On November 25, 2025, Canada disclosed its provincial and territorial allocations for the 2026 international student cap, signaling a significant shift in the International Student Program.
The announcement introduces a more focused approach to processing study permit applications for the upcoming year, along with expanded exemptions to attract top talent.
The new figures align with Canada’s strategy to reduce the temporary resident population while safeguarding economic and academic interests.
The government aims to decrease the proportion of temporary residents to below 5% by the end of 2027.
The 2026 allocations offer a clear roadmap for international enrollment in the coming year, emphasizing sustainability, quality, and provincial capacity.
Canada’s New 2026 study permit Targets
In 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits for newly arriving and returning international students.
This represents a decrease from previous years, continuing the trend set by the 2024 cap.
- Master’s and doctoral students: 49,000
- Primary and secondary school students: 115,000
- Other exempt applicants: 64,000
- Required applicants: 180,000
Compared to previous years, the 2026 target is 7% lower than 2025 and 16% lower than 2024.
Reasons for Lowering study permit Issuance in 2026
Canada aims to bring the temporary resident population to sustainable levels, citing pressures on housing and healthcare as primary concerns.
Managing immigration to balance public systems and attract high-skilled talent is a key goal.
While the education sector has raised financial concerns, the government maintains that unchecked growth is unsustainable.
New 2026 PAL And TAL Exemptions
Graduate students enrolling at public DLIs will no longer require Provincial Attestation Letters starting January 1, 2026.
The exemptions aim to enhance competition for research talent, support innovation, and align with economic needs.
Exemptions also apply to other specified groups, streamlining the process for eligible candidates.
Province-Wise Distribution of 2026 study permit Targets
A total of 180,000 study permits will be issued to applicants requiring PAL or TAL, with Ontario receiving the highest allocation.
Provinces and territories have been allocated targets based on population and historical trends.
Provincial and Territorial Allocations for study permit Applications
Allocations specify the number of study permit applications each province can process to meet their 2026 targets.
