Starting January 2026, Canada will make it easier for some international students to apply for study permits. Master’s and doctoral students enrolled at Public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will no longer need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) with their application.
What This Means for Students
If you’re planning to study, work, or eventually live in Canada, here is an important update. The PAL/TAL was introduced earlier to help provinces manage the number of incoming students.
However, it created extra paperwork and longer waiting times. Removing it for postgraduate students means a simpler and faster process for those pursuing higher degrees.
Canada’s Student Cap and 2026 Targets
Canada has set limits on the number of new international students allowed each year. The government’s goal is to reduce the temporary resident population to below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.
According to the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan:
- Up to 408,000 study permits will be issued in 2026.
- This includes 155,000 new students and 253,000 permit extensions.
- The total is 7% lower than the 2025 target and 16% lower than 2024.
While the overall cap is tightening, Canada still wants to attract highly skilled students and researchers through its International Student Program, especially those pursuing advanced degrees.
Who’s Exempt from the PAL/TAL Requirement in 2026
From January 1, 2026, the following students will not need to submit a PAL/TAL:
- Master’s and PhD students at public DLIs
- Primary and secondary (K–12) students
- Certain Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts
- Current study permit holders applying for an extension at the same school and study level
In 2026, about 180,000 study permits are expected to go to applicants who still need a PAL/TAL, while 309,670 study permit spaces will be available in total under the cap.
Master’s and PhD Students Exempt from Canada’s Study Permit Cap
In addition to the relaxed requirement of an attestation letter, starting from 2026, master’s and PhD students in Canada will be exempt from the study permit cap, avoiding yearly application limits.
On top of that, doctoral applicants will also get faster 14-day visa processing, helping Canada attract skilled researchers while maintaining balanced immigration levels.
Canada’s Study Permit Targets
As per the latest data shared by IRCC, here’s how the new international student intake will look between 2026 and 2028:
| Year | Target (New Arrivals) | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 155,000 | 150,000–160,000 |
| 2027 | 150,000 | 145,000–155,000 |
| 2028 | 150,000 | 145,000–155,000 |
It is worth noting here that the above-mentioned numbers only apply to new students who are joining programs longer than six months at approved Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
Final Thoughts
Canada’s message is clear: it’s tightening control over the number of international students but easing the path for those pursuing higher-level research and education. For master’s and PhD applicants, the process is set to become smoother and less bureaucratic starting in 2026.
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