Canada will further reduce the number of international study permits in 2026 as part of its plan to bring down the country’s temporary resident population. The goal is to lower the share of temporary residents to under 5 per cent by the end of 2027.
The government first introduced an annual student cap in 2024, which already led to a big drop in the number of international students, from over one million in early 2024 to about 725,000 by September 2025.
As per the latest release data for the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026.
This includes:
That’s about 7% lower than 2025 and 16% below the 2024 target.
| Category | Expected Permits (2026) |
|---|---|
| New arrivals | 155,000 |
| In-Canada extensions | 253,000 |
| Total | 408,000 |
Behind the lower numbers, according to IRCC, the goal is to manage growth while keeping the International Student Program in line with Canada’s priorities.
Starting January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at publicly designated learning institutions (DLIs) will no longer need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) when applying for a study permit.
This exemption recognises how graduate research contributes to innovation and Canada’s long-term development.
A full list of eligible public DLIs will be announced soon.
| PAL/TAL-Exempt Group | Status |
|---|---|
| Master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs | New exemption |
| Primary and secondary (K–12) students | Exempt |
| Government priority and vulnerable groups | Exempt |
| Current permit holders renewing at the same DLI and level | Exempt |
| Student Cohort | PAL/TAL Requirement | Planned Permits (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s & doctoral students (public DLIs) | Exempt | 49,000 |
| Primary & secondary school students | Exempt | 115,000 |
| Other exempt applicants | Exempt | 64,000 |
| PAL/TAL-required applicants | Required | 180,000 |
| Total | — | 408,000 |
Out of the 180,000 PAL/TAL-required permits, allocations depend on each province or territory’s population and previous approval rates. Ontario and Quebec receive the biggest shares since they have the most institutions and students.
| Province/Territory | 2026 Issuance Target |
|---|---|
| Alberta | 21,582 |
| British Columbia | 24,786 |
| Manitoba | 6,534 |
| New Brunswick | 3,726 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2,358 |
| Northwest Territories | 198 |
| Nova Scotia | 4,680 |
| Nunavut | 180 |
| Ontario | 70,074 |
| Prince Edward Island | 774 |
| Quebec | 39,474 |
| Saskatchewan | 5,436 |
| Yukon | 198 |
| Total | 180,000 |
Canada will accept a maximum of 309,670 study permit applications from PAL/TAL-required students in 2026. These numbers are based on each region’s average approval rate from 2024–2025.
| Province/Territory | Application Spaces (2026) |
|---|---|
| Alberta | 32,271 |
| British Columbia | 32,596 |
| Manitoba | 11,196 |
| New Brunswick | 8,004 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 5,507 |
| Northwest Territories | 785 |
| Nova Scotia | 8,480 |
| Nunavut | 0 |
| Ontario | 104,780 |
| Prince Edward Island | 1,376 |
| Quebec | 93,069 |
| Saskatchewan | 11,349 |
| Yukon | 257 |
| Total | 309,670 |
Canada’s decision to scale back international study permits is aimed at easing pressure on housing, schools, and local resources. However, it also means competition for permits will remain tough.
Students planning to study in Canada in 2026 should apply early, double-check institutional eligibility, and stay updated on any new rules about PAL/TAL exemptions.
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