Study Permits Update — June 29, 2026
Monday, June 29, 2026
Starting in 2026, Master's and PhD students at public universities are officially exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) requirements that have applied to most applicants since 2024.
Canada's national study permit cap is approximately 155,000 for 2026; private 'licensed' colleges remain ineligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), and spousal open work permits are now only available to spouses of Master's, PhD, and select professional degree students.
Students can still work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, and financial proof requirements are set at CA$22,895 in living costs plus first-year tuition, with a total visa fee of CA$235 including biometrics.
What You Should Do
- If you are applying for a Master's or PhD program at a Canadian public university in 2026, confirm you do NOT need to obtain a PAL/TAL before submitting your study permit application — verify your exemption status on the IRCC website at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.
- If you are applying to a private college, check whether that institution is PGWP-eligible before enrolling — only public institutions and designated private institutions qualify. Use the IRCC designated learning institutions list at ircc.canada.ca/english/study/study-institutions-list.asp.
- Prepare your financial proof documents showing CA$22,895 in living costs plus your first-year tuition fees. Gather bank statements or proof of funding before submitting your study permit application on the IRCC portal at ircc.canada.ca.
- If your spouse plans to work while you study, confirm your program qualifies (Master's, PhD, or select professional degrees) for spousal open work permit eligibility before applying — check updated spousal OWP criteria at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/permit-spouses-common-law-partners.html.
Sources
Topics Covered
Student Work Authorization Simplification: Canadian immigration officials are moving to ease rules around student work permits in 2026, with off-campus work hours maintained at 24 hours per week and spousal open work permits now restricted to spouses of graduate and select professional degree students.
Graduate Student PAL Exemption: As of January 1, 2026, Master's and PhD students applying to Canadian public universities are officially exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement that has applied to most study permit applicants since 2024.
International Student Cap Reduction: Canada's national study permit cap sits at approximately 155,000 for 2026, with PAL/TAL requirements still in place for most undergraduate applicants at public institutions and private licensed colleges remaining ineligible for PGWPs.
More Study Permits Updates
Study Permits Update — June 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
Study Permits Update — June 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
Study Permits Update — June 18, 2026
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