Study Permits Update — May 18, 2026
Monday, May 18, 2026
Canada has cut study permit targets by nearly 50% in 2026 compared to the previous year, continuing a steady tightening of international student rules since early 2024, with Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) still required for most applicants.
Two key rule changes clarified in 2026: joint-programme applicants now need only one PAL/attestation letter, and graduate students have received a formal exemption from the PAL requirement, moving from announcement to operational workflow.
IRCC updated scholarship and exchange program study permit instructions effective April 1, 2026, including a change where the official scholarship letter for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program and Study in Canada Scholarships is now issued by the receiving Canadian designated learning institution (DLI), not the federal government; UMAP-Canada Scholarships have been removed from the eligible list.
What You Should Do
- If you are applying for a study permit as a graduate student, confirm with your designated learning institution (DLI) that your application qualifies for the PAL exemption — this exemption is now operationally active as of 2026. Ask for written confirmation from your DLI.
- If you are enrolled in a joint programme spanning two institutions, request a single attestation letter from your primary DLI rather than obtaining one from each institution — this is the updated policy for 2026.
- If you are applying under the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program or Study in Canada Scholarships, contact your receiving Canadian DLI directly to obtain the official scholarship letter, as IRCC no longer issues this document as of April 1, 2026. Verify your program is still on the eligible list at canada.ca.
- If you were relying on a UMAP-Canada Scholarship to support your study permit application, note it has been removed from the eligible scholarship list as of April 1, 2026 — review alternative eligibility options at canada.ca/study-permits.
Sources
Topics Covered
International Student Cap Reduction: Study permit targets were cut by nearly 50% in 2026 versus the prior year, continuing tightening rules since early 2024, with PAL requirements still broadly in place and colleges losing international enrolment.
Graduate Student PAL Exemption: The PAL exemption for graduate students has moved from a policy announcement to operational implementation in 2026, meaning graduate applicants can now formally apply without obtaining a Provincial Attestation Letter.
More Study Permits Updates
Study Permits Update — June 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
Study Permits Update — June 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
Study Permits Update — June 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
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