For 2026, IRCC plans to issue 408,000 study permits, and according to the immigration department, this reflects a careful balance between welcoming bright international minds and maintaining a stable, sustainable immigration system that serves both students and the country well.
The Canada Study Visa Cap is a structured limit set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that controls how many study permit applications are accepted each year, and this approach, introduced in 2024, has already slowed the rise of Canada’s temporary population in a responsible and measured way.
Why the Canada Study Visa Cap Exists
The purpose of the Canada Study Visa Cap is to gradually reduce the temporary population to below 5% by 2027, while still encouraging talented students who add long-term value to Canada’s economy, research sector, and social landscape.
Furthermore, this thoughtful direction ensures quality education, proper housing availability, and manageable public services, all while preserving Canada’s reputation as a global education leader.
Key Exemptions Under the Canada Study Visa Cap
According to the official announcement of the Canadian immigration department, from January 1, 2026, the following groups will not need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL):
- Master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs
- Primary and secondary school students (K–12)
- Certain federal priorities and vulnerable groups
- Existing permit holders extending studies at the same level and institution
These exemptions recognize the academic and economic value of advanced learners and essential student groups.
2026 National Study Permit Targets by Student Category
The quota distribution below reflects the strategic planning behind the Canada Study Visa Cap, ensuring fairness and controlled growth.
| Student Category | Expected Study Permits |
| Master’s & Doctoral Students at Public DLIs (Exempt) | 49,000 |
| Primary & Secondary Students (Exempt) | 115,000 |
| Other Exempt Applicants | 64,000 |
| PAL/TAL-Required Applicants | 180,000 |
| Total | 408,000 |
Provincial Targets for PAL/TAL-Required Applicants (2026)
The figures below show how the Canada Study Visa Cap is carefully divided across regions according to population and educational capacity.
| Province / Territory | Study Permit Target |
| Alberta | 21,582 |
| British Columbia | 24,786 |
| Manitoba | 6,534 |
| New Brunswick | 3,726 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2,358 |
| Northwest Territories | 198 |
| Nova Scotia | 4,680 |
| Nunavut | 180 |
| Ontario | 70,074 |
| Prince Edward Island | 774 |
| Quebec | 39,474 |
| Saskatchewan | 5,436 |
| Yukon | 198 |
| Total | 180,000 |
Total Application Spaces Available Under the Cap
The following numbers represent the maximum applications IRCC will process under the Canada Study Visa Cap for PAL/TAL-required students in 2026.
| Province / Territory | Application Allocation |
| Alberta | 32,271 |
| British Columbia | 32,596 |
| Manitoba | 11,196 |
| New Brunswick | 8,004 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 5,507 |
| Northwest Territories | 785 |
| Nova Scotia | 8,480 |
| Nunavut | 0 |
| Ontario | 104,780 |
| Prince Edward Island | 1,376 |
| Quebec | 93,069 |
| Saskatchewan | 11,349 |
| Yukon | 257 |
| Total | 309,670 |
A Thoughtful Step Toward Balance
The Canada Study Visa Cap is not a restriction made in haste, but a carefully guided policy that protects Canada’s future while continuing to welcome students who are serious about learning, growing, and contributing meaningfully to their chosen academic and professional paths.