Canada’s Study Permit Plans for 2026 Revealed

The Canadian government has announced its study permit issuance plans for 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) disclosed that up to 408,000 study permits will be issued to international students, marking a 7% decrease from the previous year. This number reflects a 16% decrease from the 2024 target.

Distribution of Study Permits

Out of the 408,000 study permits, 155,000 are allocated for new international students, while 253,000 are for existing and returning students. The breakdown includes 180,000 permits for PAL/TAL required applicants, 49,000 for master’s and doctoral students, 115,000 for primary and secondary school students, and 64,000 for other PAL/TAL-exempt applicants.

Starting January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at designated learning institutions will no longer need a PAL/TAL. However, other post-secondary applicants will require a PAL, with exceptions.

Study Permits by Province and Territory

IRCC will process a maximum of 309,670 study permit applications for PAL/TAL required students, aiming to issue up to 180,000 permits. The distribution is based on the population of each province and territory.

It’s important to note the difference between processed applications and planned issuances, as shown in the table below.