Canada lowers study permit intake for 2026; expands PAL free access to graduate students
Canada will reduce its study permit targets for 2026, aiming to lower temporary resident levels. IRCC plans to issue 408,000 permits including extensions and has expanded PAL or TAL exemptions for master's and doctoral students.
New Delhi: Canada has announced significant changes to its international student intake for the upcoming year. For 2026, it has decided to lower overall study permit targets while expanding exemptions for master’s and doctoral students. The move is part of the federal government’s plan to reduce the share of temporary residents to below 5 percent by the end of 2027.
The country introduced an annual cap on new international students in 2024, which has already reduced the number of study-permit holders from over one million in January 2024 to about 725,000 by September 2025. Under the new 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, further reductions are expected next year.
Study permit targets reduced for 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026. This includes:
. 155,000 permits for new students
. 253,000 extensions for existing students
The target is 7 per cent lower than 2025 and 16 per cent lower than 2024. IRCC said in a statement that it will continue working with provinces and territories to ensure the international student programme supports national needs. 'By taking measured, responsible action, we can continue to benefit from all that international students bring to Canada,' the department said.
Graduate students to receive PAL or TAL exemption
From January 1, 2026, master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) will no longer need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) to apply for a study permit.
Groups exempt from PAL or TAL 2026
| PAL or TAL-Exempt Category | Status |
|---|---|
| At public DLIs master’s and doctoral students | New exemption |
| Primary and secondary (K–12) students | Exempt |
| Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts | Exempt |
| Existing study permit holders applying for an extension at same DLI and level | Exempt |
Study permit targets by student cohort breakdown by 2026
| Student Cohort | PAL or TAL Requirement | Planned Permits (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs | Exempt | 49,000 |
| Primary and secondary school students | Exempt | 115,000 |
| Other exempt applicants | Exempt | 64,000 |
| PAL or TAL-required applicants | Required | 180,000 |
| Province or Territory | Issuance Target 2026 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Provincial application space allocations 2026
| Province or 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 |
The total which is 309,670 represents the maximum study permit 2026 applications Canada will accept from PAL or TAL required students.