Canada will further reduce the number of international study permits in 2026 as part of its plan to lower the share of temporary residents to under 5% by the end of 2027, officials confirmed.
Study Permit Targets for 2026
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to issue a total of 408,000 study permits, including:
- 155,000 new permits for incoming international students
- 253,000 extensions for current or returning students
This represents a 7% decrease from 2025 and 16% below the 2024 target, reflecting Canada’s aim to manage growth while aligning the International Student Program with national priorities.
PAL/TAL Exemption for Graduate Students
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) to apply for a study permit.
The exemption recognises the role of graduate research in innovation and long-term national development. Eligible students will include:
- Master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs
- Primary and secondary school students
- Government priority and vulnerable groups
- Current permit holders renewing at the same DLI and level
Approximately 49,000 graduate students will benefit from this exemption.
PAL/TAL-Required Permits by Province
Out of 180,000 permits requiring PAL/TAL, Ontario and Quebec receive the largest allocations due to higher student populations and institutional numbers. Other provinces and territories receive smaller shares based on population and past approval rates.
| Territory 2026 | 2026 Study Permits (PAL/TAL Required) |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 70,074 |
| Quebec | 39,474 |
| British Columbia | 24,786 |
| Alberta | 21,582 |
| Manitoba | 6,534 |
| New Brunswick | 3,726 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2,358 |
| Northwest Territories | 198 |
| Nova Scotia | 4,680 |
| Nunavut | 180 |
| Prince Edward Island | 774 |
| Saskatchewan | 5,436 |
| Yukon | 198 |
| Total | 180,000 |
Canada will accept a maximum of 309,670 applications from PAL/TAL-required students in 2026.
What This Means for Students
The reduced permit numbers aim to ease pressure on housing, schools, and local resources. However, it will also increase competition for study permits. Students planning to study in Canada in 2026 should apply early, verify institutional eligibility, and stay updated on PAL/TAL exemptions.
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