IRCC Updates Study Permit Rules for Joint Programs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced updated procedures for processing study permit applications involving provincial or territorial attestation letters (PALs/TALs). The revised rules simplify requirements for international students enrolled in joint academic programs.
The updated guidance, published on February 6, 2026, specifies that students enrolled in joint programs will now need only one attestation letter, even when studying at multiple designated learning institutions (DLIs) or in more than one province or territory.
The change is part of IRCC’s ongoing adjustments to manage study permit caps and ensure consistent processing across Canada’s provinces and territories.
- Students in joint programs now need only one PAL/TAL regardless of the number of DLIs or provinces involved.
- Master’s and doctoral students at publicly funded DLIs remain exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.
- Restoration of status applications must include a new PAL/TAL.
- Visiting students must obtain a PAL/TAL as they do not qualify for the exchange student exemption.
- Program changes within the same DLI and study level do not require a new PAL/TAL.
Overview of the Updated Policy
The new instructions clarify how officers should process study permit applications that require provincial or territorial attestation letters. These letters confirm that a student has been accepted within the provincial allocation of study permits under the federal cap system implemented in 2024.
Under the prior policy, students pursuing joint programs across multiple DLIs or jurisdictions were required to obtain separate attestation letters from each province or institution. The February 2026 update replaces that requirement with a single attestation letter covering the entire program.
Exemptions for Graduate-Level Studies
The new guidance maintains previously announced exemptions for master’s and doctoral students enrolled at publicly funded DLIs. These graduate-level students do not need to submit a PAL/TAL with their study permit applications. IRCC also confirmed that master’s and doctoral programs are considered the same level of study for administrative purposes.
Restoration and Renewal Requirements
Students applying for restoration of status must provide a new PAL/TAL, even if their previous study authorization included one. Visiting students, including visiting graduate students, are still required to obtain a PAL/TAL, as they are not covered by the exchange student exemption. However, those renewing a study permit to change their program of study do not need a new attestation letter if they remain within the same DLI and study level.
Clarifications for Quebec Programs
The updated instructions outline which vocational programs in Quebec are exempt from attestation requirements because they are considered secondary-level studies. These include the Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP/DVS), Attestation of Vocational Specialization (ASP/AVS), Pre-Work Training Certificate (CFPT/PWTC), and Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (CFMS/TCST). Students attending CEGEPs in Quebec, however, must continue to provide attestation letters.
For Quebec-based applicants, an attestation of issuance of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) can serve as the required PAL/TAL.
Implementation and Processing Timelines
The revised instructions apply to all study permit applications received in 2026. Applications submitted before January 1, 2026, will continue to be processed under the earlier rules in effect at the time of submission. Since January 22, 2024, study permit applications for postsecondary programs have required a PAL/TAL unless the applicant qualifies for one of the stated exemptions.
Applications submitted without a required attestation letter will be returned to applicants without processing, and fees will be refunded. This approach is intended to streamline verification and prevent incomplete submissions from entering the processing queue.
National Immigration Context
The federal government first implemented a cap on new study permit applications in early 2024 to address housing and infrastructure pressures linked to rising international student numbers. Beginning in October 2024, annual targets for international student admissions were incorporated into Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.
The target for 2026 has been set at 155,000 new study permits, a reduction from 305,900 in 2025. Between January and November 2025, government data show 105,870 new study permit approvals nationwide.
These adjustments align with broader provincial strategies, including programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), which coordinate education and immigration planning to support labour market needs.
Broader Policy Context
The attestation letter system is part of IRCC’s wider framework to manage temporary resident inflows, alongside caps on study permits and adjustments to post-graduation work eligibility. By requiring provinces and territories to issue PALs/TALs, the federal government aims to ensure that student admissions remain within agreed limits while supporting transparency in institutional allocations.
IRCC continues to release periodic updates to clarify administrative requirements and to align provincial responsibilities with federal immigration objectives. These measures are expected to remain a key component of Canada’s international education management through 2026 and beyond.
Readers can access additional updates on study permit policies and other immigration developments across Canada in the immigration news section.