The Canadian government has announced new limits for study permits in 2026. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a total of 408,000 study permits will be issued next year. This is a 7% decrease from 2025 and a 16% decrease compared to 2024.
How the 2026 Study Permits Will Be Distributed
Out of the total 408,000 study permits:
- 155,000 permits are for new students arriving in Canada.
- 253,000 permits are for current students who are extending their stay.
Here is how the study permits will be distributed by student type:
| Type of candidates (both new arrivals and in-Canada extensions) | Number of permits issued |
|---|---|
| PAL/TAL required applicants | 180,000 |
| Master’s and doctoral students (PAL/TAL exempt) | 49,000 |
| Primary and secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12, PAL/TAL exempt) | 115,000 |
| Other PAL/TAL-exempt study permit applicants | 64,000 |
| Total | 408,000 |
What is Changing for Master’s and Doctoral Students
Starting January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at certain universities no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) to apply for a study permit. However, most other post-secondary students will still need a PAL unless they meet specific exceptions.
Study Permits by Province and Territory
Canada will also limit how many applications it accepts for processing in 2026. The maximum number of applications for PAL/TAL-required students is 309,670, which will result in up to 180,000 approved permits. The approvals are distributed according to each province or territory’s population:
| Province or territory | Study permit applications to be processed in 2026 for PAL/TAL-required cohorts | Planned study permit issuances for PAL/TAL-required cohorts |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 32,271 | 21,582 |
| British Columbia | 32,596 | 24,786 |
| Manitoba | 11,196 | 6,534 |
| New Brunswick | 8,004 | 3,726 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 5,507 | 2,358 |
| Northwest Territories | 785 | 198 |
| Nova Scotia | 8,480 | 4,680 |
| Nunavut* | 0 | 180 |
| Ontario | 104,780 | 70,074 |
| Prince Edward Island | 1,376 | 774 |
| Quebec | 93,069 | 39,474 |
| Saskatchewan | 11,349 | 5,436 |
| Yukon | 257 | 198 |
| Total | 309,670 | 180,000 |
*Note: Nunavut currently does not have any designated post-secondary institutions, so no permits are allocated to this territory.
Q: Why did Canada reduce the number of study permits for 2026?
A: Canada is adjusting its immigration targets to manage international student growth more carefully and ensure resources are available for both new and returning students.
Q: Who needs a PAL/TAL to apply for a study permit?
A: Most post-secondary students (except master’s and doctoral students starting 2026) need a PAL/TAL. This document is provided by the province or territory where the school is located.
Q: Are primary and secondary school students affected?
A: No. Students from kindergarten to grade 12 do not need a PAL/TAL and their permit numbers are included in the total cap.
Q: Can a province or territory run out of study permits?
A: Yes. Since Canada distributes permits based on population and demand, some provinces may reach their allocation limits faster than others.
Q: What should students do if they want to study in Canada in 2026?
A: Start your application early, ensure you meet all requirements, and check if your program requires a PAL/TAL. Consulting an immigration specialist can help avoid delays.
