Study Permits Update — August 13, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Canada's 2026 study permit cap is set at 309,670 application spaces, with up to 408,000 permits expected to be issued (including extensions) — down 7% from 2025 and 16% from 2024.
Starting January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) no longer need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) to apply for a study permit.
A temporary policy allowing certain work permit holders to study without a study permit expires June 27, 2026 — students in this situation will fall out of compliance after that date and will not be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) based on that study period.
What You Should Do
- If you are a master's or doctoral student at a public DLI: confirm your institution appears on IRCC's eligible public DLI list (to be published on canada.ca) before submitting your study permit application without a PAL/TAL.
- If you are currently studying under a work permit exemption (policy in effect since June 27, 2023): apply for a valid study permit before June 27, 2026 to maintain compliance and preserve your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Consult a regulated immigration consultant immediately — do not wait until July.
- If you are a college or undergraduate applicant: contact your province or territory to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) before submitting your study permit application, as the cap of 309,670 spaces applies to you. Check your province's allocation details on canada.ca.
- Verify you meet the 2026 proof-of-funds requirement: most single applicants outside Quebec must show CA$22,895 in living funds plus first-year tuition and travel costs. Confirm the current threshold at canada.ca before applying, as IRCC adjusts this annually.
- If you plan to pursue a PGWP: ensure you hold a valid study permit throughout your studies at an eligible public DLI. Note that private 'licensed' colleges are not PGWP-eligible in 2026. Check the updated PGWP fields of study list on canada.ca.
Sources
Topics Covered
Student Work Authorization Simplification: A temporary policy allowing certain work permit holders to study without a separate study permit expires on June 27, 2026. Students who studied under this exemption are not eligible for a PGWP, and their study time does not count toward Canadian Experience Class or CRS points.
International Student Cap Reduction: Canada set the 2026 study permit application cap at 309,670 spaces, with up to 408,000 total permits expected to be issued — a 7% reduction from 2025 and 16% from 2024. IRCC states further reductions are needed to bring the temporary population below 5% of Canada's total population by end of 2027.
Graduate Student PAL Exemption: Effective January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement when applying for a study permit. This exemption is intended to attract high-skilled talent and support Canada's economic growth and innovation goals.
More Study Permits Updates
Study Permits Update — August 10, 2026
Aug 10, 2026
Study Permits Update — August 3, 2026
Aug 3, 2026
Study Permits Update — July 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
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