Canada has announced another reduction in its international student intake for 2026, marking the second straight year of tighter restrictions, while offering a significant exemption aimed at supporting advanced research and innovation.
As part of its broader plan to bring the proportion of temporary residents below 5 percent by 2027, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that 408,000 study permits will be issued in 2026. This represents a 7 percent drop from 2025 and a 16 percent decline compared to 2024. The total includes 155,000 permits for new students and 253,000 extensions for those already in Canada.
A major shift in policy comes with the removal of the Provincial Attestation Letter requirement for master’s and doctoral students at publicly funded colleges and universities beginning January 1, 2026. The exemption, expected to benefit nearly 49,000 applicants, aims to support graduate-level research that contributes to innovation and long-term national development. Similar exemptions apply to primary and secondary school students, government-priority categories, and current students renewing their permits at the same institution.
For other academic levels still requiring a PAL, the federal government has allocated 180,000 permits across provinces and territories, with Ontario and Quebec securing the largest shares, followed by British Columbia and Alberta. The reduction in overall study permits is intended to help ease pressure on housing and public services, but it also raises competition for applicants hoping to secure admission.
Related: Canada Lifts Study Permit Cap for Global Talent
Prospective students planning to study in Canada are being encouraged to apply early, confirm their institution’s designated learning status, and stay updated on evolving immigration policies as the landscape becomes increasingly competitive.