Canada has announced a major reduction in the number of studies permits it will issue in 2026 as part of efforts to control the country’s rising temporary resident population.
The government is introducing new provincial and territorial quotas to better manage the flow of international students.
This move expands on the international student cap introduced in 2024. According to IRCC, the cap has already reduced the number of study permit holders from over 1 million (Jan 2024) to about 725,000 (Sept 2025).
More reductions are needed to keep temporary residents below 5% of Canada’s population by 2027.
Canada plans to issue 408,000 study permits in 2026:
-
155,000 for new students
-
253,000 for extensions
This is a 7% drop from 2025 and 16% lower than the 2024 target.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the following groups will not need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL):
-
Master’s and PhD students in public institutions
-
Primary and secondary school students
-
Certain priority/vulnerable groups
-
Existing permit holders renewing at the same school and level
Expected PAL/TAL-exempt totals:
-
Graduate students: 49,000
-
K–12 students: 115,000
-
Other exempt groups: 64,000
PAL/TAL-required applicants: 180,000 permits, allocated by province:
-
Ontario: 70,074
-
Quebec: 39,474
-
B.C.: 24,786
-
Alberta: 21,582
-
Others get smaller quotas
IRCC will accept 309,670 applications for processing based on 2024–2025 approval trends.
-
Fewer slots mean higher competition, especially in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.
-
Graduate students, K–12 students, and students renewing their permits will have a smoother pathway.
-
Prospective students will need to plan carefully and consider alternative provinces or programs to increase their chances.
