Canada Study Permits 2026: What international students need to know
New transition policy allows students to begin classes while permit is processed
DUBAI – Canada has confirmed the number of international study permits it plans to issue in 2026, providing clarity for students seeking to study abroad.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expects to process up to 408,000 permits next year, including 155,000 for new students and 253,000 for extensions of current or returning students. This represents a 7% decrease from the 2025 target of 437,000 and a 16% drop from the 2024 target of 485,000, reflecting Canada’s aim to manage temporary population growth responsibly while still attracting global talent.
The introduction of an international student cap in 2024 has already reduced the number of study permit holders from over 1 million in January 2024 to approximately 725,000 by September 2025. Canada aims to bring the share of temporary residents below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.
Key targets
Next year, IRCC plans to issue study permits across several categories. Master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) will be exempt from submitting a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). Other exempt groups include primary and secondary school students, certain government priority and vulnerable groups, and current permit holders renewing at the same DLI and level of study.
The expected issuance numbers for 2026 are:
- Master’s and doctoral students (PAL/TAL-exempt): 49,000
- Primary and secondary school students (PAL/TAL-exempt): 115,000
- Other PAL/TAL-exempt students: 64,000
- PAL/TAL-required applicants: 180,000
Overall, the total is 408,000 permits.
PAL/TAL-required allocations
Of the 180,000 study permits requiring PAL/TAL, Ontario and Quebec are set to receive the largest allocations due to higher populations and institutional numbers:
- Ontario: 70,074
- Quebec: 39,474
- British Columbia: 24,786
- Alberta: 21,582
Smaller provinces and territories such as Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island have lower allocations, while Nunavut currently has no assigned spaces due to the absence of post-secondary DLIs. IRCC will accept a maximum of 309,670 applications from PAL/TAL-required students, representing the cap for the calendar year.
Graduate student exemptions
From January 1, 2026, graduate students at public DLIs no longer need PAL/TALs, recognising their contribution to Canada’s innovation and economic growth. Approximately 49,000 master’s and doctoral students will benefit, along with thousands of K-12 students and other priority groups. IRCC emphasises that this change is part of a broader effort to attract top talent while managing growth sustainably.
Transition policy updates
For students moving from secondary to post-secondary education, the IRCC now allows them to start classes at their new DLI while waiting for their study permit, provided the application was submitted before the current permit expires. This update prevents gaps in academic progress and reduces stress related to scheduling and housing.
Joint programme
Students enrolled in joint programmes across multiple institutions will now require only one provincial attestation letter and a single study permit from the credential-granting institution. The issuing school must provide an unconditional acceptance letter, complete verification through IRCC, and manage compliance reporting for the entire programme. This update clarifies responsibilities and ensures consistency for students and institutions alike.
What students should do
International students planning to study in Canada in 2026 should verify institutional eligibility, check for PAL/TAL exemptions, and apply early to secure their permit. The reduced permit numbers and targeted allocations will increase competition, making preparation essential.