Canada has announced a major shift in its immigration strategy — and it’s something every international student should pay attention to. Beginning in 2026, the federal government will cut the number of new international students by half.
This change comes as part of the new Immigration Levels Plan (2026–2028), which sets limits for how many temporary and permanent residents Canada will welcome each year. For students already in Canada or those planning to come, this plan brings both challenges and new opportunities.
Fewer New Students, More Chances for Those Already in Canada
The biggest update is the drop in international student targets for the next three years.
| Year | Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 (Current target published 2025) | Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027 (Previous target published 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 155,000 | 305,900 |
| 2027 | 150,000 | 305,900 |
| 2028 | 150,000 | — |
This means fewer study permits will be issued starting in 2026. But for students who are already in Canada, this could be good news. With fewer newcomers, there will be less competition for part-time jobs, work permits, and permanent residency (PR) pathways.
Graduates who hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) may find it easier to gain Canadian work experience and apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In simple terms, if you’re already studying or working in Canada, you’ll likely face less competition and more opportunities in the coming years.
Canada Is Prioritizing People Already in the Country
Even though the number of new students will drop, the government has made it clear that it wants to help those already living, studying, and working in Canada become permanent residents.
In 2026, 64% of all PR spots will go to economic immigrants — people contributing to Canada’s economy through work or study.
The Federal High Skilled programs, including the CEC, will admit 109,000 applicants in 2026 and slightly more in 2027 and 2028. This shows that Canada wants to reward international students who gain local work experience and plan to stay long term.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Are Expanding — A Win for Graduates
The plan also brings good news for those hoping to get PR through provincial programs. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets will increase by 66% in 2026 compared to 2025.
This means provinces will have more room to nominate skilled workers and international graduates for PR. Many provinces, like British Columbia, offer dedicated PR streams for students who studied locally. With higher targets, these opportunities are likely to expand in 2026 — and paused student streams could reopen.
If you plan to study and stay in a particular province, this increase could make your path to PR smoother than before.
Students Still Form a Big Part of Temporary Residents
Even with lower targets, international students remain a large part of Canada’s temporary resident population.
| Year | Workers under TFWP and IMP | Students | Total projected admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 230,000 | 155,000 | 385,000 |
| 2027 | 220,000 | 150,000 | 370,000 |
| 2028 | 220,000 | 150,000 | 370,000 |
In short, students will still make up about 40% of all temporary residents through 2026–2028 — only slightly lower than in 2025, when the figure was 45%. Canada still values international education, but it’s tightening how many people can enter at once.
Why the Reduction Happened — Matching Real Trends
The government’s decision reflects what’s already happening. In 2025, Canada fell short of its international student targets. Between January and August, only 89,430 new study permits were issued — just 30% of the annual goal.
The new targets are more realistic, based on the number of study permits actually being issued. Instead of setting goals that aren’t met, the government is adjusting to the current pace of immigration and application processing.
New Rules Make It Easier for Master’s and PhD Students
There’s some good news for graduate students. Starting January 1, 2026, Master’s and PhD students will be exempt from the study permit cap.
They’ll also benefit from faster processing times, with applications — including those for family members — being reviewed in as little as two weeks. This will make it easier for research-focused students to study and settle in Canada.
What This Means for You
If you’re an international student planning to study in Canada, you’ll face stricter competition for study permits starting in 2026. But if you’re already in Canada, your position becomes stronger. You’ll have more chances to gain work experience, apply for PR, and take advantage of expanded PNP opportunities.
The key takeaway: Canada still welcomes international students — but with a sharper focus on quality, not quantity.
1. Will it be harder to get a study permit in 2026?
Yes, since the number of study permits is being cut by half, it will become more competitive to secure a spot at a Canadian college or university.
2. What if I’m already studying in Canada?
You won’t be affected by the new limits. In fact, you may benefit from fewer new students competing for jobs, PGWPs, and PR programs.
3. Are there still good PR options for students?
Yes. Programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) remain strong pathways to permanent residence for international graduates.
4. What’s changing for Master’s and PhD students?
From 2026, they will be exempt from the study permit cap and will enjoy faster processing — making graduate-level education in Canada more accessible.
5. Should I still choose Canada for my studies?
Absolutely — Canada continues to value international students and provides multiple routes to permanent residence. The new plan simply means you need to plan earlier and apply smarter.
Ready to Explore Your Study or PR Pathway?
The new rules may seem complex, but the right guidance can make all the difference. Ask Kubeir can help you understand your best options for studying, working, and settling in Canada.
Contact our team today to plan your next step toward Canadian immigration success.
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