an eligible field (Agriculture and Agri-Food, Healthcare, STEM, Trade, or Transport) with CLB or NCLC 5.
How long does a doctoral study permit take from outside Canada?
IRCC has published a 14-day processing standard for doctoral applicants and family members applying from outside Canada. Actual timing may vary.