Canada’s 2026 Study Permit Cap: Key Updates for Students
Canada Announces 2026 Study Permit Cap: What International Students Need to Know
On November 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced its plan to issue up to 408,000 study permits for international students in 2026. This marks a significant shift in Canada’s approach to international education and immigration for students from around the world.
Whether you’re planning to start your studies in Canada or extend your current permit, this update is important to you. Let’s break it all down with the key facts, numbers, and what it all means for your Canadian study journey.
Key Highlights
- Canada will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026.
- This is a 7% drop from 2025 and a 16% drop from 2024.
- Only 155,000 of those permits are for new international students.
- Master’s and doctoral students are exempt from PAL/TAL requirements starting January 2026.
- Study permit allocations will vary by province, based on population and processing caps.
- Manitoba is set to issue approximately 6,534 permits for PAL/TAL-required students. Learn more about the Manitoba PNP.
Why Is Canada Reducing Study Permit Numbers?
Canada has long been a top destination for international students, but recent years have seen a sharp increase in the number of study permit holders. In response, the federal government is seeking to better manage capacity, ensure quality education, and address housing and infrastructure pressures in key provinces.
With this new cap, the government is aiming for a more sustainable and balanced approach to welcoming international students. While the total number of permits is still quite high, the decrease shows a clear move toward tightening control.
Breakdown of the 2026 Study Permit Allocation
Here’s how the 408,000 study permits will be distributed:
- 155,000 permits will go to new students arriving in Canada for the first time.
- 253,000 permits are reserved for students already in Canada who need to extend or renew their permits.
The breakdown by applicant type includes:
| Applicant Type | Number of Permits |
| PAL/TAL required applicants | 180,000 |
| Master’s and doctoral students (PAL/TAL exempt) | 49,000 |
| Primary and secondary students (PAL/TAL exempt) | 115,000 |
| Other PAL/TAL-exempt applicants | 64,000 |
| Total | 408,000 |
As of January 2026, master’s and doctoral level students attending Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada will no longer be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL).
However, most other post-secondary applicants will still need to submit a PAL when applying for a study permit—unless they meet certain exemptions.
Study Permit Caps by Province and Territory
To manage the volume of applications more evenly, IRCC has introduced regional processing caps based on provincial and territorial populations. For 2026, the government will process up to 309,670 study permit applications for PAL/TAL-required students, with the expectation that around 180,000 of those will result in approved permits (accounting for refusals).
Here’s how the numbers break down across Canada:
| Province/Territory | Applications Accepted | Expected Permits Issued |
| 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 |
*Nunavut currently doesn’t have any designated post-secondary institutions, which is why no applications are allocated there.
Quick Tip for Manitoba Applicants
If you’re planning to study in Manitoba, make sure to check out the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)—a great pathway to permanent residence after graduation.
What This Means for Future Students
These changes highlight the importance of timing, planning, and understanding the immigration process if you’re looking to study in Canada. With fewer permits available, competition will likely be higher, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.
Students applying to graduate programs may find the process a bit easier, thanks to the PAL/TAL exemption. But for most other applicants, securing a PAL will continue to be a key step in the application process.
Given the limited allocations across provinces, it’s more important than ever to prepare a strong, complete application and apply early.
Final Thoughts
Canada is still very much open to international students, but the landscape is shifting. Whether you’re planning to pursue a degree, diploma, or high school education here, staying informed about policy changes is essential.
As we move into 2026, the capped study permit system could affect your study plans, so it’s a good idea to start preparing now. If you’re not sure where to begin or need help understanding your options, we’ve got you covered.
Need help planning your study journey in Canada? Check out our guides and tools to help you start your application with confidence. Explore your study options today!
