Canada eases rules for international students

Canada will introduce a more streamlined study permit process for international postgraduate students starting in January 2026, eliminating the provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) requirement for select programs.

The policy shift is part of a larger federal effort to simplify pathways for highly qualified students while keeping a tighter grip on overall international student numbers.

The PAL/TAL system—implemented by provinces and territories to help monitor incoming student volumes—has been effective for oversight but has also contributed to longer processing times and added paperwork.

Beginning in 2026, students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs at public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will be exempt from submitting these attestation letters. The change is expected to reduce administrative burdens and speed up study permit applications for postgraduate candidates.

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Despite easing requirements for advanced degree programs, Canada will continue capping the total number of international students. Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Ottawa intends to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026—including 155,000 new entries and 253,000 extensions. This represents a 7% decrease from the 2025 target and a 16% reduction from 2024. Even with these lowered caps, the government says it remains committed to drawing top-tier graduate students and researchers.

Under the revised system, PAL/TAL exemptions will apply to: Master’s and PhD candidates at public DLIs; Students in primary and secondary (K–12) education; Certain federal priority groups and vulnerable cohorts and Current study permit holders seeking extensions at the same institution and study level.

Of the 309,670 study permit spaces allocated under the 2026 cap, an estimated 180,000 applicants will still require a PAL/TAL, allowing provinces to maintain a level of control over incoming student numbers.

The government is also removing master’s and PhD applicants from the national study permit cap entirely, ensuring these students are not subject to annual limits.

Doctoral applicants will additionally benefit from expedited processing, with a targeted 14-day turnaround time—part of Canada’s goal to enhance its competitiveness for global research talent.
Federal targets for new international student arrivals in the coming years are:
2026: 155,000 (range: 150,000–160,000)
2027: 150,000 (range: 145,000–155,000)
2028: 150,000 (range: 145,000–155,000)

These figures apply to students entering programs longer than six months at authorized DLIs.

The policy underscores Canada’s dual-track approach: tighter limits on overall international enrolment paired with incentives for high-level research and postgraduate education. By removing administrative barriers and promising faster processing for top applicants, the government aims to reinforce Canada’s appeal as a destination for skilled and ambitious students worldwide.